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“In the 21st century, I believe that for Judaism to continue to have an impact on families and society, Jewish living and learning must be actively cultivated.” These are the reflections of philanthropist and PJ Library founder, Harold Grinspoon, upon signing the Giving Pledge to dedicate the majority of his wealth to charity. We couldn’t agree more.

I spent a good portion of last week at a PJ Library conference in Aspen with 35 executives from across North America, exploring ways we can continually improve how we serve our communities through PJ Library. It’s part of our commitment to engage young families and help them nurture their children’s budding Jewish identities.

What better way to introduce Jewish values, holidays and themes than by transforming everyday moments into Jewish moments. PJ Library does just that by turning bedtime into an opportunity to connect Jewishly through free Jewish books and CDs delivered right to homes. It’s a program we brought to the Lower Mainland in 2010 and have recently expanded. We have touched the lives of more than 1,000 local children so far, and have over 600 currently registered. That’s 7,200 free Jewish books and CD’s every year, for children right here in our community. And we have extended their time in the program from age six to eight. As older children age out of the program, new spots open up. And we will seek additional funding to expand the program further as demand increases.

PJ Library is for every Jewish child. There are no cut-offs based on income, there are no cut-offs based on family size. If you have multiple children, sign them all up. Every Jewish child deserves his or her own books and unique PJ Library experience.

Part of the beauty is that these books aren’t just for children. They bring entire families together. With more and more young families moving to regional communities and away from local centres of Jewish life, PJ Library plays an increasingly important role providing Jewish connections. For some interfaith families, it may be the primary Jewish influence in their home.

The books are free to children, but only because of committed organizations and individuals who cover the costs. An innovative program like PJ Library deserves an equally original approach to funding that represents the creative ways we’re working. With overall support from the Grinspoon Foundation, we have brought together our endowment program, the Jewish Community Foundation, funding from the Federation Annual Campaign, and the generous support of our donors to launch and expand the program locally. It’s just one example of how we work with donors on special projects to innovate new programs that make a big impact.

That impact often starts with the synergies developed at conferences like the one PJ Library hosted last week. Committed Jewish community professionals engaged in long-term planning discussions and explored best practices with guest scholars, including Sesame Street executive producer, Lewis Bernstein, who has devoted his entire career to educating and entertaining children. In every country Sesame Street has launched they have taken on the local culture, with Shalom Sesame exemplifying the successful adaptation for a new market – an important lesson for the expansion of programs into communities like ours.

In many ways PJ Library represents what Federation is all about in terms of being part of a local and a global community. I never feel that more than when I’m together with people at a conference like this. It’s part of the message PJ Library imparts in a subtle but significant way – every Jewish child is part of a family in their home, in our community, and in the Jewish world. If you haven’t already signed up your children and your grandchildren, as you prepare to welcome Shabbat, this is the perfect opportunity to give them this gift.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver