PJ Gives Back, a new initiative of Memphis Jewish Federation’s PJ Library, is helping our community thrive by giving families the tools to create Jewish moments of gratitude and giving.

PJ Library explains that modeling charitable acts is a great way to teach your child the value of tzedakah, and studies have found that it leads to marked increases in children’s self-esteem and feelings of empowerment.

Lauren Taube, PJ parent and Engagement and Data Manager at Jewish Community Partners shares how the program hopes to influence our youngest generation of Jewish Memphians.

“Tzedakah is a central value in Judaism. Federation is excited to share resources with parents that bring this value to life and encourage children in the community to help others.

Each PJ Library family program this year will bring PJ Gives Back to life by incorporating tzedakah-themed stories, tzedakah box crafts and opportunities to help others in the community. Children are encouraged to add coins to their tzedakah boxes from now until Federation’s Super Sunday in February. At Super Sunday, the PJ community will come together to see how their tzedakah can have a big impact the Memphis Jewish Community.

“Our family has made an effort over the last few years to really talk about giving back and what that means to us,” said Mary Kanowitz, PJ parent and Campaign Cabinet member. “PJ Library has been one of our favorite connections to our community here in Memphis. My kids have been collecting their own tzedakah this year to not only give back to PJ, but to also support things like Jewish education, camp, and helping those in need through the Federation. It is such a perfect teaching opportunity for supporting our Jewish values. I give to Federation for the same reasons and so much more. Federation brings the whole community together, and what better way to support that than by giving back!”

Created by The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF), PJ Library is funded by local philanthropists Billie and Joe Pierce Family and Memphis Jewish Federation in partnership with HGF. This national program sends a free, age-appropriate, Jewish-themed book or music each month to children 6 months through 8 years old. Memphis is part of more than 250 participating communities across the globe.

PJ Library programs are open to all families in the Jewish community. Learn more at jcpmemphis.org/pjlibrary