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We don't need to tell you that reading to your children is important. Study after study has shown it impacts a child’s development. Even the mere presence of books in a home increases the level of education they can reach.

But finding the right books and making the time to read as a family can be hard. That’s where PJ Library comes in. 

PJ Library sends free Jewish children's books to families across the world every month. We know that something magical happens when parents sit down together to read with their children. PJ Library shares Jewish stories that can help your family talk together about values and traditions that are important to you. 

A program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, PJ Library is made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Families raising kids from birth through 9 years old with Judaism as part of their lives, are welcome to sign up. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, or family make-up, or observance may be. 

Through our partners around North America, we also offer activities for your family — because you’ve got to get out of the house and meet new people sometimes.

Your children are learning about the world around them through the stories they hear. PJ Library books can bring Jewish ideas and inspiration for you and your children to share together.

Any questions?

Contact Amber here

A special thank you to the incomparable Jane Galler for her dedication to making educating Jewish Children fun! PJ Library and Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is grateful to have you as a community partner.

 

Previous Events


 

PJ Family Spotlight

 

If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a PJ Library Spotlight Family please let us know! 

 

Email Amber, PJ Library Coordinator,  programs@jewishnaples.org

 

Noah Benitez is in  7th grade at Naples Classical Academy.  

PJOW Guest Spotlight, May 2023

A Book Review by Noah Benitez:

Noah is in 7th grade at Naples Classical Academy.  He loves to make YouTube videos, play soccer, and play guitar.  Noah also practices kung fu martial arts. Noah will be having his Bar Mitzvah May 2033.  This is review, in his own words, of one of his most recent favorite PJ Our Way books.

 

I really like getting PJ library books in the mail.  One of my favorite books is "Out of Egypt" by Rabbi Moshe Moscowitz because I had a lot of fun reading it.  This book is a graphic novel of the whole story of Passover.  It is cool to read the story and see all the pictures of what happens.  The story starts before Moses was born and shows how he was saved.  Then it shows how he became the leader of the Jews.  Next it shows the ten plagues and how Pharaoh finally let the Jews leave Egypt.  The book ends with them crossing the Sea of Reeds and being saved from the Egyptians.

Alex & Jessica Rosen, and their two children Ella (9) and Sydney (7)

PJ Library Family Spotlight – April 2023

Meet the Rosen Family

 

Q: Tell me about the Rosen family.

A:  We are Alex & Jessica.  We have two children Ella (9) and Sydney (7).  Our Family has resided in Naples for the last nine years.

 

Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books?

A: Both kids get excited to open their PJ library envelopes. We have loved several of the picture books as the girls have grown up. The quality is great!  We love that the books include Jewish themes and are fun to read and make it into our regular book rotation.

 

Q: What are some of the family’s favorite PJ Library books?

A: That’s a tough question for us!  So many PJ Library books are special to us for different reasons.  But if we must narrow it down, we decided on three.

Ella and Sydney love “Tea With Zayde” by Barney Saltzberg. The girls call Jessica’s Father Zayde, so it’s special because there aren’t too many stories with Zayde in the title. 

Jessica went to elementary school with the author of “No Baths at Camp” by Tamar Fox. So, we are partial to that one too!

As a speech therapist, Jessica often uses “I can Help”  by David Hyde Costello with her students. It was a favorite with the kids when they were younger, and she has since integrated it into her work.

 

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples? If so, how?

A:  We are members of Temple Shalom, where our kids attend Sunday school. Jessica is on the board and teaches the 6th grade at YeSH.  We do enjoy events at the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples like the Matzah Ball and the PJ Library Playdates.

 

Q: A lot of parents say they feel PJ books help them raise good kids. Do you feel that way? Please explain.

A: We do think PJ library books help us raise good kids because they are driven by our Jewish values. Overall, they are a wonderful tool to help children learn about being Jewish with doing Mitzvot as a central part of that. 

They also help reinforce a love of reading and the value of family time, especially when the kids were younger, and we sat and read them together before bedtime. 

In Sydney’s own words “I love reading books so so so much!”                            

Thank you, PJ Library, for your part in giving her that gift!

Rebecca and Paul White and their two sons, Jonah (3), and Benjamin (8 months). 

PJ Library Family Spotlight – March 2023

Meet the White Family

 

Q: What are the names of the family members? 

A: We are Rebecca and Paul White. We have two sons, Jonah (3), and Benjamin (8 months). 

 

Q: What’s it like on the day PJ Library books arrive?

A: It is very exciting when the book arrives. Jonah loves that he is getting something in the mail for him and it is usually the first book we read at bedtime that night. 

