Jewish Federation Community Conversation with President Jay Sanderson and PJ Library Los Angeles Launch

LOS ANGELES , May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As promised in his blogs and web postings to donors and other members of the community, Jay Sanderson, president of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, will host a Community Conversation Sunday, May 16th at the Skirball Cultural Center. Members of the community are encouraged to attend and share their views and vision directly with Sanderson regarding the immediate and distant future of the Jewish community and what they deem priorities for Federation dollars, which approximate $50 million annually. This exchange of ideas is set for 9:30 am.

Following the dialogue, Sanderson will participate in another form of community engagement by helping to launch the PJ Library Los Angeles at 12 pm, a monthly, Jewish-content book-gifting program for children between the ages of 6 months and 5-1/2 years, conceived by Boston philanthropist Harold Grinspoon. Two years ago, the Federation brought PJ Library to 2,100 children living in the five Valley areas, Antelope, Conejo, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Simi Valleys.  The intent was to reach young families -- literally where they live -- by offering a free age-appropriate book or music CD, once a month, delivered right to their homes.  Since its introduction, there has been a substantial demand for introducing PJ Library beyond the Valleys, and the waiting list is considerable.  Now, that day has come.

"As we head into our Centennial year in 2011, the times have changed and the Federation must change the way it reaches out to the growing number of unaffiliated, intermarried or otherwise uninvolved families as well as to those who are involved," said Sanderson.  

Sanderson's exchange of ideas will take place in the Skirball's Haas Conference Center. The PJ Library announcement will occur during the Family Day celebration at the Skirball's "Monsters and Miracles" exhibit of children's Jewish book illustrators.  One family will be selected to be the first PJ Library Los Angeles sign up.  Other toddler-friendly PJ Library activities and giveaways will be available and children's book authors and musicians will perform during the event.

Who: The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles

What: Community Conversation, 9:30 am

PJ Library Launch, 12:00 pm

(PJ Library Day at the Skirball from 10 am to 4 pm)

Where: The Skirball Cultural Center

2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049

When: Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Only The Jewish Federation is uniquely able to leverage the strength of community in order to build Jewish identity through engagement and education, help those in need, meet the needs of the greater community and ensure the Jewish future in Los Angeles, Israel and over 50 countries worldwide. For more information, visit our website at www.JewishLA.org.

SOURCE The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles