Sleep tight with PJ Library

A NEW initiative will let parents snuggle up with their little ones to read Jewish bedtime stories – for free.

It’s part of new project called PJ Library (short for pyjamas), which posts free, high-quality Jewish-themed books and music CDs on a monthly basis to children aged six months to six years in New South Wales and the ACT.

The aim is to build Jewish identity and strengthen ties within young Jewish families and the Jewish community.

“Having Jewish values reinforced in the home is a critical element in building Jewish continuity,” PJ Library director Nicki Smoli told The AJN. “With the simple idea of giving Jewish families books to read to young children at bedtime, the program brings a seminal Jewish experience into Jewish homes. Families turn story time into a larger conversation about Jewish values, traditions and their Jewish identity.”

Initially started in the US as a local initiative in 2005, the program quickly ballooned into a national book program that mails 60,000 Jewish-themed books monthly to families across the country.

On the back of its American success, The Shalom Institute, with the Jewish Communal Appeal, decided to bring the program to Australia. It will officially be launched at Set Cafe in Bondi Junction on August 25.

“At a point when many young families are exploring how they want to raise their children, the books and music arrive in families’ homes – offering resources for making Jewish choices,” said Smoli.

To register, visit www.pjlibrary.org.au from August 8. There are a limited number of subscriptions.

CHANTAL ABITBOL

Lisa Krowitz Levy and daughter, Zoe, at a PJ Library pre-launch last week. (Photo: Ben Livni)