On Sunday, December 3, Memphis Jewish Federation (Federation) hosted a Pajamakkah Party (Pajamakkah), a Hanukkah carnival for young Jewish families.
Over 300 guests attended this first-time event, surpassing all attendance expectations.
Federation Campaign Associate Sarah Besser said, “We were so surprised by the number of families who came for Pajamakkah. This level of participation speaks to a larger need for more programming that focuses on young Jewish families. I am excited to explore more opportunities to bring our community’s young families together.”
Various Federation partner agencies hosted booths at the event, which provided fun and engaging activities for the kids, and a chance for parents to learn more about Jewish organizations in the Memphis area.
Booth activities included everything from cookie decorating, to face painting and candle making. The variety of booth activities entertained kids of all ages, and the room was filled with the squeals and shouts of children celebrating and playing, all with big smiles.
“I have to thank our partner agencies and our committee for making Pajamakkah into a fun-filled, memorable event. We had booths hosted by Baron Hirsch Congregation, Beth Sholom Synagogue, Bornblum Jewish Community School, the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center (BKLELC) at Temple Israel, Chabad, Margolin Hebrew Academy, Memphis Jewish Community Center, Young Israel and PJ Library,” said Ms. Besser.
Lana Rich, a member of the Young Family Engagement Committee, said, “This event was so much fun to plan, because we all came together to bring some Hanukkah happiness to as many kids as possible.”
She continued, “I cannot tell you how many people approached me at the event and afterward to say how amazing it was. If the last few months have taught me anything, it’s that we need to find joy and solidarity in our Memphis Jewish community.”
If you want to get involved with Federation programming for young families, contact Sarah Besser at sbesser@jcpmemphis.org or call 901-767-7100.
The mission of Memphis Jewish Federation is to develop a vibrant and sustained Jewish community in Memphis, Israel, and throughout the world. Federation helps nourish Jewish life through community grants, programs for the Memphis Jewish community and by supporting Jews in Israel and throughout the world. To learn more, visit jcpmemphis.org/federation.
