For the 200,000+ kids across North America who receive PJ Library books, one could say that every month is “Jewish book month.”
PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, combines the power of Jewish storytelling with helpful tools for families. From free age-appropriate, monthly books to guides, podcasts, grants, and community experiences, the program helps families celebrate Jewish moments and cultivate Jewish values year-round.
November 13 – December 13 is also Jewish Book Month, and 2025 marks 100 years of this cherished tradition. Jewish Book Month began in 1925 when Boston librarian Fanny Goldstein launched Jewish Book Week to celebrate Jewish stories, strengthen the Jewish community, and share the richness of life and identity. Her vision grew into a month-long celebration that brings Jewish literature into homes and communities across North America.
This year, PJ Library partnered with the Jewish Book Council, the organization behind Jewish Book Month since 1943, to make the commemoration even more special through two gifts imagined for PJ Library families.
In November, PJ Library families received custom envelopes with one of two Hanukkah-themed books: Hanukkah with Friends by Chris Barash for younger readers and Meet the Latkes by Alan Silberberg for older ones. These books were accompanied by the Jewish Book Council’s commemorative poster, beautifully illustrated by Alyssa Russell and featuring artwork from Fanny’s Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week Was Born by Richard Michelson.
“PJ Library families already know the joy of discovering new Jewish stories each month,” says Jessica McCormick, Director of Family Experience at PJ Library. “During this centennial celebration, we’re taking a moment to create a shared experience across all PJ Library families, ensuring exciting Jewish titles reach every home. As always, we’re also helping families incorporate these treasured stories into their Hanukkah celebrations by providing resources to make coming together to celebrate Jewish literature an even more vibrant experience.”
Online, families can watch Hanukkah with Friends come alive in an animated read-along video and enjoy an exclusive draw-along session with Meet the Latkes author Alan Silberberg. Families can also download PJ Library’s Winter Holiday Guide, A Time to Hope, as well as find recipes, stories, Jewish learning, and family-friendly activities to enhance their celebrations.
What’s more, all PJ Library subscribers in North America are eligible for $100 Get Together microgrants when they gather with at least two other Jewish families to “do Jewish” together.
“If you’re looking for an excuse to invite some friends over, make latkes, light Hanukkah candles, and read Alan Silberberg’s hysterical Meet the Latkes, this is it!” adds McCormick. “We’ve made Get Togethers even easier for families to access. Subscribers can simply host their Get Together and then report it online. This ensures meaningful home-based Jewish gatherings are possible and accessible for more PJ Library subscribers this Hanukkah season.”
Families raising Jewish children are encouraged to sign up children ages 0-12 for PJ Library. From free books to robust holiday resources, PJ Library helps families bring Jewish stories home, not only for Jewish book month, but all year round – creating a childhood experience that helps cultivate lifelong Jewish stories.
To learn more about PJ Library in Colorado, contact Jenn Abrams at jabrams@jewishcolorado.org.