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Welcome, Future HMIer!

We hope you love your Welcome Baby Box as much as we do! Each item is carefully selected to help you and your growing family connect to and explore Jewish culture and traditions. Below are some special resources that go along with your gifts. And next time you meet up with your HMI friends, snap a pic of your little one wearing their new HMI onesie and tag us!

Welcome Baby Box Resources

Hummus is a great early baby food. Enjoy this recipe from the kitchen of Stephanie Goldfarb, HMI Chicago alum.

Add an extra connection to your baby’s sleep routine by singing or saying the Shema at night. Shema (which literally means “listen”) is a prayer we say at night, which reminds us to take a moment, listen, and find the unity of God and community in our world. Don’t remember the words? We’ve got you covered! Our curated bedtime playlist includes a calming Shema and other great Jewish lullabies.

Each Welcome Baby Box contains a special book for your baby connected to Israel. If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for PJ Library, a Jewish nonprofit that will send your baby a free book each month exploring different Jewish themes.

“How incredibly sweet to have HMI welcome our new baby with this box. The HMI experience has been instrumental in helping our family make connections with a local Jewish community. Each of the items was very thoughtful, and we will use often in caring for our daughter.”

Michelle, HMI Washington DC

Pay It Forward

We’re so happy your family is part of our HMI family. Did you know HMI is a nonprofit organization? We rely on our generous donors, including alumni like you, to ensure young couples have access to this incredible community.

Giving tzedakah (charity) is often a way we celebrate big moments in life – like getting married, or having a baby. We hope you’ll share about HMI if your loved ones are looking for a way to celebrate your newly expanded family! Click here if you’d like to make a donation in honor of your new arrival.

HMI Family Events

You know how they say “it takes a village?” Well we’ve got your village right here! One amazing benefit of being part of the HMI community is coming together to meet other couples in your same phase of life. Meet other parents in your neighborhood through HMI gatherings like Tot Shabbat, Family Playdates, kid-friendly holiday celebrations, and more!

Click here to see our upcoming events. Don’t see a program in your city? Reach out to your local city staff for support or to plan your own family gathering!

Communities & Resources We Love:

Along with cute swag, we’re also here to connect you and your newest arrival with some of our favorite national and local partners and resources. From funny Jewish parenting blogs to the best place to find playgroups in your neighborhood, these are meant to support you in your journey as you continue your exploration of bringing Jewish life into your home. Check out our favorites below!

National:

BimBam uses digital storytelling to spark connections to Judaism for learners of all ages with the cutest animated videos and songs for Shabbat, holidays, and more!

There’s no one way to parent Jewish kids. Kveller is here to give you ideas you can run with–ideas for first-time parents, interfaith parents, queer parents, adoptive parents, and everything in between–with the hopes that you can find information and inspiration that is right for your family.

My Jewish Learning is all about empowering Jewish discovery for anyone interested in learning more with thousands of articles, videos and other resources to help you navigate all aspects of Judaism and Jewish life — from food to history to beliefs and practices.

PJ Library is a Jewish nonprofit that will mail your baby a fun, accessible Jewish children’s book once a month, all totally free!

Connections By City:

Many of our HMI cities have amazing resources for families who have just welcomed a new baby. These partners can help you find the coolest baby yoga, Jewish music playgroups, parent classes, and more (and many of them come with their own awesome and free Welcome Baby gifts and swag). Click on your city below to get connected!

Atlanta

JBaby Atlanta

Boston

Welcome Baby

Boulder

Boulder JCC

Chicago

JBaby Chicago

Cincinnati

JBaby Cincinnati

Cleveland

Just for Kids & Families

Denver

JCC  – Family Programs

Greater MetroWest NJ

Coming Soon!

Houston

JCC – Family Programs

Los Angeles

LA jBabies

Miami

JFamily

Minneapolis

Shalom Baby

New York City

Manhattan JCC

Orange County

Welcome Baby

Philadelphia

jkidphilly

Phoenix

BJE: Jewish Family University

Pittsburgh

Jewish Federation

Richmond

Coming Soon!

San Diego

Shalom Baby

San Francisco Bay Area

Jewish Family Network

Seattle

JCC Seattle

Washington DC

JFamily

Additional Support

Need more support? Please contact us anytime at info@honeymoonisrael.org!