Efforts to engage young Jewish families received a boost this month when the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF) launched the PJ Library Program in Chicago—a free program that sends out high-quality, age appropriate Jewish books and music monthly for three years to local families with children ages six months to six years. There is no charge to families, regardless of income.
“This program brings the richness of Jewish culture into homes, laying a foundation for a life-long love of learning and Judaism,” said Steven B. Nasatir, President of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. “And it engages families that may otherwise have no connection to the Jewish community.”
The PJ Library was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation as a tool to help promote Jewish continuity as a means of connecting with Jewish families, particularly those with little or no affiliation with the Jewish community. The program’s name PJ—as in pajamas—evokes images of bedtime when parents often read with their children.
“Research has shown that experiences in the first seven years of life can shape a child’s identity,” said PJ Library Program Director Deborah Cooper. “The program provides an opportunity for parents to help teach their children about their Jewish heritage and Jewish traditions in a fun and meaningful way.”
Eligible families are encouraged to enroll in the PJ Library Program online at www.juf.org/pjlibrary or by calling 312-357-4831. Participation is limited to one subscription per family and children ages 6 months – 6 years must live in the Chicago area to qualify. To purchase a gift subscription for families living outside of the Chicago area, visit www.pjlibrary.org.
The PJ Library Program is currently available in 120 communities throughout North America.
JUF brought the national program to Chicago working in partnership with The Grinspoon Foundation, local early Jewish childhood educators and donors. The Program’s cost is fully underwritten by private local donors who have provided funding for 5,000 three-year subscriptions. In its first week, over 1,500 families enrolled in the program and remaining slots are expected to fill quickly.
Families that participate in the PJ Library Program will receive, on a monthly basis, a Jewish book or song CD related to Jewish holidays, folktales and Jewish family life. Books are chosen for their potential to inspire parent-child moments and to spark conversations between children and their families. Mailings will be accompanied by resources to facilitate discussion of the topics.
Program enrollment opened early this month. Launch efforts included a mailing, paid for and sent by The Grinspoon Foundation, to over 80,000 Jewish Chicago area households a free gift of the Jewish Children’s Book Something From Nothing. If there are no children in the home, households are encouraged to pass along the book and information about the program to a friend, colleague or neighbor with young children. Unwanted books can be returned to JUF’s Headquarters at 30 South Wells, Chicago from where they will be donated to local needy families, synagogues and preschools.
The PJ Library is JUF’s newest Joyfully Jewish outreach program for young families and follows on the heels of last year’s launch of JUF launched Right Start, a groundbreaking initiative that provides gift vouchers up to $1,000 toward the tuition of the first child in each family to enroll in a Jewish preschool or daycare. JUF also sponsors Joyfully Jewish programs and events in the Chicago metropolitan area.
For more information about the PJ Library, contact Debbie Cooper at (312) 357-4831. More information about JUF’s Joyfully Jewish Young Families Programs can be found online at www.juf.org/youngfamilies.
