Shalom Village
This is not a parenting class. It’s a village.
Shalom Village is a relationship-based postpartum circle for parents and their babies (newborn to 24 months), created by PJ Library and The Jewish Connection Network. Through emotional support, Jewish grounding and practical tools, the program meets parents where they are, helping them navigate the transition into parenthood while building authentic friendships, lasting community and meaningful connections to Jewish life. Shalom Village welcomes families of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.
Shalom Village is supported by the Meyerhoff New Jewish Family Innovation Fund, an endowment of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.
More Information
What You’ll Explore
- Finding Your Village: Navigating postpartum life and building meaningful connections
- Sleep & Rest: Gentle sleep approaches through the lens of Shabbat and self-care
- Feeding Without Judgment: Supporting every family’s feeding journey
- Relationships & Support: Communication, boundaries and asking for help
- Who Am I Now?: Exploring identity and the transition into parenthood
- A Keepsake of Our Journey: Reflection, celebration and closing together
Program Details
- Who: Parents and babies (newborn to 24 months)
- Where: Baltimore-area Jewish preschools and community spaces
- When: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Cost: one-time $36 Cohort Participation Fee plus $18 for each Village Session you choose to attend.
- Includes: Dinner, guest speakers, materials and a special closing celebration
How Shalom Village Works
Shalom Village includes both guided monthly sessions and casual meet-ups designed to help parents build support, friendship and community throughout the cohort.
Village Sessions
Learn from trusted experts. Connect with fellow parents.
Our guided sessions bring parents together for meaningful conversation, practical parenting support and Jewish connection. Each session includes time to connect with other parents, explore real-life topics and learn from experienced facilitators and/or guest experts.
Village Meet-Ups
Because the best conversations often happen after the session ends.
Between Village Sessions, parents are invited to gather with Lindsay Gaister Montague and Julie Altman Wolff in a warm, welcoming setting designed for connection. These optional meet-ups provide an opportunity to continue conversations, ask questions, share victories and challenges, and build authentic relationships with other parents. There is no formal agenda—just time to connect, support one another, and experience the power of doing parenthood in community.
Come when you can. Show up as you are.
Village Session Dates
Wednesdays • 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Session 1: August 12
📍 E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
Session 2: August 26
📍 Learning Ladder at Har Sinai–Oheb Shalom Congregation
Session 3: September 9
📍 Location TBD
Session 4: September 23
📍 Goldsmith Early Childhood Center at Chizuk Amuno Congregation
No Gathering on October 7
In observance of the anniversary of October 7.
Session 5: October 14
📍 Stoler Early Learning Center at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
Session 6: October 28 – A Keepsake of Our Journey
📍 Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Art Studio with Julie Wohl
Dates and locations are subject to change.
Village Meet-Ups Dates
- August 25
- September 4
- September 15
- September 29
- October 20
Locations and times will be determined with participants.
Ready to find your village?
Fill out our interest form and we will be in touch!
Questions/Concerns?
Reach out to Lindsay Gaister Montague. If you have specific needs related to accessibility or dietary restrictions, please let us know.