Free Jewish Books for Children
Thousands of Miami children can enjoy bedtime stories about Jewish values and traditions, thanks to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's early childhood program called The PJ Library.
Named after the bedtime garb, The PJ Library aims to help families teach their children the tenets of Judaism through children’s books.
Families who subscribe to The PJ Library open their mailboxes each month to find a brand-new book featuring a Jewish topic. The program is free for Miami-Dade County children up to the age of eight and allows youngsters to build their own Jewish library at home. Register here.
Miami's PJ Library also hosts events throughout the year that offer young children and their parents a chance to explore their Jewish roots together. All of these events are free and open to the public.
The PJ Library is part of a national program founded in 2005 by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Miami’s PJ Library chapter is funded by the Blank Family Foundation, started by one of Federation’s founders, Sam Blank. It is being operated in partnership with a wide range of early childhood centers, Jewish community centers, synagogues and agencies who share the program’s goal to reach as many children as possible.
Read our PJ Library FAQ section.
To search for upcoming PJ Library events, visit the Community Calendar.
More news and events for young families may be found at The Community Post. Check out our online newspaper today.
Upcoming Events
Friday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Tot Shabbat at Beth David Congregation
Cantor Julie invites all families with toddlers and young children to Beth David Congregation’s final Tot Shabbat of the school year. Come dance and play at a lively service in a warm atmosphere. Families learn interactive songs and stories, light candles, and celebrate Shabbat together. As a special treat, we conclude the evening with milk and cookies! Free and open to the community. Beth David Congregation is located at 2625 SW Third Avenue, Miami.
Saturday, May 5 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Torah Table: Text & Togetherness at Next@19th
Torah Table is a family learning program partnering children and parents in a dialogue on Jewish texts and coincides with the adult study program, Joseph's Table. No matter what age or level of literacy, everyone has something to gain from this experience. This program is free and open to the public. Next@19th is located on the campus of Temple Israel and Bridgepoint Academy at 137 NE 19 Street, just a few blocks north of the Arsht Center. For more information please call 305.542.7732 or email info@nextat19th.org.
Thursday, May 17 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
A Shema Pajama Party at Bet Shira Congregation
Calling all Prekindergarten and Kindergarten age children! Bet Shira Congregation will be hosting a special Jewish bedtime experience. We will decorate individual Shema pillowcases, learn the Shema, sing songs and share PJ Library stories. Special story tellers will include: Rabbi Brian Schuldenfrei, Cantor Mark H. Kula, Early Childhood Center Director Dr. Judi Gampel, Education Director Marilyn Wolfson and teachers, Irit Roth and Esther Borenstein. Marilyn Wolfson will also share information about our Jewish Education Center programs. Don't forget to wear your pajamas, and bring your favorite stuffed animal and bed sheet along. We will provide the bedtime snack! This is a parent/child activity for 4-6 year olds. Please RSVP by Friday, May 11 to Gladys at 305.238.2606. Bet Shira Congregation is located at 7500 S.W. 120th Street, Pinecrest.
Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PJ Library Kick Off Party and Shabbat Family Fun Day
at the Dave and Mary Alper JCC
At 10:00 a.m., the Alper JCC's ECD Preschool invites you to help your child discover a love of reading at our PJ Library kick off event. Enjoy story time and then get creative during the snack time and activity. This event is free and open to the community. After the PJ Library party, stay at the J for Shabbat Family Fun Day! The day will include pool activities, fitness challenges, a bounce house and physical fitness on wheels with the Preschool Fun Bus. Family Fun Day is free for JCC members and $10 per person or $25 for a family (up to 6 people) for non-members. The Dave and Mary Alper JCC on The Jay Morton-Levinthal Campus is located at 11155 SW 112th Avenue, Miami. For more information, please call 305.271.9000, ext. 284.
Click here to learn more about The PJ Library or contact us at PJLibrary@JewishMiami.org or 786.866.8572.
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