Once we become parents, our social lives can start to play second fiddle to that of our kids. It’s pretty easy to fall into a rut of only interacting with other adults at work or while rushing to get the kids to and from activities or services. Plus planning a get-together with another family can feel intimidating – what do you cook? What will you talk about? Will they notice you haven’t swept that weird spot under the fridge?
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Luckily, hanging out with long-time parent friends or a new family you befriended at a PJ Library event can be simple and easier than you think.
You can invite them over for Shabbat dinner on a Friday afternoon or evening. Get the kids together for Havdalah on Saturday evenings. Build something together – like lego mezuzahs or a little free library or a sukkah. Here are seven more quick ideas to help you do something Jewish with another PJ Library family.
SHABBAT PIZZA PARTY
This video from InterfaithFamily.com is a great reminder that there’s no right or wrong way to “do Shabbat.”
Hosting Shabbat is a lot easier than you think. Don’t stress about perfecting your Bubbe’s roast chicken recipe or saying the motzi just like your dad. Instead invite your friends over, order a few pizzas – or bust out some English muffins and let the kids make their own – and enjoy being together. Play the rose and thorn game over dinner then bless your kids together. If you need a refresher on any of the Shabbat blessings, just visit our Shabbat for Kids page.
JEWISH MOVIE NIGHT
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If you’re looking for a grown-ups only idea, you can’t really beat movie night. Or organize a sleep-over for the kids, and after they’re in bed, break out the popcorn, the fancy ice cream, and stream or rent a movie featuring Jewish characters or made by a Jewish director. You can even make movie night a regular occurrence, working your way through the 50 Greatest Jewish Movies list.
JAM SESSION & SINGALONG
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Know another musical family? Grab your instruments, toss the kids some pots and pans, and make some noise together. Put together an impromptu “one-night band” and try to write a song, exercising your creativity.
RUGRATS WATCH PARTY
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Did you watch Rugrats as a kid? Or with the children you were babysitting as a teenager? Now you can share America’s favorite Jewish animated family with a new generation. Past seasons are currently available on streaming services like Netflix, and the series itself is making a comeback in a new reboot.
THE GREAT JEWISH BAKE-OFF
Sure you’ve made challah together at a PJ Library event, but what about rugelach, babka, hamantaschen or bagels? Stock up on flour and try your hand at baking something Jewish with friends.
CHOPPED SHABBAT
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If the kids are old enough, let them take the reins on the cooking.
Take inspiration from the popular cooking show and turn a potluck gathering into a recipe test kitchen or a friendly “Chopped Shabbat” competition. Everyone attending brings a random ingredient with them. You all work together or split up into teams to figure out how to incorporate all of the randomly assembled ingredients into a dinner for everyone to share. (Just be sure to communicate dietary restrictions ahead of time). Will you be dining on potato-chip pizza? Latke grilled cheese? Everything-but-the-kitchen sink cholent? You won’t know until you make it.
VOLUNTEER DAY
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You can be social while making the world a better place. If the weather’s warm, volunteer to do a park cleanup or organize a a neighborhood clothing drive. You can also build a little free library, make get well cards for the local children’s hospital, or meal-prep for a family who needs a little help.
Share your favorite get-together ideas on Facebook with #pjlibrary.
August 31, 2018