Julie and Jen from Camp JORI meet as moms at PJ Library Story Hour

It was a sunny Sunday morning in January, and the PJ Library Story Hour at Congregation Beth David in Narragansett was about to begin. The kids had taken off their jackets and were scrambling for seats, and the grown-ups continued to chat. As I prepared to begin the story, I overheard the following: “You look so familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?” And the reply, “Camp JORI? Of course, I remember you!”

The women finally joined the circle, and the reunion was set aside … but not for long. After  the story ended, and the children were enthusiastically engaged in their craft activity, the moms exchanged email and phone information.

When we met the following month, the little ones greeted one another warmly at the door. A play date had successfully set the groundwork for this “second generation” friendship. It has now been two years, and Ava Andoscia (with mom Julie) and Sarah and Colin Floody (with mom Jen) continue to attend PJ Library Story Hour. They join us for our PJ Kabbalat Shabbat each month, and have also celebrated Hanukkah and birthdays together. In addition to sharing memories of camp, so many years ago, both women have discovered a delightful way to introduce their young children to the marvelous stories and traditions of Judaism, and hope that they will continue to be friends for many years.

STEPHANIE MALINOW has been working with children for more than 30 years. She now volunteers as a PJ Library storyteller at Congregation Beth David in Narragansett, and recently initiated a “PJ Kabbalat Shabbat.”

FOR INFORMATION she can be contacted at sjmalinow@gmail.com.