Together in Aspen *
A number of years ago, Jill Rosenzweig and Mary Ellen Loebl invited me to lunch. They were both donors, Jill being the first in Tucson. Mary Ellen was and still is our PJ Library Program Professional. I came home impressed by what they described and with a folder of info to share with Steve. It was an easy decision for us: Free Jewish books every month for parents (or grandparents) to share with their children. We also appreciated that the national funder, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, chose to involve the local community financially as well as in planning events.
We have personally attended a number of the local events and are always impressed by how creative and well attended they are and the way they are received by the participating families – with excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment. PJ Library is an incredible outreach program and we are proud to be supporters through the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona.
Marilyn Einstein and Steve Sim
Tucson, Arizona
*Together at the Annual Aspen in August Gathering (L-R): Steve Sim and Marilyn Einstein with Harold Grinspoon, PJ Library’s Founder, and Winnie Sandler Grinspoon, President of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
We give because the stories cherish our Jewish heritage and respect and explore our Jewish values. We want our children and our children’s children to know, understand, and appreciate these customs, traditions, and values. The books provide a format for communication and discussion about Jewish life that might otherwise not occur – both within and between families. We support PJ Library so that those stories will form a basic structure of Judaism for our children.
Dr. Herschel and Jill Rosenzweig
Tucson, Arizona
PJ Library connects, in a very gentle way, Jews who are marginalized, by themselves or by others. For those who recognize their Jewishness, it reinforces the traditions and stories. The Grinspoons and their foundation have spent a great deal of time, effort, and resources. They are to be commended on their accomplishments.
Dr. Ron and Kathy Margolis, Margolis Foundation
Tucson, Arizona
When asked why we support PJ Library, our answer is simple. We care. We care about the future of our children, and we care about the future of their children. PJ Library helps to educate all of our Jewish children, teaching them to understand and treasure their Jewish heritage. These young PJ Library book recipients represent the future of the Jewish people, and it is critical that they know who they are.
Dr. Edward and Mary Ellen Loebl
Tucson, Arizona