Meet the Noteware-Dalfen Family of San Francisco

Angie Dalfen and Liz Noteware live with their son Ari (11) and their cats, Orange Julep (in honor of Angie's hometown) and Toast in San Francisco’s Richmond district, sandwiched between Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.

Angie and Liz have called San Francisco home for many years and are active members of many Jewish and Bay Area organizations. Originally from Montreal and Texas, Angie says “We are profoundly lucky to be raising Ari in a region with such an expansive vision of what it means to be Jewish. Jewish institutions in this city have always welcomed our family with open arms.” Since Ari was born, their family has participated in hundreds of Jewish events and activities, from traditional synagogue services to experimental outdoor experiences that expand boundaries of Jewish expression. Liz and Angie volunteer with local Jewish organizations and observe Jewish holidays with close friends and family. “Ari can see how being active in the Jewish community enriches our family life and grounds us in difficult times,” adds Angie.

The Noteware-Dalfen family belongs to Congregation Beth Sholom, where Liz serves on the Board of Directors, and Angie is the Director of Admissions at The Brandeis School of San Francisco, where Ari is currently in sixth grade. They have attended Camp Tawonga's Keshet family camp weekends together for many years, and Ari has been a camper for two years at Eden Village West. In 2016, Angie and Liz participated in a Honeymoon Israel trip, and Angie recently completed the Wexner Heritage Program's two-year fellowship. The whole family relishes tasting new Jewish food purveyors in the Bay Area; Frena Bakery pastries and Beauty's Bagels are among their favorites.

When asked about their experiences with PJ Library, Angie did not hesitate: “So many happy memories come to mind.” Ari has been receiving PJ Library books since he was born. When he was younger Ari enjoyed the Sammy Spider series and was thrilled by Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride because the central character shares his name and has great adventures. Playing PJ Library music on road trips became a tradition. Since Ari ‘graduated’ to PJ Our Way when he turned nine, he has been devouring the Rabbi Harvey graphic novels. Choosing his own books has become a fun way for Ari to stay connected to PJ Library as his literary tastes evolve. Angie says, “We are proud to support and promote the mission of PJ Library!”

PJ Library® sends free Jewish books monthly to children through 8 years of age throughout the Bay Area. Learn More

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