On Monday, 3-year-old twins Olive and Lexi were the recipients of the 100,000th PJ Library book in the UK. The special delivery came from Rachel Borchard and Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, trustees from a UK-based foundation which supports PJ Library, who hand-delivered Avi the Ambulance Goes to School, which teaches children about helping others.
Eli Robinson, the twins’ father told PJ Library:
“We love receiving PJ Library books as it keeps the whole family in touch with our Jewish heritage, traditions and festivals. Our son doesn’t go to a Jewish primary school, so this is a way to keep him engaged in our special religion. The girls get very excited and run upstairs to get their PJ Shabbat books when we light the candles on Friday night, and we all enjoy sitting down and reading them together.”
Every month, over 5,000 Jewish children across the UK receive the gift of a PJ Library book about different Jewish festivals, rituals, culture and history.
Rachel said:
“I'm very proud that our charity supports PJ Library's programme. Its extensive reach across the UK benefits families who may not have access to a Jewish community or Jewish cultural resources. The books provide a wonderful introduction to the main festivals and core Jewish values, as well as being beautifully illustrated. As a mum, I see how happy my young son is to receive a PJ book in the post. We end up re-reading books about Hanukkah in the summer! The books are an integral part of his Jewish learning.”
PJ Library launched less than three years ago in the UK and delivers to Jewish children regardless of location or level of observance. Globally, PJ Library reaches more than half a million children across 15 countries, in four languages. It was founded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation over ten years ago and is a gift to families thanks to the generosity of foundations, philanthropists and local families.
PJ Library is based out of JHub, an organisation which amplifies and supports Jewish organisations that express an outward-facing, inclusive and confident Jewish identity.
February 6, 2018