Moving somewhere new can be an exciting time for a family, but it can sometimes be a difficult experience, too.
Families can ease their move-related burdens by doing some preparation and having a game plan. For example,
knowing how to use Skype to communicate with friends and family members in far-off places will enable regular communication and assuage feelings of loss.
Conversely, communities on the receiving end of on-the-move families can do a lot of good by
welcoming guests in the spirit of hachnasat orchim.
However overwhelming a relocation may feel, it can be comforting to know other Jewish families have made similar life changes. The PJ Library books and article links listed below offer inspirational ideas for coping with and talking about move-related issues.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS ON THE MOVE
A little reading can go a long way. Bring peace of mind to your relocation preparations by employing some of the practical moving advice included in these blogposts:
Moving Jewish — As
MyJewishLearning.com explains in this article, “Tapping into Jewish community and its resources can alleviate some of the stress of moving by providing friendship, information, support, and recommendations."
Moving with Kids: 23 Tips —
Parenting Squad writer Alyssa Chirco offers her "can't-miss tips" for making a family move (with children) go more smoothly.
A Moving Checklist — Rabbi Rachel M. Solomin offers suggestions and ways of going about a family relocation in this
MyJewishLearning.com post.
WHEN PJ FAMILIES MOVE
When PJ Library families move to new communities, it can be nice knowing new friends are readily available nearby. Use our
Zip Code Search & Interactive Map features to find and connect with a new PJ Library community.
For PJ families moving a short distance, it may only take a simple
Change of Address submission to continue the gift of free children’s books.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT MOVING
Moving to a new place (or welcoming folks who’ve moved into the neighborhood) are experiences worth talking about. The PJ Library books listed below are good ones for helping to spark productive conversations with children about the topic of moving.
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First Rain
Author: Charlotte Herman
Illustrator: Kathryn Mitter
When Abby moves with her family to Israel, she misses her grandmother and remembers the fun they had with each other. Writing to each other helps, but it doesn’t take the place of spending time together. |
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A Mezuzah on the Door
Author: Amy Meltzer
Illustrator: Janice Fried
Noah hasn’t had a good night’s sleep since moving from his noisy apartment in the city to a quiet house in the suburbs. That all changes after his parents invite former neighbors to a Hanukkat Habayit, the dedication of their new house as a Jewish home. |
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Sammy Spider's New Friend
Author: Sylvia Rouss
Illustrator: Katherine Janus Kahn
When an Israeli family moves in next door, little Josh Shapiro and Sammy Spider learn about the mitzvah of welcoming guests. In the process, they each make a new friend and learn some Hebrew words. |
April 3, 2013