Meet the Zimman Family of Petaluma

Mia, Alejandro, and Luna (14 months) live in Petaluma, Sonoma County. Mia grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and Alejandro was born in Argentina and raised in Spain. The Zimman family now calls Petaluma home because Alejandro is a winemaker. Both parents are proud to infuse their Jewish practices and traditions with elements that reflect the regions and countries they have lived in.

After relocating to Sonoma County in 2013, Mia and Alejandro have re-immersed themselves in Jewish practice. They value the connection between Judaism and their natural surroundings and the many Jewish outdoor gatherings they celebrate with their community. The family participates in Nitzanim, Congregation Ner Shalom’s family program, which emphasizes immersive learning through nature, art, stories, and movement. Recently, the Zimmans have enjoyed meeting with other Sonoma County PJ Library families for backyard Shabbat playdates.

Buen Shabat!

The Zimmans light Shabbat candles together every Friday evening. As Luna enters toddlerhood, she loves singing ‘Shabbat Shalom’ and watching the flickering candle lights. Year-round family programming by Camp Tawonga, including musical Tot Shabbats with Isaac Zones, also provides the family with soulful and social Jewish experiences. Mia also works as a Lead Educator for Tawonga’s B’nai Mitzvah Program for families raising Jewish children in the Bay Area—and raves about its rich content and accessibility.

Alejandro and Mia speak to Luna in Spanish and English and are proud that she will be bilingual. Mia says, “we are excited to find more ways to experience Spanish language and culture in a Jewish context, through books, music, food, and social groups.” One such way is PJ Library.

Since she was six months old, Luna has been receiving PJ Library books, many with words in Yiddish, Hebrew, and even Ladino. One such book, Buen Shabat, Shabbat Shalom, celebrates Sephardic Jewish Shabbat customs and introduces a Ladino word on each page. “She LOVES her PJ Library books!” exclaims Mia, who also enjoys singing Jewish songs as she reads to Luna. In this way, Luna connects the words with her life experiences, such as celebrating Shabbat each week.

The Zimmans look forward to continuing their Jewish journey with PJ Library for many years to come!

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

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