 

Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books? What do you like about PJ Library books?

A: We think that the quality of the books is excellent. We especially love the ones about the holidays and Jewish values. Our son gets excited reading the books on topics that he is already familiar with as he can participate in the story more. More importantly, we love that the books offer an introduction to the lesser-known holidays at an earlier age before more formal religious school education. We as parents are learning alongside our son, it has been wonderful reading and learning together as a family. 

 

Q: How long have you been in Naples?

A: After living in NYC for years, we lived briefly in Southern California before moving to Naples in the spring of 2021 to be closer to family. 

 

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples? Do you belong to a synagogue? 

A: While we are not currently members, our son is a student at Temple Shalom Preschool, and he absolutely loves it! He has been thriving more than we could have ever hoped for. Rebecca is also the teacher for the school's Baby and Me program. We also enjoy attending many of the events held by the synagogue and preschool such as Friday Family Shabbat and Shabbat ShaPlay. We hope to become temple members in the very near future.  

Rachel is an 8th grade student at The Community School of Naples

PJOW Guest Spotlight, February 2023

A Book Review by Rachel Saks: 37 Days at Sea

 

       Ruthie Arons is a 12-year-old girl that boards the M.S. St. Luis in hopes of getting away from the Nazis and moving to the United States with her parents.  After a problem on their stop to Cuba, they had to unfortunately go back to Europe. Everyone on the ship had to go back to where Hitler was destroying their homes. Ruthie and her best friend Wolfie had to go through separation from family, the Nazis, and being abroad a ship for 37 days. 


        I would encourage kids to read this non-violent book because it teaches children about being brave, caring about others, and doing the right thing. Ruthie was brave when her father had to be in the ship's committee, and also, she had to be brave when she saw a Nazi spy on board, and finally, she had to be brave when she couldn’t get into Cuba. I liked this book because it talked about teenagers stuck on a ship trying to get away from the troubles that Hitler and the Nazis were causing. They ended up being separated when Ruthie was going to England and Wolfie was going to France. This book is fun to read with others, and a great courage builder. No matter how young, you can always do the right thing​. 

Kyle & Rachel Cohen and their two children Eli (10) and Sarah (7).

PJ Library Family Spotlight – Jan 2023

Meet the Cohen Family

 

Q: Tell me about the Cohen family.

A: We are Kyle & Rachel Cohen.  We have two children Eli (10) and Sarah (7).

 

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples?

A: As a couple, we have lived in the Southwest Florida area for about 14 years.  However, Temple Shalom has played an important role in our lives well before then.  Rachel grew up in Naples and was a member of Temple Shalom since Middle School.  Kyle’s family came to Naples, when his mother, Lori, took the position of executive director at Temple Shalom.  In fact, we were married at Temple Shalom before relocating to the area.  Now, it is a big part of our life.  Kyle serves on the board and both our kids are both attending Religious School (YeSH).  We are also part of an active Chavurah. 

 

Q: What’s it like on the day PJ Library books arrive?

A: We love it when a PJ library book arrives in the mail.  It is one of the few pieces of mail that the kids open themselves.  They know what the envelope looks like and are always excited to see what is inside!

 

Q: You have a child who recently “graduated” from PJ Library to PJ Our Way.  How is he enjoying the experience?

A: Eli loves that he is now old enough to choose his own books.  It’s like going to a bookstore every month and knowing he will be reading something educational and in line with our traditions.  In his own words: I seriously endorse them for anybody.  They are amazing.” – Eli (10)

 

Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books?

A: The books are great.  Every one of them we received has been the perfect combination of educational, informative, and fun.  They are a great way to educate children about Jewish beliefs and traditions. PJ Library books play an important role in our household as a wonderful supplement to what they are learning in Religious School (YeSH).  Also, even though our son and daughter generally have very different interests, they both enjoy learning about Judaism through PJ Library books.

 

Q: What is the bedtime routine at your house?

A: Every night before bed, we read the kids a book.  If a PJ Library book was in the mail, the kids usually want to read that one before bed.  Although, it may not be the most educational, the kids love the story of “The Runaway Latke” by Leslie Kimmelman.  We read it multiple times especially before Hanukkah

Mandy & Arthur Maiman with daughter Leora, who is five years old.

PJ Library Family Spotlight

Meet the Maiman Family- December 2022

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library & PJ Our Way Coordinator

Q: Tell me about the Maiman family.

A: We are Mandy & Arthur Maiman.  We have a beautiful daughter, Leora, who is five years old.

 

Q: How long have you been in Naples?

