The People of the Book

Jews are known as the people of the book, and for good reason (there's even a blog called that!). Judaism encourages continued learning, an endeavor that is not intended to end with an elaborate ceremony held at the cusp of adulthood. Synagogues and Jewish institutions everywhere hold innovative programming throughout the lifespan of every Jew, and many people embark on learning adventures alone, with a partner (chevruta in Hebrew, from the word chaver, "friend"), or in a class setting.

So it should not surprise anyone that one of the more amazing ventures in the American Jewish community is The PJ Library, a program supporting Jewish families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewish-content books and music on a monthly basis to children from age six months to five, six, seven or eight years depending on the community. Created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, The PJ Library is a national program implemented by local communities.

With Chanukah starting in only a few evenings from now, consider giving your family the gift of Jewish books and literature. If you live in a PJ Library community (click here to see if yours is one), you can register your child(ren) for free. If you do not (unfortunately, Washington DC is not one of the communities), your child can receive a Jewish book every month for an annual subscription of only $60 (the link to purchase a gift subscription can be found here).

If you are interested in finding a Jewish book (or a book written by a Jewish author, or having to do with topics related to Judaism, etc.), many can be found in your local book stores. Check out these two great resources - each has lists upon lists of fantastic, award-winning possibilities: Association of Jewish Library (has many lists, age-specific and genre-specific, of books) and the Jewish Book Council. I'm off to read Dara Horn's latest - All Other Nights, set during the Civil War. Happy Reading!