Jose and Natalie with their child, Baruch “Bo” Eli Zighelboim.
Jose Zighelboim and Natalie Hoyer Zighelboim spoke about their favorite Jewish activities, their connection to Jewish community, and the ways jkidphilly has impacted their family.
What do you enjoy about jkidphilly?
jkidphilly has enhanced our lives in a variety of ways. Our family especially enjoys the Center City community events, such as play dates and music classes.
What kind of Jewish activities do you enjoy at home?
Our family delights in the everyday joy of being Jewish; and in sharing our blessings through Mizvot with our family, friends, and community. In our family business, Z Dog, we improve the lives of companion animals and their people though fulfilling their fundamental need for physical-emotional health, companionship and an interactive relationship based on mutual respect and love. Our son enjoys listening to the PJ Library CDs and dancing with his favorite dogs to the upbeat tempo of the music in preparation for Shabbat. Each Shabbat at the close of business the doggies go home and we celebrate Shabbat using the Challah cover that our son and his friend decorated using the materials provide by jkidphilly. However did they know that challah is his favorite food in the whole wide world?!
What are your favorite PJ Library books?
We love that PJ Library encourages us to celebrate our Jewish values and traditions and to create new ones! Through introducing us to new Jewish music (“Dream with Me ” ) and literature (“Goodnight, Shema “), our family has created new traditions such as singing Shabbat songs on the way to school and exploring Judaic themes together in our bedtime ritual .
Are you part of any other organized Jewish communities?
Yes, our family believes that living Jewishly includes sharing our blessings with others in order to create a better world. We share our time and experiences, at our son’s preschool at Rodeph Shalom and actively participate in their early childhood programs, including an interactive, joyous “Tot Shabbat ;” school, and religious activities. We also actively live the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, through participating in socio-political events, as well as inviting newly converted Jewish people into our home for Shabbat and other festivals, and contributing time and financial support to Israeli, Jewish, and Animal Welfare organizations . We also attend Jewish events at other congregations and community centers and are currently searching for the shul where our family feels most at home. We are hoping to build upon our Judaic foundation with a family trip to Israel.
What do you think other parents should know about jkidphilly?
jkidphilly is an interactive, joyful way for your child(ren) and family to build upon your connection to Judaism! Through age and developmentally appropriate literature, music, activities and celebrations, you will have the opportunity to enhance your connection to our common Jewish heritage . Come join in on the fun, with jkidphilly!