A: Mandy grew up here, in Naples, and left in 2012 to work in Miami. Our family returned in 2020 to be closer to family during COVID. Unfortunately, Arthur still lives and works in Pennsylvania, but he will be here with us permanently soon!

 

Q: What’s it like on the day PJ Library books arrive?

A: Leora is so happy to get mail with her name on it! She opens her book immediately and designates it as her bedtime book for that night.

 

Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books?

A: We think they’re great! The stories are well written. Some have a great meaning; others are just for fun. We love the variety! Sometimes we get books related to a holiday that helps to enhance the meaning of the holiday. We also like the books that are just for fun that teach Jewish values or relay folk tales.

 

Q: A lot of parents say they feel PJ books help them raise good kids. Do you feel that way? Please explain.

A: I think this is true for two reasons. Books that are related to holidays help us teach Leora in an age-appropriate manner and they help her to feel connected to the holiday. There are also books that focus on our actions, how we should behave in this world and these books give us an opportunity to have conversations with Leora about her thoughts on these important topics.


Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples?

A: We belong to Temple Shalom and the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.  Leora is a graduate of Temple Shalom Preschool and now attends the religious school (YESh). We love having a place for her to go to learn, as well as see her friends from preschool.

 

Q: What is Leora’s favorite PJ Library book?

A: One of her favorites is “Shalom Bayit” by Linda Elovitz Marshall, but the truth is, I couldn't pick a favorite for Leora. As we move through the holidays and read a book again that we haven't seen in a while, it might become her favorite at the time. 

 

Q: What is the bedtime routine at your house?

A: We get on pj's and brush teeth. Then head to bed with 2 books. One is for Leora to read and the other is for mom or dad to read to her.  It is our special snuggle time!

Adina & Camilo Benitez and their children Noah (12), Gabriela (9), and Leila (6).

PJ Library Family Spotlight – Oct 2022

Meet the Benitez Family

Q: Tell me about the Benitez family.

A: We are Adina & Camilo Benitez.  We have three children Noah (12), Gabriela (9), and Leila (6).

 

Q: How long have you been in Naples?

A: We moved to Naples January 2022 from NYC.  Adina has joined Millennium Physician Group as a Family Medicine Doctor and Camilo, a Podiatrist, is opening his own practice in Naples very shortly.  The kids are quickly settling into their new school, and we are very much enjoying the SWFL lifestyle.

 

Q:  What do you like about PJ Library books?

A: The kids all love getting PJ library and PJ Our Way books in the mail! It is a special treat for them to get mail every month and have a new book for them to keep!

 

Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books?

A: We are very happy with the quality of the PJ library books. Overall, the books entertain the kids and teach them some Jewish history and values to help strengthen their Jewish identity.
 

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples?

A:  We recently joined Temple Shalom and the children will be attending Hebrew school there.
 

Q: What is a favorite PJ Library book in your home?

A:Noah's favorite PJ Our Way book is “Rabbi Harvey: The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Wisdom and Wit in the Wild West”. The girls love the books about holidays, we bring them out around each corresponding holiday to prepare for and deepen the meaning of the celebration.

 

Q:  Tell me about the bedtime routine at your house?

A:  Adina usually tucks each child in and sings the Shema and a few other lullabies that have become a part of our nightly tradition.

Marc and Maria Browner and three children Alysia Lamb (19), Logan Lamb (16), and Juliana (8).

PJ Library Family Spotlight – Sept 2022

Meet the Browner/Lamb Family

 

Q: Tell me about the Browner/Lamb family.

A:  We are Marc and Maria Browner.  We have three children Alysia Lamb (19), Logan Lamb (16), and Juliana (8).

 

Q: How long have you been in Naples?

A: Maria moved here when she was very young, about 40 years ago, from the Dominican Republic, 8 years ago Marc met Maria and moved to Naples, from the east coast of Florida, for love. All three of the kids are Naples natives.

 

Q: What’s it like on the day PJ Library books arrive?

A: It’s fun and exciting receiving a monthly package in the mail. Juliana is always excited to see what the new title of the book is.

 

Q:  How do you feel about Juliana’s upcoming graduation from PJ Library to PJ Our Way?

A: It’s bitter-sweet, PJ Library has been a part of our family for so long.  Happily, Juliana is ready for the next step, and we are so glad that there is a resource like PJ Our Way to be a part of these approaching tween years.

 

Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books?

A: “Maria is a teacher, and she really scrutinizes what the kids read”, says Marc. “The books have an excellent quality”, says Maria, “when Juliana was younger, I was so pleased to see that they are well made, thick and sturdy. They are easy to read, very educational and they are filled with sharp dialogue.”  

