By Reporter staff

The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton has received a $2,500 grant from the Donald Etra Futures Fund. The Etra Fund gives grants to small Jewish communities to help them perpetuate their PJ Library program. The money will fund the Federation’s PJ Library program for the next year.

Currently, there are 65 children, ages birth through 8.5 years old, who receive free PJ Library books through the local Federation each month. The Jewish-themed stories offer children an age-appropriate way to learn about Judaism. Each work includes additional information about the holiday/story that is offered so parents can discuss the books with their children. 

The Federation offers free books for those living in the Greater Binghamton area. To sign up to receive books, visit https://pjlibrary.org/communities/jewish-federation-binghamton-ny/100293. Anyone whose grandchildren live in another area should visit https://pjlibrary.org/enroll-in-a-community and fill out the form so they can receive books from their local Federation. 

“I’m thrilled that we received this grant,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation. “My goal for the coming year is to get more young families involved in the Binghamton Jewish community and the PJ Library is just one way to reach out to young Jewish families. Federation plans to host programming this summer geared toward young families. Information about those events will appear in future issues of The Reporter.”