Connection, Community & Engagement
JFamily is a JCA program bringing families and children together around Jewish values, holidays and culture. We offer a warm welcome for families looking to connect. Our programs provide opportunities to socialize, explore, celebrate and create community.
- Programs are subject to change. See our website and announcements for the latest information.
- All programs are held at the JCA, unless otherwise noted.
- JCA closures will be announced via WCSH, WGME, WMTW, and on www.mainejewish.org and the JCA’s voicemail at (207) 772-1959.
Play with PJ - open playdate
Fridays, twice monthly September-May
10:45 - 11:45 AM
JCA - 1342 Congress St., Portland
Celebrate seasons, holidays and friendship with free PJ Library play dates! We welcome 0-3-year-olds and their caregivers to join us for free play in our community hall followed by stories and songs. Families are welcome to bring a lunch or snack and hang out after play time, then join in for Shabbat with the Goldman Family Preschool at 12:15 PM.
Tu B’Shvat Eco-Celebration & Film
Presented by PJ Library, the Maine Jewish Film Festival, the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine, Wells National Estuarine Reserve, the Honey Exchange, Maine Audubon/Gilsland Farm and the JCA
Sunday, February 9th
JCA – 1342 Congress Street, Portland
Free, all are welcome!
Tu B’Shvat marks the date on the Hebrew calendar when we look forward to the arrival of spring, celebrate the “birthday” or blossoming of the trees, and promote responsible stewardship of the Earth. Join our community partners for FREE fun activities that explore and celebrate our natural environment.
- 1:00 - 2:30 PM Free film screening - The Anthropologist
The Anthropologist examines climate change and the fate of our planet from the perspective of American teenager Katie Crate. Over the course of five years, she travels alongside her mother Susie, an anthropologist studying the impact of climate change on indigenous communities. Their journey parallels that of renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead, who for decades sought to understand how global change affects remote cultures. Documentary, 78 minutes, rated TV-14.
- 3:00 - 5:00 PM Eco-Celebration for all ages!
Learn about the importance of caring for the earth, enjoy activities with eco-friendly themes, and create recycled crafts in this celebration of sustainable living! Meet some composting worms, check out a watershed model, learn how animals in the forest rely on trees, taste how the flavor of honey changes depending on where bees are foraging, and more!
This event is FREE, family-friendly, and all are welcome.
Presented by PJ Library in partnership with the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine, Maine Audubon/Gilsland Farm, Wells Reserve at Laudholm, the Honey Exchange, Garbage to Garden, Chabad of Maine and the JCA.