Families explore values of Judaism with free books mailed by PJ Library
by Brenda Branswell
The Gazette
June 16, 2009
The white and blue envelope arrived unexpectedly at Kellie Goldfield's home, just as it did at nearly 30,000 other Montreal-area homes.
The unsolicited gift was a children's storybook, adapted from a Jewish folk tale, titled Something From Nothing.
The mass mailing late last month marked the Montreal launch of the PJ Library.
Founded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in the United States, the PJ (short for pyjamas) Library program sends participating children an age-appropriate Jewish book or CD every month, free of charge. The aim is to help families explore core values of Judaism and pass them on to their children.
"It's a wonderful idea," said Goldfield, who signed up for the program the same day the book arrived. And she wasn't the only one who jumped at the offer of free books for her kids.
"We have hundreds of people on the waiting list," said Natana Dor, director of GEN J, which bills itself as a community-wide investment to inspire Jewish youth and ensure a vibrant Jewish future in Montreal. (It is co-chaired by Stephen and Claudine Bronfman.)
The program is for children between 6 months and 51/2 years old and was offered in Montreal to the first 550 who registered.
The response has been overwhelming, said Marlene King, a retired school teacher. She and her husband brought the program to Montreal through the Marlene and Joel King Family Foundation.
"We knew it would catch on," she said. "We had read about the success in other communities. But it's way beyond our expectations."
Joel King noted how much he and his wife have enjoyed reading to their children and grandchildren. "It's such a special bonding time either before bed or during the day," he said.
The Jewish Public Library co-ordinates the program and a committee of librarians and educators selects the books.
"I don't think religion is emphasized as much as ... tradition and values," Marlene King said.
The Marlene and Joel King Family Foundation funds the Montreal program in partnership with the Massachusetts-based Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
As it does in other cities for the program launch, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation covered the costs of the initial mailing of 30,000 books to local Jewish families.
The hope is to expand the program to 1,000 children in the second year.
The award-winning book Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman tells the story of a Jewish grandfather who keeps fashioning a new garment out of the beloved blanket he made for his infant grandson each time it is worn out.
"It's a very cute story. My daughter loved it," Goldfield said.
Goldfield said she and her husband read to their daughter, Rachel, who is almost 4, every night. Their son, Joshua, nearly 2, listens until his patience runs out, Goldfield said.
"It's a great idea that they're trying to promote here, to help us learn more about Judaism and all the values and morals and everything that it comes along with."