This February, PJ Library New York is inviting families across Long Island to experience a special evening of connection, community, and fun with Friday Night LIghts—an exciting, Island-wide Shabbat celebration. Nearly 9,000 children on Long Island already benefit from PJ Library’s mission of inspiring joyful Jewish experiences, and with Long Island being home to more than 300,000 Jewish residents, this vibrant community is hungry for ways to strengthen its ties and deepen its connections.

Friday Night Lights is not just a series of dinners—it's a heartwarming, family-friendly celebration of Jewish culture, values, and tradition. From music and crafts to storytime and Shabbat rituals, each event offers a meaningful opportunity for families to come together, learn, and celebrate Jewish life. With events stretching from Stony Brook to Cedarhurst, there’s something for every family, whether they’re newcomers to the Jewish community or long-time residents looking to engage in deeper ways.

The beauty of PJ Library is in its ability to bring Jewish experiences to life, and Friday Night LIghts will shine a spotlight on the importance of community. This event isn’t just about gathering people—it’s about creating a bridge between Long Island’s Jewish community and its neighbors, fostering greater understanding, connection, and inclusivity.

Key Details:

• When: February 28th, 2025 at 5:30 PM (across all locations)
• Where: Multiple locations across Long Island (see below for full list)
• Why: To celebrate Jewish traditions, inspire families, and bring together Long Island’s diverse community·          

This event is sure to make a meaningful impact and is an important moment in the ongoing efforts to connect Jewish families with their roots and with one another. We invite you to join us in highlighting this exciting celebration that promises to bring joy, learning, and unity to all who attend.

We hope you'll consider covering this unique event, as PJ Library New York continues to inspire a generation of Jewish children across Long Island and beyond.

Location List for Friday Night LIghts:

• Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore for dinner at 6 pm. Choose between Tot Shabbat with Ms. Brooke at 5:30 pm (best for kids under 5) or a family service with Religious School students at 7 pm (best for kids ages 5-8).
• Congregation Tifereth Israel in Glen Cove for a mini musical concert with Cantor Gustavo, a bird feeder craft for Tu B’shevat, and a pizza and pasta dinner.
• Friedberg JCC in Oceanside for a Shabbat Shindig, which will include a craft activity for kids, candle lighting, music, and a buffet dinner. Parents, feel free to bring your own wine!
• Island Quest Day Camp in East Rockaway for a rituals, crafts, and dinner experience that feels like camp.
• Plainview Jewish Center in Plainview for songs, movement, stories, and crafts followed by dinner.
• Sid Jacobson JCC in Greenvale for Glow in the Dark Pajama Shabbat with dinner.
• Suffolk Y JCC in Commack for Sha’Bingo Night, a combined Family Shabbat and Bingo event with dinner, prizes, and plenty of fun! 1 Bingo booklet is included and additional booklets will be available for purchase at the door. SOLD OUT.
• Temple Beth El in Huntington for mingling, coloring, PJ Library stories, rituals, and chicken dinner.
• Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook for a Shabbat experience complete with a yummy dinner.