Lisa Plotkin, PJ Library Coordinator, JCFR
What do you get when you mix 250 latkes, 250 sufganiyot, 325 schnitzel, Chanukah-themed shirts, sweaters, and accessories, plus thousands of LEGO bricks?
LEGOs & Latkes!
PJ Library and Weinstein JCC’s LEGOs & Latkes special night sizzled with pre-Chanukah joy in early December, attended by more than 120 people from over 35 families.
Our own local LEGO Masters star, David Levine, shared his experience from the popular TV reality show, LEGO Masters, where he starred with his grandson Benjamin Edlavitch in Season 4.
PJ Library families led us in Havdalah and Chanukah blessings, and everyone engaged with several Chanukah-themed LEGO stations, curated by the terrific Bricks4Kidz company and facilitator Lori Childers.
Parents appreciated the “simple kid-friendly activity and Jewish connection” and had the opportunity to socialize while children worked with LEGO bricks. Four lucky families went home with LEGO-themed prizes generously donated by local store Bricks & MiniFigs.
“Partnering with a local business was genius, (we) loved that the kosher catering is inclusive for more people to come and enjoy,” commented one parent.
Traditional Chanukah foods were provided by AB & R Catering: latkes (fried potato pancakes), schnitzel (fried chicken tenders), and sufganiyot (donuts), all liberally fried in oil, symbolic of the miraculous oil lasting eight days instead of only one in the Chanukah story.
LEGOs & Latkes is a great example of PJ Library RVA’s purpose: to bring Jewish families with young children together in joy for Jewish learning and to build lasting relationships.
“This was our first PJ event, and we will definitely attend more,” mentioned a parent afterward.
Thanks to the Weinstein JCC for partnering and hosting, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond for making PJ Library RVA possible, our stellar volunteer crew, and everyone who helped bring the event to life.
Currently, 556 young children are receiving free PJ Library books, learning about Jewish Life, thanks to the JCFR.Stay tuned for upcoming PJ Library opportunities around town. For more information about PJ Library, contact Lisa Plotkin at PJLibrary@JewishRichmond.org.
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