JCC Greater Boston Launches PJ Library Grandparents Initiative

JCC Greater Boston (JCC) - the region's largest Jewish provider of programs geared toward health and wellness, early education, art, and culture - proudly launched its new PJ Library Grandparent Initiative this month focused on strengthening the connection between Jewish grandparents and their families through shared experiences and events. The PJ Library Grandparent Initiative was made possible by a $3,500 engagement grant awarded to the JCC by PJ Library®, the flagship program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. JCC Greater Boston was one of 29 recipients of the engagement grants awarded by PJ Library, which aim to create more opportunities for families raising Jewish children to participate in Jewish life.

Through the PJ Library Grandparent Initiative, JCC Greater Boston will conduct focus groups, run events, and create meaningful experiences for this crucial demographic, with the goal of learning what grandparents need to feel supported in their family’s Jewish journeys, and providing programs that meet those needs. Earlier this month JCC Greater Boston hosted its inaugural PJ Library Grandparent event, a Grandparents Day Challah Bake, which brought close to 100 people, representing more than 25 multi-generational families, together to share in the Jewish tradition of baking challah. Families enjoyed quality time baking, crafting, and sharing stories together, creating lasting memories and inspiring new traditions.

"JCC Greater Boston is honored to receive this grant, and thrilled to be part of the global PJ Library community which distributes books in seven languages to more than 670,000 children in over 40 countries every month,” said Alyssa Kaitz, PJ Library Manager & Family Connector for JCC Greater Boston. “Creating opportunities to build and fortify intergenerational ties by embracing Jewish experiences, traditions, and values is central to the mission of both JCC Greater Boston and PJ Library. By understanding the specific needs of grandparents, fostering connections, and shaping meaningful programs, we can strengthen families and our vibrant Jewish community.”

As the Boston branch of PJ Library, the JCC sends age-appropriate, Jewish-themed books to more than 7,000 children in over 100 towns throughout Greater Boston each month. This past year, JCC Greater Boston also hosted 179 events, including playgroups, holiday celebrations, social events, and parents’ nights out for PJ Library families. Each experience was carefully designed by the JCC to meet families where they are in their Jewish journeys, enable learning, socializing, and community building in an accessible and appealing Jewish environment.

"These dollars have a profound impact on Jewish communal life in our partner communities,” said Tracy Newman, Director of Community Engagement for PJ Library. “The grants showcase PJ Library’s best practices for engaging a wide range of diverse families, enriching micro-communities and fostering a vibrant, dynamic Jewish community.”

A survey conducted by PJ Library of participants in last year’s grant-funded projects found that 71% of families sought out or attended other local Jewish programs following their participation in PJ-funded programs.

“It is our pleasure to amplify the amazing work of Jewish communities across the US and Canada,” said Jessica Emerson McCormick, Director of Family Experience for PJ Library. “We work hand-in-hand with our partners to make sure that we are going well beyond the books to support the rich engagement work that is right for each unique market.”

JCC Greater Boston and PJ Library are grateful to the PJ Library Alliance partners who have joined the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in funding these engagement grants: The Marcus Foundation, Inc.; The Azrieli Foundation; Carl & Joann Bianco; Winnie & Steven Grinspoon; Koum Family Foundation; Micah Philanthropies; Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation; Ann and Nate Levine Family Foundation; Arnold S. and Madaleine Penner Family Foundation; Crown Family Philanthropies; Joseph and Debra Weinberg Family Foundation; Marilyn Einstein & Steven Sim Charitable Fund; Mike & Sofia Segal Family Foundation; The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation; The Murray & Sydell Rosenberg Foundation; One8 Foundation; Sam Berman Charitable Foundation; Steve Saks; The Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation; Diane Troderman; Wilf Family Foundations; Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall; Zucker Family Foundation; and an anonymous partner.

About JCC Greater Boston:

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. The largest provider of Jewish early education in New England, JCC Greater Boston’s three early learning centers in Newton, Sharon, and Hingham serve roughly 350 students every year, with a curriculum focused on social, emotional, cognitive and physical development, and grounded in Jewish values. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, after school programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston engages more Jewish individuals and families across Greater Boston each year than almost any other Jewish institution in Boston. Visit www.bostonjcc.org to learn more.

About PJ Library:

PJ Library sends free high-quality Jewish children’s books to families every month. These stories spark conversations that inspire the whole family to explore and celebrate what they love about Jewish life. The program was created by the nonprofit Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) in keeping with its mission to help people connect to Jewish values, traditions, and culture while building vibrant Jewish communities. The HGF partners with local Jewish organizations to fund PJ Library and make it available in their community.