We’ve all heard the phrase, “It takes a village” when it comes to raising children. PJ Library Jacksonville’s engagement program is a vibrant example of this concept, helping parents build a sustainable community network by fostering deep social connections that honor Jewish heritage, history, and culture.
Founded in 2005 by Philanthropist Harold Grinspoon, PJ Library is a global, nonprofit program that provides free, high-quality Jewish-themed children’s books and supportive materials, every month, to families with young children from ages 6 months to 8 years old.
JFCS is honored to support the PJ Library in Jacksonville, through which Jewish families and their children can share books, music, and family programming. A national program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and supported through the Sam Berman Charitable Foundation, The DuBow Family Foundation and other philanthropists, our goal is to enrich, engage, and excite families about their Jewish traditions.
PJ Library members who serve as Parent Connectors introduce families to peers to share in the triumphs and challenges of raising Jewish children today. Whether a parent is choosing a preschool, figuring out what their family is going to do on a Sunday afternoon, or debating the best approach to teaching their children about values, having a peer group makes all the difference. Over coffee, coloring books, Legos, and Shabbat tables, Jewish families are connecting to each other, and to Jewish life.
“My passion is connecting people and helping them shine their best light. I can’t wait to meet and connect with new people in our community through my role as the Mandarin PJ Connector!”
— Jodi Rogozinski, Parent Connector
Jodi Rogozinski is a wife and mother of five who not only recently joined PJ Library Jacksonville, but has also stepped up as a Parent Connector. Her enthusiasm, her Master’s Degree education, and her past professional roles as a marketer, mind-body instructor, and professional resume writer, highlight her as an ideal candidate. She has also demonstrated outstanding commitment to give back to the community as PTA president of her children’s’ school for the past three years.
“I’m excited to support PJ Library’s Beginner’s Guide series, which helps young families connect with resources, traditions, and each other.”
— Paul Novak, Parent Connector
Another new member, Paul Novak, has also signed up as a Parent Connector. He is a devoted dad and husband, an active leader in Jacksonville’s Jewish community, and passionate about building meaningful, inclusive spaces for Jewish connection. He currently serves on the executive board of Congregation Ahavath Chesed and is the outgoing president of Temple 20s and 30s, a thriving young professional Jewish group he helped grow from a handful of people to over 100 strong. Paul holds an MBA from LSU, working professionally in sales management, analytics, and strategy. He also makes to time to volunteer with V for Victory and United Way, reflecting his deep commitment to community service. At home, he and his wife Jessica are proud parents to two little girls.
“PJ Library allows families to embrace Judaism on their own terms. For some, this might be their only connection to Jewish life, and that’s okay. Our goal is to meet people where they are.”
— Samantha Grinney, JFCS Program Coordinator, PJ Library Jacksonville
PJ Library Jacksonville continues to show how powerful community can be when families are given meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. With each story shared, each gathering hosted, and each new connection made, this program strengthens the village supporting Jewish children and families across our community.
Learn More About PJ Library Jacksonville
For more information about joining PJ Library Jacksonville, or to learn how to become a PJ Library Connector, please contact Samantha Grinney at sgrinney@jfcsjax.org.