Brian and Abby Mandel with Logan, 4, and Jacob, 22 months.
We spoke to Brian and Abby Mandel about their favorite Jewish activities, their connection to Jewish community, and the ways jkidphilly has impacted their family.
What do you enjoy about jkidphilly?
The programs have been fantastic for meeting other Jewish families and introducing/involving the kids in Jewish holidays and traditions. The events are creative, engaging, and age-appropriate! The jkidphilly staff is also extremely welcoming and make the events fun for both the kids and parents!
What kind of Jewish activities do you enjoy at home?
Reading PJ books, celebrating Shabbat and other holidays– we still use the challah cover my son decorated that was sent by jkidphilly a year or two ago!
What are your favorite PJ Library books?
There have been so many! My oldest is really into ‘Matzah Belowstairs’ right now, but we also have read many times ‘Bear Feels Sick’, ‘Say Hello Lily’, ‘How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Hanukkah?’ and a Tu B’Shevat one I can’t find right now! All of these stories have great illustrations and tell a cute story with relatable characters that talk about a Jewish holiday or value in an understandable way!
Are you part of any other organized Jewish communities?
We are members of Congregation Beth-El Ner Tamid in Broomall.
Have you connected with other jkidphilly families?
Yes! We have met several families who live nearby with kids of similar ages that we really connect with through jkidphilly! This is has been great for our kids as well as us parents to share stories, schools, struggles, but mostly have fun together! We have gotten together with one family outside of jkidphilly events and we hope more in the future! I also reconnected with my freshman college roommate at a recent jkidphilly event!
What do you think other parents should know about jkidphilly?
jkidphilly is invested in connecting Jewish families and making events fun, educational, and accessible to all!
