Free programmes offering books, educational kits, and charitable items are available to Jewish families and individuals, primarily through established philanthropic and community organisations. These initiatives provide a range of materials, from children's literature and music to religious texts, holiday kits, and charity boxes, often at no cost to the recipient. While some programmes are regionally specific, others operate more broadly, with eligibility often based on family background, location, or specific educational needs.
Programmes for Children and Families
A prominent programme for Jewish families is PJ Library, which is part of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. This initiative mails free, high-quality Jewish children's literature and music to families with children from birth through age 12. The programme is implemented across North America with the support of philanthropists and local Jewish organisations. In the specific region of Tidewater, families with children from birth through nine years old who are raising children with Judaism as part of their lives are encouraged to sign up. The programme welcomes all Jewish families, regardless of background, knowledge, or family make-up. The books are provided free of charge due to funding from local donors and foundations.
For children aged nine to twelve, PJ Our Way serves as the next chapter of the PJ Library programme. This is available free of charge to families throughout the United States and Canada who are raising Jewish children. Each month, children can visit the PJ Our Way website to select a book from a selection of age-appropriate books with Jewish themes. They can also submit reviews and videos about the books they receive. Children become eligible to enrol in PJ Our Way when they turn 8.5 years old, up until the day before their 13th birthday.
The PJ Library programme in Tidewater has specific eligibility criteria. A family must have children from birth to eight years old, have at least one Jewish parent in the household, and reside in the Tidewater area. The programme does not charge any cost, and the only requirement is that families read the books and listen to the music with their children. The organisation also accommodates children with special needs, allowing for books to be tailored to a child's specific age or learning requirements.
Educational and Religious Texts for Adults
For adults seeking to further their Jewish education, TorahMates offers a free book service. This programme provides free Torah books to registered participants, with the goal of supporting Jewish education. In a recent year, the organisation reported mailing 3,096 books free of charge to TorahMates across the globe. Shipping for these books is free within the United States, with shipping to Canada available for a fee.
Another source for Jewish books is freejewishbooks.com, which offers a selection of featured titles. The books available include works on Jewish history, law, and inspirational stories. For example, Let My Nation Begin tells the story of Avraham, the Patriarch of the Jewish People. Schottenstein Ed Interlinear Chumash Complete in 1 Volume provides the Torah, Haftaros, and Five Megillos with an interlinear translation and commentary. Shaarei Halachah is described as a summary of Jewish law based on the Mishnah Berurah, covering topics such as daily routines, prayer, blessings, the Sabbath, and dietary laws. Other titles include Holy Woman, which chronicles the life of Rebbitzen Chaya Sara Kramer, and Be A Blessing, a story set during the Holocaust.
Holiday Kits and Community Programmes
Programmes offering at-home kits for Jewish holidays are available, often targeted at families interested in conversion or those seeking to learn more about traditions. One such programme is Converting with the Family: Introduction to Jewish Holiday Customs, which is geared towards Russian-speaking immigrants. This programme provides holiday kits that supplement online learning. The kits contain items related to the holiday, arts and crafts for children, traditional foods, and blessings and other materials. The programme is expanding and will include a downloadable option in the future.
Another example of a holiday kit programme is the Chanukah Box initiative. Each box contained a warm blanket, Israeli sweets, and a set of Chanukah postcards. The postcards featured interactive educational content about Chanukah traditions, the history of the holiday, and its significance to Judaism. The programme was promoted through social media campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, with collaboration from local organisations to broaden outreach.
Charitable Items
For those interested in charitable giving, Colel Chabad offers a free Pushka, or Tzedakah Box. A Pushka is described as more than just a charity box; it is a daily reminder that even small actions can change lives and transforms people into givers. The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that a Pushka in every Jewish home creates a dwelling place for Divine blessings. Colel Chabad provides these boxes for free to help people dedicate a space in their home, office, or car to helping others.
Eligibility and Access
Eligibility for these programmes varies. PJ Library in Tidewater requires a family to have children from birth to eight years old, at least one Jewish parent, and residence in the Tidewater area. PJ Our Way is available to children in the United States and Canada aged nine to twelve. The TorahMates book service is for registered participants, with free shipping in the US. The holiday kit programmes often target specific groups, such as Russian-speaking immigrants or families interested in conversion. The Pushka from Colel Chabad is available to anyone interested in receiving one.
The marketing and outreach for these programmes are conducted through various channels. The Chanukah Box programme used social media campaigns and collaboration with local organisations. The holiday kits programme for conversion used social media, Russian-language outlets, direct phone calls, and word of mouth. The PJ Library programme relies on partnerships with local Jewish organisations and philanthropists.
Conclusion
A variety of free resources are available for Jewish families and individuals, ranging from children's books and music to educational texts for adults, holiday kits, and charitable items. Programmes like PJ Library and PJ Our Way provide monthly books to children in North America, while TorahMates offers free Torah books for adult education. Holiday kits and community programmes help families learn about and celebrate Jewish traditions, and items like the Pushka support charitable giving. Eligibility and access depend on the specific programme, with some being regionally focused and others available more broadly. These initiatives are supported by philanthropic foundations, local organisations, and community donors, ensuring that the materials are provided at no cost to the recipients.