This fall, Chicago’s PJ Library signed up its 7,000th household, meaning that a whole lot of families receive a free Jewish children’s book in their home each month.

“Chicago is the largest PJ Library program in the country, and we are committed to making sure the program is available to all families throughout our community,” said Rachel Rapoport, JUF’s PJ Library Program Director.

Through the PJ Library program, families with children 6 months to 8 years old receive a new Jewish book or music each month. The age-appropriate books share stories about Jewish life, holidays, and values, with each providing a reading guide to help parents engage their children in conversation and strengthen Jewish traditions in the home. “Reading aloud together at bedtime is a special time for a parent and child. PJ (a.k.a. Pajamas) Library helps families to make these moments even more magical by connecting to our Jewish culture, heritage, and beliefs,” Rapoport shares.

A longtime PJ Library parent commented, “Being able to read Jewish stories is so meaningful for all of us. We cherish reading them together and I hope my children will read these books with their children.”

And PJ Library Chicago is committed to going beyond the books. Throughout the year, PJ Library hosts events-such as concerts with nationally known performers, family holiday celebrations, and meaningful volunteer opportunities-bringing the teachings of the books to life and welcoming families to come together as a community to celebrate Jewish life.

New this year is PJ Our Way, which empowers 9-12 year olds to explore their own interests and Jewish identity by inviting them to go online and select a book of their choice to receive each month.

PJ Library and PJ Our Way are committed to developing the future leaders and lifelong learners of the Jewish community-one book at a time. Chicago is proud to now have 7,000 families share this mission.

PJ Library books can be sent to residents of Cook, Lake, Will, McHenry, DuPage and Kane counties. To sign up, call (312) 357-4831 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit juf.org/youngfamilies/pjlibrary .

PJ Library was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, based in Massachusetts; in Chicago, it is part of JUF Young Families and is a gift to Chicagoland families from JUF and local donors including Iris and Steve Podolsky, and Crown Family Philanthropies, as well as local Jewish early childhood educators.