Families in Norwich have been receiving, free Jewish books every month since PJ Library, the international Jewish family programme, arrived in the UK over a year ago. Norwich Hebrew Congregation members Marsha and Todd Parker, celebrated PJ Library’s first UK birthday by attending a workshop at PJ HQ in London. Deborah Carpenter helped bring the new books and programmes to Norfolk, after hearing of the impact PJ Library makes on almost half a million Jewish children worldwide.
Every month, PJ Library sends a Jewish book to families’ homes as a gift, to connect children and their parents with Jewish festivals, values and traditions. Hugely successful in America, Israel, Mexico and beyond, the books are modern, beautifully illustrated and allow families to learn about Jewish ideas in the comfort and security of their home. Nearly 3,000 children receive a book from PJ Library every month, throughout the UK, including a number of Norwich Hebrew congregation members. 
Six year old, Ruth Carpenter, is such an avid fan she wrote PJ Library’s first review, about the book ‘The Apple Tree’s Discovery’ which HQ loved so much, it featured in the monthly newsletter to all 3,000 children and their families!
“The children who are registered with PJ Library love getting their books and CDs. it’s exciting. When they meet they talk about which book they received and the story. We all appreciate the ideas that are sent to us, and with busy lives it has been great to receive a programme for each festival” described Marsha, “we love books and stories, we enjoy making things and it gives us an opportunity to talk about being Jewish and being part of the wider Jewish community in Britain and the world”.
PJ Library parent and Norwich Hebrew Community member, Hannah Grainger shared that “it’s lovely to observe my son Gabriel growing in his understanding of his faith and culture through stories such as ‘The Mitzvah magician’ and becoming confident and secure about his Jewish identity”. An important element of the programme is that books are gifts to all recipients.
This ensures that families who would otherwise not necessarily engage with the community, are signing up for the programme and starting their Jewish journey through the books. To cover the costs PJ Library partners with philanthropists and runs fundraising campaigns. Families donated to the ‘pay it forward’ campaign earlier in the year, which raised over £9,000 and ensured another 200 children could receive their monthly subscription. 5777 will focus on growing the programme so more children can enjoy the monthly books, and working closely with smaller communities like the Norwich Hebrew Congregation to strengthen that connection betweenJudaism in the home and the community.
It is with great enthusiasm that Marsha has led the PJ Library programmes at the Cheder with a Purim party, a mock Seder and a storytelling at Yom Ha’atzmaut. To find out more about PJ Library visit www.pjlibrary.org.uk or ask Marsha or Todd when you next see them!
Sara Kibel