 

 

Q: What do you like about PJ Library books?

A: The books help us to begin conversations about our family values. As a blended family, these books help us get inspired to learn more about the Jewish religion and how these values apply to the world around us.

 

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples? If so, how?

A: Yes, Juliana went to preschool at Temple Shalom, and we are members there.  We are also supporters of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.  We love to attend family holiday activities and PJ Library events.

 

Q: What is the bedtime routine at your house?

A: Juliana reads before bedtime for 20 minutes every night, on school days bedtime is 8:30 p.m.  Here favorite PJ Library book is “A Zombie Vacation” by Lisa Rose

Casey Gordon, Alexandra Wein, Carter (9) and Eliana (1) Gordon

PJ Library Family Spotlight – June 2022

Meet the Gordon/Wein Family

 

Q: Tell me about the Gordon/Wein family members?

A:  We are Casey Gordon, Alexandra Wein, Carter (9) and Eliana (1) Gordon.  Carter is Casey’s son from a previous relationship, but we have been a family since he was four years old. Last year we added Eliana to our household, and everyone loves being a family of 4! We also have two dogs, Onyx and Rosie, and two cats, Barley and Porter.  It’s a busy house full of love!  We are also planning a wedding so there is lots of wonderful things to look forward to in our growing modern family!

 

Q:  What’s it like on the day PJ Library books arrive?

A:  It’s exciting because Eliana LOVES books. When we go to her room to get ready for bed, she is always pulling out multiple books for us to read to her, it’s always a fun day when another package comes in the mail.

We just got Carter signed up for PJ Your Way and he loves that he gets to pick which book he receives.

 

Q:  What do you like about PJ Library books?

A:  The stories are fun and meaningful. Being an interfaith, blended family, it’s nice to have a resource that provides opportunities for Casey and Carter to learn more about Alexandra’s religion and customs and for Eliana to experience her Jewish lineage.  It’s very bonding for us all.

 

Q:  Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples? If so, how?

A: Not as involved as much as I would like to be. We try to get to local events for holidays.  Recently we have been attending the PJ Library Park Playdates.  It’s been fun to meet other Jewish families in our community. 

 

Q:  Are you a Jewish Federation of Greater Naples member?

A:  We are not currently members, but we do have our Amazon Smile set to donate to the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. 

Melanie and Stephen Schwartz and their four children Jessica (20), Reid (17), Oliver (turning 12), and Eliza (8).

PJ Library Family Spotlight – May 2022

Meet the Schwartz Family

 

Q: Tell me about the Schwartz family.

A:  We are Melanie and Stephen Schwartz.  We have four children Jessica (20), Reid (17), Oliver (turning 12), and Eliza (8).

 

Q: How long has your family been in Naples?

A: We moved around quite a bit before settling in Naples 17.5 years ago.  We came to Naples, from Richmond, VA.  Previously we were in Houston for Stephen’s Baylor Fellowship while Melanie worked for Chase Bank. Before that, we were in NYC.

 

Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books?

A: The book quality is excellent. Some are more popular than others in our home especially ones that are specifically about holidays and life events. Occasionally there are books that are about holidays less familiar to us.

 

Q:  What do you like about PJ Library books?

A:  We appreciate that the books are not only educational but are very relatable and told from a place of warmth and inclusiveness. They are very bright and colorful and present and honest but optimistic viewpoint.

 

Q:  Do you belong to a synagogue? If so, which one?

A: Our family is involved in the Jewish community. We are members and worship at Temple Shalom. It is where our children are engaged in Religious School (YESh) and receive their Hebrew education. Our two oldest children have become b'not mitzvahs at Temple Shalom.

As far as preschool goes, we are a 50/50 split with two of our children attending Temple Shalom Preschool and our two youngest attended Preschool of the Arts at Chabad of Naples. We like to attend holidays and activities at both synagogues.

 

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples? If so, how?

A: Our older two children have been involved in BBYO activities.  Reid has served on the BBYO board.  As a teenager, our oldest daughter, Jessica, was also involved in BBYO and has served on various committees. She is currently enrolled at Rollins College where she attends Hillel.

Our children attended Jewish summer day camps and attend Jewish Sleepaway camps.

We do enjoy attending Federation events when possible.

 

Karnilow Family: Jon, Amy, Sophia (10), and Ethan (8)

PJ Library Family Spotlight – April 2022

Meet the Karnilow Family

 

Q: What are the names of the family members?

A: Jon, Amy, Sophia (10), and Ethan (8)

 

Q: What’s it like on the day PJ Library books arrive?

