Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

More than 100 members of the local Jewish community gathered at The Roth Family JCC in Maitland on Sunday, June 28, for a pool party co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando's Shalom Families and The Roth Family JCC.

The party featured an "Israeli Travel" theme and included a kosher lunch, family crafts and music. Much of the programming was inspired by the PJ Library book "Dinosaur Goes to Israel." PJ Library is a national program that mails free Jewish children's literature and music to families every month. In Central Florida, PJ Library is offered through the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO).

Families at the party made Tefilat HaDerech necklaces to take with them on their summer trips. Children also decorated dinosaur feet and helped put the finishing touches on an interactive art mural.

A young pool party attendee shows off the dinosaur feet she created. The craft was inspired by the PJ Library story 'Dinosaur Goes to Israel.'

Jennifer Cohen, JFGO's director of Community Outreach and Engagement, said the pool party provided families with a unique way to have a great time, interact and connect with the PJ Library story.

"I think the parents and children really enjoyed the experience of working together on the craft projects and sharing their creativity," Cohen said, adding that "one of the highlights of the day was reading the PJ Library story and singing songs with the families in the kiddie pool."

Cohen said Shalom Families chairwoman Fiona Anavi and volunteers Kiki Oded, Talya Tsuna and Roberta Satill helped to make the party a success.

Shalom Families has another summer activity in store on July 19-a "Summer Splash" event at the Tavares Children's Splash Park. For details and registration, go to http://www.jfgo.org.

The Roth Family JCC has more Summer Sundays pool parties scheduled in July and August. Details at http://www.orlandojcc.org.