Children’s Book Programme Strengthens Jewish Family Engagement
There is a shift amongst young Jewish families in the UK right now. Reading stories at a child’s bedtime is a time-honoured tradition. But reading Jewish stories filled with Jewish values and folktales as bedtime reading, is something currently being enjoyed by over 4,000 Jewish children in the UK.
Every month, PJ Library distributes books addressed directly to the child, including many children in Norwich. PJ Library aims to inspire and enrich the Jewish home life of families raising Jewish children by creating a positive Jewish identity in their home through the delivery of free, high quality books. In a recent survey, 96% of families[1] said that PJ Library has added value to how their family thinks about or practices Judaism.
Every month, a new book arrives which celebrates Jewish traditions and values, providing a unique and accessible way to bring Jewish traditions and values to family life. Books such as Bagels from Benny and Ella’s Trip to Israel inspire children and parents to learn about their Jewish heritage together. The books spark conversation about festivals and Jewish life, whether it’s discussing honouring parents or shalom bayit (peace in the home).
Over the last 12 months Norwich Hebrew Congregation and PJ Library have continued their strong partnership. With the help of Marsha Parker, the PJ Pop-Up Library made a special appearance at the back-to-school ‘Shehecheyanu’ event which included a story-walk where children in the community took park in an interactive reading of The Hare and the Tortoise Race Across Israel. The story was read, not by turning the pages of the book, but by walking from one page of a book to the next. As the children in the community travelled from page to page, there were activities and tasks about Israel.
PJ Library in the UK is funded by UK donors. There is the opportunity to sponsor a month in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion. Please email [email protected] for more information.
Sara Kibel, Community Manager
Click here for details of the upcoming Shehekianu Party 3rd September 2017
Photos:
- Children of Norwich at the PJ event
- Book covers – Bagels from Benny, The Hardest Word, Ari the Engineer and the Rosh Hashanah Ride, Five Little Gefiltes
