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The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks and the JCC offer programs to engage youth and families with school-age children and support their Jewish experiences: 

PJ Library sends free high-quality Jewish children’s books to families every month. These stories spark conversations that inspire the whole family to explore and celebrate what they love about Jewish life.

The program was created by the nonprofit Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) in keeping with its mission to help people connect to Jewish values, traditions, and culture while building vibrant Jewish communities. The Federation hosts programs for PJ families throughout the year. Join us!

PJ Library Sign Up
PJ Library Address Change

PJ Our Way is the next chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9-12. Every month, kids can come to this site to choose the book they want to receive. Kids can also submit reviews and videos about the books. Sign up today!

PJ Our Way Sign Up

Join us for the next PJ Library or PJ Our Way event!

  • Feb

    21

    Pajama Havdalah

    ALL Reading/Berks families are invited to a special Havdalah at RCOS with Rabbi Michelson and Cantor Stuart Binder.
    We will meet for a special craft, pizza dinner, story time, and the Havdalah serv...

Scholarships for Jewish summer camp and educational/travel programs

The Federation is proud to offer Jewish children/students, who are residents of our Berks County Jewish community, monetary awards to help support their participation in programs that nurture Jewish identity, leadership and connections with their culture, history and Israel. Let us help you send your child to a Jewish Summer Camp, Study Abroad Program, or Leadership Training. 

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Apply Here

Do you have a first-time Jewish summer camper? Your child may be eligible for a need-blind One Happy Camper® grant of up to $1,500 off their first summer at Jewish overnight camp!

Apply to One Happy Camper

Looking for the Lakin Preschool?
 

After many years of educating our children and those of our friends and neighbors, the Lakin Preschool has closed. The Federation has formed a strategic alliance with the Yocum Institute for Arts Education. 

 

Although Yocum is secular and arts-focused, the school has agreed to include the cultural aspects of important Jewish holidays. These holidays, appropriately taught to preschoolers, will provide a fun learning experience along with exposure to Jewish life and culture. As part of the agreement, the Federation will support Yocum with appropriate funding, and the Federation will have a board seat with the Yocum Institute. The Federation strongly recommends those previously or currently interested in the Lakin Preschool to contact the Yocum Institute. 
 

Please contact them at [email protected] for more information.