Linda and Jeremy Heller and their children love exploring Jewish traditions in the community and at home. Nathan (age 2.5) and Aviva (newborn) are pictured here celebrating a kid-friendly Shabbat!

The Hellers 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?

We love using the jkidphilly events to reinforce the Jewish ideals that we teach at home. It’s so meaningful to us to watch our 2.5 year old learn about Jewish holidays and use that information at home.

What kind of Jewish activities do you enjoy at home?

We participate in a lot of Jewish activities in our home. Our son LOVES reading and we read the PJ books constantly….we probably have some of them memorized. When Nathan was given some dollar bills, he split it between his piggy bank and his Tzedekah box. We listen to a mixed CD of Jewish music in the car on the way to school. Jeremy participates in “Cook for a Friend” and intends to bring Nathan along when he’s old enough to participate.

What are your favorite PJ Library books?

When Nathan was young, his favorite jkidphilly book was Baby Be Kind. Now, he loves reading Sadie and the Big Mountain (which was a hand-me-down from a cousin) as well as Sammy Spider’s First Shavuos.

Have you connected with other jkidphilly families?

After I (Linda) met a few women at a jkid Mom event in November 2013, we have played Mahjong every month since!

What do you think other parents should know about jkidphilly?

jkidphilly has opportunities for all ages and all types of children. It’s a great way to show your child that there are other children who are Jewish, participating in the same rituals that you might.