JKIDS & Early Childhood

The Jewish Federation is committed to ensuring a strong Jewish future. Early childhood activities and exposure is critical to ensuring the next generations grow up with a connection to Judaism.

How do we instill Jewish values and commitment in future generations?

Studies have shown that the earlier children are exposed to Jewish themes and immersed in a Jewish environment, the stronger their Jewish identity. The more parents participate in the Jewish upbringing of their children, the more these children build their own Jewish families when they grow up.

The Jewish Federation is engaged in many activities, programs and funding efforts to strengthen early childhood Jewish learning.

Early Childhood Program

The Jewish Federation recently engaged in a two-year long study of the greater Seattle area’s needs in regards to early childhood Jewish education. Led by volunteers and educators—and involving hundreds of members and teachers in the community—we developed a long-range plan to improve early childhood Jewish education in our community. The Early Childhood Program’s strategic study was one of the first in the nation for a Jewish community.

The PJ Library^®

Seattle is participating in an innovative pilot program, called The PJ Library^®. The PJ, or pajama, Library connects young families Jewishly by providing—free of charge—a monthly mailing of age-appropriate Jewish books or music for children ages six months to 5 ½ years. Learn more and sign up.

Israel for Kids 

Whether your child is interested in visiting Israel, helping Israeli communities or simply in knowing more about what Israel has to offer, there’s much to be gained by helping your kids learn as much as they can about Israel at an early age.