PJ LIBRARY

ILOVE TO believe I was always destined to be part of PJ Library. Nine years ago, my friend in Chicago asked me if we received PJ Library’s inspiring, free, Jewish children’s books in the UK. I had never heard of it, but three years later I met the incredible founder of the global programme, Harold Grinspoon. I was blown away by how such a simple idea — reading Jewish books to kids at bedtime — was already making a major impact on families across America.

Five years ago, and after securing seed funding from the Pears Foundation, we launched PJ Library in the UK. Incredibly, nearly 8,000 children now receive a Jewish book in their homes every month, whatever their religious observance, whether they live in a big city or a small village. Families get in touch with us regularly, with many heartwarming stories. Some talk of how the books support them in reconnecting with their Jewish heritage, while others, who are interfaith, say the books help the non-Jewish parent learn alongside their child in a fun and approachable way. Two years ago, Genesis Philanthropy Group gave us a transformative grant aimed at providing Russian- and Hebrewthemed events to families who may not feel connected with traditional Anglo-Jewry.

On a personal level, I have witnessed the tremendous contrast between the standard stories I read my older sons, before PJ was in the UK and the meaningful books my youngest daughter now enjoys. At bedtime, we read stories that bring Jewish traditions to life. PJ Library will get families excited for the big festivals, often suggesting a recipe or arts and craft to prepare, such as making latkes or designing a matzah cover. The books also provide enlightening reading throughout the year, offering stories that celebrate and reinforce Jewish values, such as Rosie Saves The World, about tikkun olam, or The Cholent Brigade, about visiting those who are ill. The books that tell us stories about Jews who live in another country or time are priceless. Shimri’s Big Idea transports us to King Hezekiah’s reign, and Yuvi’s Candy Tree tells the story of Ethiopian families who were part of Operations Moses and Solomon.

I spend time working with the team to foster community connections, strategise on growth and support the fundraising initiative. The Grinspoon

Foundation generously covers the costs of the global infrastructure in the 21 countries where you can find PJ Library books. However, each country is tasked with raising money for its own books and postage. We rely on the support of many parents and grandparents, as in 2020 we will be posting nearly 90,000 packages, which will require a lot of stamps.

PJ Library is cross-denominational, providing books and creative programming ideas to our 200 partners in the UK. Synagogues, nurseries and other organised groups include PJ Library in their activities.

We aim to reach many new families in the coming years, through events such as intergenerational storytelling sessions for tots in old-age homes and pre-festival workshops for parents whose children attend secular day schools but who want to present an introduction to Jewish festivals at their school. I am also proud of the training we provide to enhance children’s services at synagogues.

I am a lawyer and involved with other Jewish charities. However, PJ Library focuses on the immensely important part of the Jewish religion, the educational enlightenment of the next generation. When we instil a connection to Jewish values in the formative years, it helps strengthen the entire community. Visit our website, pjlibrary.org.uk to see a selection of our books, or to sign up your child or grandchild if they are eight years and under to the wonderful world of PJ Library.

pjlibrary.org.uk

PJ Library in the UK operates under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund. Registered charity 1099682