Meet PJ Library’s Parent Connectors
Written by Ben Berman, May 13, 2025
The Federation’s PJ Library does so much more than deliver beautiful Jewish books to families each month. We seek to build a vibrant and inclusive community, and in the Greater Seattle area, our Parent Connectors are the driving force behind this mission. These local parents are dedicated to bringing families together, creating meaningful experiences, and fostering a deep sense of belonging.
“PJ Library Parent Connectors are incredibly important in Seattle where so many of our families are spread out, may not live near Jewish institutions or may be new to Seattle and are looking for ways to get connected to Jewish life and other families raising Jewish kids,” said Rachel Zell, Seattle’s PJ Library Program Manager. “Parent Connectors are committed to creating welcoming and vibrant Jewish communities where they live and helping families wherever they are on their Jewish journey.”
Meet Bryan!
Bryan Isakow’s journey as a PJ Library Parent Connector began with a personal longing for community.
“We moved to the USA in 2018 from South Africa where we had a really strong and tight community. It was something I really missed,” he shared. “PJ Library has really helped me build that community that I was really missing. I also feel really strongly about being involved in community programs and being able to help people who are looking for community like I was when we first moved here.”
His dedication to helping others find that same sense of connection shines through in his work. Bryan’s events are known for their lively atmosphere, and he embraces his role as a “social wingman,” connecting parents and children and fostering lasting friendships.
Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell / Woodinville, Issaquah)
Purr-im Time! by Jenna Waldman, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, Shoham’s Bangle by Sarah Sassoon
Purim and Rosh Hashana
Homemade Challah (Kitka)
One daughter, 4
Meet Shannon!
For Shannon Marder, being a Parent Connector is a natural extension of her desire to connect people and share their stories.
“In another life I’d be a matchmaker in the old country and a professional storyteller in Ireland, here in this life being a parent connector gives me the same excitement: hearing families’ stories and then getting the opportunity to connect them to other families. I naturally want to meet people and then introduce them to others, but being a parent connector gives me a cover story and the comfort of an obligation to do so.”
She finds great joy in facilitating connections, and her favorite events often involve collaborations with other local Jewish institutions.
“In November we teamed up with Jewish Day School and families with middle schoolers to play in the gym and make thank you cards for community helpers,” she said. “Not only was it wonderful to see the middle schoolers playing and crafting with the preschoolers, it was also pretty rewarding to see the giant ‘thank you’ cards get delivered to local hospitals, grocery stores, and schools.”
Eastside @ JDS (Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell / Woodinville, Issaquah)
Oy Feh So, Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, My Face Book
Tu B’ Shevat and Sukkot
Sufganiyot and Gefilte fish with strong horseradish
Sons, 4 and 2
Meet Maddy!
Maddy Antolin’s journey to becoming a Parent Connector was driven by a personal need for connection after moving back to Seattle.
“When my family moved back to Seattle, we quickly realized that we didn’t have any friends with young children. I was determined to make connections wherever I could—at the park, the library, and even on walks. But building friendships from these fleeting encounters took a lot of effort. I found myself drawn to the role of a Connector because I knew I wasn’t alone in seeking friendships, both for myself and my kids—especially in the context of Jewish relationships. I wanted to help bring people together. It’s been so rewarding to meet others and hear the stories of how people have formed friendships through these PJ Library events!”
Witnessing the positive impact of her events, seeing families connect and children learn, brings her immense joy.
NE Seattle (Wedgewood, Ravena, View Ridge, Maple Leaf, Laurelhurst, Wallingford, U-District)
Shabbat Light and My First Shabbat Board Book
Passover
Latkes
Daughter, 8 and son, 2
Bryan, Shannon, and Maddy are just three of our team of five Parent Connectors who are making a real difference in the Greater Seattle area. Through their dedication and passion, our connectors have hosted 32 events in their respective neighborhoods, creating meaningful connections and impacting over 450 families throughout the last year.
“PJ Library Parent Connectors help families go beyond the books and build Jewish community, friendships and create opportunities for Jewish joy and pride for kids and their families,” said Rachel. “We are so lucky to have such incredible PJ Library Parent Connectors in our community!”
We’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team of Parent Connectors! Reach out to Rachel Zell, PJ Library Program Manager at RachelZ@jewishinseattle.org to learn more.
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