why we're doing this

These beautiful, colorful books by notable authors and respected publishers can be yours without cost, without obligation, without a hidden agenda. We want these books to be a way for you to enrich your children's intellectual and spiritual lives -- as you wish to do.

The only thing we ask is that you make these books and CDs a lively and meaningful addition to your children's learning experience. Make these books a familiar part of their bedtime routine. (That's why we call it "PJ" (pajama) Library!) Or any time when a cuddle and a story can be shared..

The PJ Library® books and CDs explore the broad spectrum of Jewish history. They present characters from different times and places. The PJ Library® books discuss Jewish tradition and holidays, always with the goal of teaching ethical values. Some are serious, some are funny; all represent a high standard of quality, both in style and content.

Our goal is to deepen your own Jewish experience and strengthen our local Jewish community.

Our strategy is to help you find the best way to use these books to accomplish your goals for your children.

our supporters

The PJ Library® program in Silicon Valley began in December 2008.

This program is absolutely free to all participating families.

It would not be possible to offer this wonderful opportunity to our community without the support of three very important organizations: The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, the Jim Joseph Foundation of San Francisco, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation of Massachusetts.

Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

http://www.jvalley.org/

Our local Federation is committed to strengthening three important goals:

Klal Yisrael: the responsibility of each Jew for another

Tikkun Olam: the process of reparing the world

Am Yisrael Chai: the relationship of the Land of Israel to the Jewish people wherever they may live.

The Federation works toward developing leadership and meeting the needs and concerns of the Jewish community locally, in the United States, in Israel and throughout the Diaspora.

Its mission is to support, maintain and strengthen Jewish identity, Jewish community and Jewish life.

Jim Joseph Foundation

http://www.jimjosephfoundation.org/

The Jim Joseph Foundation of San Francisco, established in 2006, is committed to a sustained program of grant making in pursuit of a vision that leads to ever-increasing numbers of young Jews engaged in ongoing Jewish learning and choosing to live vibrant Jewish lives.

Our program is one of three in the Bay Area funded by JJF, strengthening our collaboration with the Federations of San Francisco and the East Bay.

Harold Grinspoon Foundation

http://www.hgf.org/

The mission of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation of West Springfield (MA) is to enhance the vibrancy of Jewish life through education and experiences that impart the knowledge and values of our heritage and the joys of being Jewish. The Foundation primarily funds institutions and programs that directly transmit Jewish learning to young people, adults, and families. It strives to develop innovative and successful programs that can be replicated by other Jewish communities and philanthropists. The PJ Library™ Program currently serves more than 100 communities in the United States, Canada, and Israel, and mails around 50,000 books nationwide each month to young children.

collaboration is the key

Constituent Partners

The PJ Library® program in Silicon Valley is endorsed by local Jewish synagogues, day schools and preschools, and Jewish communal agencies. They partner with us in co-sponsoring monthly programs and events. Their leaders provide feedback and counsel to our staff, and are advocates to their own constituencies on our behalf.

We are grateful to these "Constituent Partners" for their involvement and support.

Steering Committee

A group of dedicated community volunteers meet monthly to discuss ways to strengthen our PJ program through programming for enrolled, outreach to new families, and strategic planning for a strong and successful future.

We warmly appreciate their commitment, creativity, initiative, and work.

thanks for visiting us
we have fun

who we are

Constituent Partners

Addison Penzak Jewish Community Center
(Los Gatos)
http://www.svjcc.org/

Ahabat Torah
(San Jose)
http://www.ahava.org/

Congregation Beth David
(Saratoga)
http://www.beth-david.org/

Congregation Emeth
(Gilroy)
http://www.emeth.net/

Congregation Sinai
(San José)
http://www.sinai-sj.org/

Congregation Shir Hadash
(Los Gatos)
http://www.shirhadash.org/

JCC Preschool
(Los Gatos)
www.svjcc.org/html/preschool.html

Hillel Silicon Valley
(San Jose)
http://www.hillelsv.org

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley
(Los Gatos)
http://www.jfssv.org/

Sharone Hadassah
http://www.sharone-hadassah.org/

South Peninsula
Hebrew Day School
(Sunnyvale)
http://www.sphds.org/

Temple Emanu-El
(San Jose)
http://www.templesanjose.org/

Yavneh Day School
(Los Gatos)
http://www.yavnehdayschool.org/

Steering Committee

Rabbi Leslie Alexander
Program Director

Eleanor Weber Dickman
Outreach Coordinator

Elisa Gerston
Office Administrator

Aurianne Dorsay
Bette Emanuel
Beryl Grace
Scott Guggenheim
Elaine Hamilton
Maria Elena Jarson
Doris Katz
Gail Long
Sandy Mayer
Carrie McCarthy
Dalia Michael
Lizi Oceransky
Naomi Salowe
Emily Reich Shem-Tov
Daniela Silverstein
Robyn Stone

We are always looking for community members interested in helping promote and implement this program. If you are interested, please contact us at pjlibrary@jvalley.org.

Thank you!