In an effort to reach a larger Jewish communal audience, PJ Library of Kansas City collaborated with several community agencies on programs and events over the summer.
In partnership with the Jewish Community Foundation and Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, PJ Library co-hosted Raising Charitable Children last month. This was a free community workshop for parents and grandparents on how to incorporate philanthropy and community care into family life.
PJ Library and Jewish Experiences also partnered on Kindergarten Kickoff in late July, connecting families of incoming kindergarteners with others in their schools and districts. This was the first event of its kind, and more than 30 families attended.
Most recently, PJ Library hosted two kids challah bake events with Chabad on the Plaza and Chabad of Leawood. More than 50 families in total came together to mix, braid and top challahs for Shabbat and the High Holidays.
According to PJ Library Coordinator Bridey Stangler, these kinds of partnerships are unique to the Kansas City community.
“The really beautiful thing about our community is that organizations collaborate in Kansas City the way they don't collaborate anywhere else,” she said.
PJ Library also collaborates with synagogues on their “Tot Shabbat” programs and young family programming to read stories and connect non-members of synagogues with Jewish educational opportunities.
“What I love about PJ library collaboration in particular is that we're a non-membership organization. We aren't asking anything of the parents. Our end goal is to help people connect to Jewish community, whether that's through organizations and institutional Judaism or informally, just by creating networks of Jewish families within neighborhoods,” Stangler said.
Through these partnerships, Stangler explained, community members are able to explore the breadth and depth of Jewish life in Kansas City, getting a taste of several opportunities and programs the community has to offer.
“PJ library provides a unique opportunity, because we don't compete with anybody. We're just interested in getting people into each other's doors and exposed to the wisdom and joy of connecting with other organizations,” she said.
Those interested in connecting with PJ Library’s programming can email Stangler at .