A: The kids are always super excited when we bring in the mail and they see something new from PJ Library! It’s guaranteed that we will be reading their new PJ Library books before bed that night.

 

Q: What do you like about PJ Library books?

A: As parents we love that PJ Library books reference not only Jewish holidays, traditions, and customs, but also teach important life lessons to our children.

 

Q: Do you belong to a synagogue?

A: We belong to Temple Shalom and love it. The kids love going to YeSH (Sunday school) each week. And Sophia just received her Bat Mitzvah date, which we are all very excited about.

 

Q: What is your family’s favorite PJ Library book?

A: Their favorite PJ Library book (and mine) is “Meshka the Kvetch”. It tells the story of Meshka, who is the village complainer and literally complains about everything in her life, including her children! One day all of her complaints come true, and she finally realizes to be grateful for what she already has instead of complaining. I think this is a reminder we all need from time to time.

Brian and Susan Solomon, with their two daughters Hailey (7) and Savannah (4).

PJ Family Spotlight - March 2022

 

Q: Tell me about the Solomon family.

A:  We are Brian and Susan Solomon, we have two daughters Hailey (7) and

Savannah (4).  We moved to Naples from New York City almost five years ago.

 

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples?

A:  Yes, as soon as we arrived in Naples, we became involved in the Jewish community as members of Temple Shalom as well as through Temple Preschool and Religious School (YESh) and Preschool of the Arts.

 

Q: What is it like when PJ Library books arrive?

A:  Hailey and Savannah love receiving their PJ Library books. Thanks to this program, over time they have built up their own small library of Jewish children's books.

 

Q:  What are some of the things your children like about PJ Library books?

A:  The love the simple descriptions of the holidays on the back of the books. Hailey especially loves the recipes and art projects included in many of the books. She loves to bring her PJ Library books to school to teach her class about Jewish Holidays.

 

Q:What are some of the girls’ favorite PJ Library books?

A:  Their favorite ones include “The Ninth Night of Hanukkah”, “New Year at the Pier”, and “Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup”.

 

Miriam, Adam and Maddie (3)

Photo credit:  Nicole Rose Photography @nicolerosephoto

PJ Library Family Spotlight – January 2022

Q: Tell me about the Goldstein family members?

A: Our immediate family is made up of Miriam, Adam and Maddie (3) but we are lucky to have a lot of extended family in the area.

 

Q: How long have you been in Naples? 

A: Our family has spent the last 5 years together here in Naples. 

 

Q: What is it like when PJ Library books arrive?

A: It's very exciting! Maddie loves adding to her collection and learning about all the Jewish holidays.

 

Q:  What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books? 

A: The quality of PJ Library books is excellent. The illustrations are beautiful, and the stories are easy to read and engaging.

 

Q: A lot of parents say they feel PJ books help them raise good kids. Do you feel that way?

A: Yes, we feel that the books help to teach her values such as respect, kindness, gratitude, and honoring our parents/grandparents. We enjoy incorporating some of the activities depicted in the stories into our own lives as they teach her about cooperating and helping others. 

 

Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples?

A:  Maddie attends Preschool of the Arts at Chabad of Naples. We try to stay involved through various events and committees that support the Jewish community

 

Q:  How do PJ Library books play a role in your bedtime routine?

A: After bath time, Maddie gets to pick 2-3 books to read and then we talk about her favorite part of the day as she falls asleep. PJ books often have wonderful prompts on the inside the cover to help spark age-appropriate conversation about the book and the Jewish values that are highlighted with in it.

 

Q: What is Maddie’s favorite PJ Library book?

A: Right now, it is “Hanukkah with Friends” by Chris Barash.

Mia and Joel Hyatt with daughter, Hannah (3), and sons, Harrison (3) and Ezra (5)

PJ family spotlight, December 2021

 

How long have they been in Naples?: Joel and Mia both moved to Naples in 2005 after graduating college. Joel went to Penn State and Mia went to University of Florida

Synagogue: Temple Shalom 

Jewish community involvement: Now that the kids are getting older Joel and Mia feel they have been able to get more involved in the Jewish community. 

Ezra began Sunday school this year and loves it. The twins love to go to Shalom Yeladim and attend preschool at Temple Shalom. All three love to go to the PJ Library events. They even had the opportunity to host a challah-making event at their house before the pandemic. 

The family recently attended its first family service at Temple Shalom for Yom Kippur and really enjoyed worshipping with other families. 

What they have to say about PJ Library books: “We love to receive our PJ Library books. We all sit on the couch and read the new book each month. It is especially fun when it coordinates with an upcoming holiday.”