The man who changed Jewish bedtime stories is still reinventing himself at 97

Harold Grinspoon, the 97-year-old founder of PJ Library, reflects on his life journey from real estate to philanthropy. His program delivers Jewish children's books to over 670,000 families in 40 countries. His foundation has invested over $700 million in Jewish communities, supporting camps and endowments. A dyslexic Holocaust survivor, Grinspoon remains curious and active, now also a sculptor.

Harold Grinspoon, the 97-year-old founder of PJ Library, reflects on his unexpected life pivots in an interview with JTA. The businessman turned philanthropist created PJ Library in 2005 to engage young Jewish families with monthly deliveries of children's books. The program now has over 670,000 subscribers in 40 countries. His foundation also supports JCamp 180, which aids over 175 Jewish camps, and Life and Legacy, which has placed $350 million into organizational endowments and secured $2.2 billion in future commitments. Grinspoon, a dyslexic Holocaust survivor, remains curious and active, taking work meetings during daily four-mile walks. He also became a sculptor after a cherry tree fell in his yard. The article highlights his philanthropic philosophy of building lasting Jewish habits and institutions.