I run a group. I think it’s one of the most important things I do.
It’s a WhatsApp group called “Family Friendly Fun.” It focuses on the Chicago area, and specifically on events that families with children 10 and under might enjoy. As a child, I was always the Chol Hamoed trip planner, which meant I got good at discovering events and opportunities that others did not.
When posting events to my group, I check:
I’m also part of local Jewish Facebook groups, on email listservs for Chabad, etc.
Then I curate everything and list it based on the day that it’s happening. During the year, I focus on what’s happening over the weekend, but during the summer, I’ve posted every day.
Providing this information to others allows them to easily commit to spending a night or weekend with their family having fun. Many of the events are completely free, which means even individuals who may struggle financially can attend.
I think it’s so important to create opportunities for parents and families to spend time together enjoying one another’s company. This combats loneliness and prioritizes joy. And people are so appreciative!
I also like the idea that I’m fulfilling the spirit of Taanit 22a.
אַדְּהָכִי וְהָכִי אֲתוֹ הָנָךְ תְּרֵי אַחֵי. אֲמַר לֵיהּ: הָנָךְ נָמֵי בְּנֵי עָלְמָא דְּאָתֵי נִינְהוּ. אֲזַל לְגַבַּיְיהוּ, אֲמַר לְהוּ: מַאי עוֹבָדַיְיכוּ? אֲמַרוּ לֵיהּ: אִינָשֵׁי בָּדוֹחֵי אֲנַן, מְבַדְּחִינַן עֲצִיבֵי. אִי נָמֵי, כִּי חָזֵינַן בֵּי תְרֵי דְּאִית לְהוּ תִּיגְרָא בַּהֲדַיְיהוּ, טָרְחִינַן וְעָבְדִינַן לְהוּ שְׁלָמָא.
In the meantime, two brothers came to the marketplace. Elijah said to Rabbi Beroka: These two also have a share in the World-to-Come. Rabbi Beroka went over to the men and said to them: What is your occupation? They said to him: We are jesters, and we cheer up the depressed. Alternatively, when we see two people who have a quarrel between them, we strive to make peace. It is said that for this behavior one enjoys the profits of his actions in this world, and yet his reward is not diminished in the World-to-Come.
I’ve already told my husband that if I ever died young, I would like more of these groups (in different parts of the country) created in my memory. I love the idea that people celebrating together at a carnival, or children receiving balloon twisted animals, would be my legacy.
So if you live somewhere that isn’t Chicago and you’re a parent with kids- what are you waiting for? Do some research, get some collaborators, and start your own Family Friendly Fun group today. It’s rewarding, will make you feel good, and will help others. What could be better?