Regina Ravasco and Philip Menaged have two children: Jacob, 3 and 1/2 and Eva, 22 months. (Note: The photo below was taken from Jacob’s Pre-Upshurn photoshoot with his sister Eva. Regina and Phillip made a book for him titled A Historic Flight into the Bibliography of Some Men with Long Hair. He dressed up as Samson, Genghis Khan, Vlad III Prince of Wallachia, William Damier and Standing Bear. We will share some more info about Upshurn and other Jewish life cycle rituals coming soon!)

We asked Regina and Phillip about their Jewish life at home and in the community.

What kind of Jewish activities do you enjoy at home?

Part of our bedtime routine includes reading 3-4 books the kids pick out (which usually includes at least 2-3 PJ Library books), saying the Shema and thanking G-d. We also like attending Tot Shabbat, celebrating Shabbat and Jewish holidays with friends and family, and listening to PJ Library music CDs in the car. Jacob and Eva also like to engage in pretend play with our Kidkraft Shabbat and Chanukah sets and removing our plush Torahs from our homemade Aron Kodesh parading it around the house singing Torah Tziva Lanu!

What are your favorite PJ Library books?

My Face Book, Bim! Sings the Baby, Baby Be Kind, Tikkun Olam Ted, Todah, Bim & Bom A Shabbat Tale, Hanna’s Sabbath Dress, Found, TheRunaway Latkes and Sammy the Spider books.

Are you part of any other organized Jewish communities?
Prior to having our children , we were members of Congregation Rodeph Shalom, where we still have continue to maintain our ties. We are members of Beth Sholom Congregation. Jacob is part of the Montessori class at Early Learning at Beth Sholom Congregation and day camp at Camp Gan Yeladim

What do you think other parents should know about jkidphilly?

Through jkidphilly programs, we have enjoyed the sense of being part of a greater Jewish community. As both of Philip and I are converts, it has given us opportunities to engage in Jewish culture with our children through activities, lessons, and mitzvot outside our home and synagogue. We LOVE jkidphilly!