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
Tot Shabbat at Beth David Congregation
Friday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m.
The first Friday of every month at 6:30 p.m., Cantor Julie invites all families with toddlers and young children to Tot Shabbat. 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.
Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom Hosts
Destination: Havdallah
Saturday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Children, as well as adults, are encouraged to wear their PJ's and join in a Havdallah celebration especially for families with young children. Hear a PJ Library story about the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week, enjoy an art project and share in the food, fun and even prizes! This event has been made possible at Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom by a generous grant from The Ross Foundation. For more information or to RSVP, please call 305.595.1500.
The Open Tent Presents: Tots and Pots
Sunday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m.
Join us in celebration of Tu B'Shevat by planting parsley and playing outside. We will gather at Maurice Gibb Park located at Purdy and 18 Street, Miami Beach. For more information or to RSVP, contact Ashley at totscoordinator@gmail.com.
PJ Library Story Time Returns to Books & Books
Sunday, February 12 at Two Locations
Join the PJ Library for an early childhood story hour and craft activity. Featuring the theme of Tu B'Shevat, The Gordon Schools of Beth David Congregation hosts the reading at Books & Books in Coral Gables located at 265 Aragon Avenue from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, please call 305.854.3282. Featuring the theme of Shabbat, Lehrman Community Day School hosts the reading at Books & Books in Bal Harbour, located at 9700 Collins Avenue, from noon to 1:00 p.m. For more information, please call 305.866.2771.
Click here to learn more about The PJ Library or contact us at PJLibrary@JewishMiami.org or 786.866.8572.
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