Jewish Community Partners

Memphis families enjoyed successful event programming last year through PJ Library, including the 2024 Kickoff in the summer and the 2nd Annual Pajamakkah Party in the winter.

By Sarah Besser Snyder, Engagement Manager, Jewish Community Partners

Young Jewish families: are you looking for a way to engage your little ones in the Jewish community from an early age? PJ Library isn’t just delivering books; it’s building a vibrant, joyful hub for young Jewish life in our city. From festive celebrations to meaningful learning adventures, PJ Library Memphis is forging lasting connections and enriching Jewish Memphis families, one engaging event at a time.

PJ Library, the national program that sends Jewish children free monthly books honoring Jewish culture and values, is managed locally by the Memphis Jewish Federation. Thanks to the Barbara and Earl Magdovitz Family, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and donors to the Annual Community Campaign, PJ Library delivers books to over 280 children in Memphis.

But in Memphis, PJ Library has become something even more special: a vibrant community, bringing families together through shared celebrations, engaging learning experiences, and joyful Jewish moments all year long.

“PJ Library has been such a blessing for our family,” shared Natalie Klaven, a parent whose children regularly attend the programming. “My children absolutely love the events, and it’s been wonderful to connect with other Jewish families in Memphis. It truly feels like we’re building a stronger community together.”

We’re excited to bring families together for another year of community events, starting with the Young Family Kickoff Celebration on Sunday, August 17. It will be a fun-filled, outdoor event featuring a bounce house, water balloons, relay races, sweet treats from Kona Ice, and more.

Last year’s kickoff, held at the MJCC Pavilion, was a fun-filled day of outdoor games, a bounce house, and pizza, drawing 45 families and 115 people. It served as the perfect launchpad for a year of engaging PJ Library programming. We’re sure this upcoming kickoff for 2025 will be just as memorable.

Throughout last year, PJ Library Memphis continued to offer plenty of family fun:

• November 2024: 30 families (72 people) gather for a delightful Young Family Ice Cream Social, providing a sweet opportunity for connection and community building.
• December 2024: Our 2nd Annual Pajamakkah Party was a resounding success and by far the largest event of the year. This vibrant Hanukkah carnival brought together an impressive 97 families (257 people). The event’s success was amplified by strong partnerships with nine different organizations, including Margolin Hebrew Academy (MHA), Bornblum Jewish Community School, Chabad of Memphis, the Memphis Jewish Community Center (MJCC), Memphis Jewish Experience, Temple Israel and The Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center, Beth Sholom, Young Israel of Memphis, and Baron Hirsch.
• January 2025: PJ Library partnered with the Civil Rights Museum for an impactful MLK Storytime at Novel. This educational event allowed 11 families (27 people) to learn about Martin Luther King Jr., and a week-long fundraiser hosted by Novel further supported the initiative.
• February 2025: Our Tu Bishvat Family Celebration, engaging 39 families (118 people) in a meaningful exploration of nature and Jewish values. This event also benefited from strong collaborations with MJCC, MHA, and Bornblum.
• April 2025: PJ Library also fostered intergenerational connections at a Backyard BBQ held at the Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab (MJHR). This heartwarming event brought together six families (30 people) and residents of MJHR, creating memorable moments for all.

Building off the momentum of last year’s success, PJ Library Memphis is excited to kick off another year of enriching programming! Mark your calendars for the Young Family Kickoff Celebration on Sunday, August 17 at 9:30-11 at the MJCC’s Judy and Larry Moss Family Pavilion. It will be a fantastic event for the whole family, and an opportunity to connect with other Jewish families and introduce your children to the joy of PJ Library programming. We can’t wait to see you there! RSVP today at: tinyurl.com/35xd79dt.