PJ Library's Travel Tags are inspired by a traditional Jewish blessing and designed by Hillel Smith. Attach the tags to luggage and backpacks for vacations or to handlebars on your bicycle for a trip around the neighborhood.
Learn
Learn the Traveler's Prayer as well as information about the hamsa, the symbol on your PJ Library Travel Tag.
The Traveler's Prayer
For centuries Jews have recited the Traveler’s Prayer to express their hopes as they embark on a trip. Enjoy this rendition of the Traveler’s Prayer as composed and performed by Israeli musician Shai Tsabari, accompanied by baglama (a Turkish string instrument) and percussion.
Click here to listen to Ashkenazi and Sephardic readings of the Traveler’s Prayer on MyJewishLearning.com.
Learn the Traveler's Prayer and download a printable version you can take with you.
The Hamsa
Your PJ Library Travel Tag features a traditional hamsa--a Middle Eastern hand-shaped symbol. What’s the deal with the hamsa? Watch this 50-second video.
You can also make your own hamsa or view beautiful hamsas online at the Israel Museum.
Listen
Practice the Traveler's Prayer, or sing along to road trip classics with our playlist:
Read
The following books are about taking a trip, going on a journey, or visiting family.
Looking for a grown-up read? Check out these travel blogs from contemporary Jewish writers:
My Name is Yusha
On Being Jewish in a Strange Land
On Carrots, Fish, and Jewish Souls
On Being Jewish in Amsterdam
Do
Make Your Own Travel Journal
Going on a vacation? Keep a travel journal! Writing about the places you saw and the things you did gives you a chance to reflect on it all, and when you get home, you’ll have a detailed memento of your trip.
Supplies:
- Paper
- Stapler
- Crayons/colored pencils/markers
- Glue
- Vacation photos (optional)
Instructions:
- Staple a stack of paper together to make a book.
- Use art supplies to decorate the cover.
- Create pages inside the book about different places you’ve traveled, or favorite places in your local area. Write down what you saw, what you enjoyed, questions about the place to investigate, and so on.
- Use glue to attach photos if you have them or make drawings of each place. Save room for future places you will visit.
When you’re home, look back at all the places you’ve been and remember the fun times. You might find you feel a little more like yourself!
More
Taking a trip this summer? Here are helpful tips for traveling as a family:
Bring Distractions
Don't have time to make an activity box like the one above? Grab a few small games from the dollar store, window clings for traveling on a plane or train, and pipe cleaners--yes, pipe cleaners--to make toys, shapes, and mini construction zones. If you do screen time, a few videos and stories to kill time. You can also play on the spot waiting games like these:
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed planning summer travel, be sure to check out kveller.com's Schlepping the Kids Somewhere? Best Tips for Traveling with Kids.
Stand Out
Many backpacks and suitcases look alike so be sure to make your bags stand out. In addition to using your special PJ Library Travel Tag, you can also attach brightly colored ribbons to the handles of your bags or let the kids "monogram" their luggage with puffy paint and iron-on patches. Whether you plan to check your bags or not, make sure that your own luggage is easy to spot.
Call Ahead
Traveling by train or plane? There may be special accomodations or restrictions on car seats or lap sitting. After booking your tickets, give the company's service line a call to find out whether there's anything you need to keep in mind, especially concerning strollers or car seats.
Bring Snacks
Make each kid their own snack station with reusable lunch bags. Granola bars, veggie sticks, and dried fruit are all healthy options that travel well.
Staying close to home this summer? Go on an epic Imagination Vacation!
May 5, 2017