Finchley Progressive Synagogue in London: “Experiencing Jewish Festivals and Shabbat: An Invitation to Discover”
NCEJ Grants Can Help Groups Offer Special Shabbat Programming that’s Educational, Engaging, and Accessible to Everyone
NCEJ provides grants for holiday how-to workshops and experiential programs that help interfaith families and individuals exploring Judaism learn about holiday traditions and rituals. We reimburse for marketing, program materials (including celebration kits), security, and staff support. For more details see our Holidays Page.
Interested in Applying for A Grant? Apply Anytime
The application is straightforward and decisions are made within 45 days. Grantees may receive more than one grant per year. For more details see our Grant Process page.
Have an idea for a program but not sure it meets our guidelines? Reach out to us at 301-802-4254, contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director, or complete our Proposal Form.
Apply Now!
For over 45 years NCEJ has given grants for programs that educate, engage, and connect new people to Judaism – including interfaith families, people interested in conversion, Jewish-adjacent individuals, and others who want to explore becoming part of the Jewish community.
Showcasing the Joy of Shabbat
Temple Brith Achim: Once Upon a Frozen Shabbat, NCEJ credit
“Once Upon a Shabbat” – Temple Brith Achim, King of Prussia, PA
Cantor Tifani Coyot of Temple Brith Achim received an NCEJ grant for a year-long, quarterly Shabbat series designed to introduce interfaith families, as well as others, to the beauty and joy of Shabbat through pop-culture themed experiences. Themes include “Nemo’s Ocean Shabbat,” and “Lego Shabbat”. The primary audience includes those who attend the JCC preschool (located within the building), as well as the local community.
The program aims to create a welcoming and accessible entry point to Judaism, making Shabbat approachable and exciting for children and adults alike. A 35-40 minute service will weave the pop culture theme into traditional rituals. Children will actively participate in learning about Shabbat through songs and stories. They will be encouraged to dress up and participate in themed activities. A festive Shabbat dinner will follow the service, featuring themed crafts and activities.
The program is being promoted through a variety of channels, including digital marketing (targeted social media and email), and print marketing (flyers, a banner, and ads in the local paper).
Creating Connections Through Celebrating Shabbat
“Light Up Shabbat” – Syracuse Community Hebrew School
The “Light Up Shabbat” program sponsored by Syracuse Community Hebrew School (SCHS) will provide families with the tools they need to celebrate Shabbat regularly at home. Many of the students who attend the school come from interfaith households. The NCEJ grant SCHS received will be used for hands-on cooking classes, Shabbat dinners held at school, and Shabbat celebration kits sent home with students. The kits will contain items such as challah covers, candlesticks, candles, recipes, and resource packets (including the blessings and songs).
“This program is not about observance – it’s about inviting families to discover the joy and meaning of Shabbat on their own terms, together.” – Ora Jezer, Head of School
The goal is to make Shabbat accessible for all, regardless of families’ Judaic knowledge. The school hopes that this initiative will encourage families to sit down together on Friday night, and that at times several families will share a Shabbat meal, thereby building community and developing new traditions.
Connecting multi-faith and Jewish families in areas where there are no local synagogues or other Jewish institutions
“Tot Shabbat” – JEWISHcolorado
This pilot program is an opportunity for these families to experience a fun, meaningful Tot Shabbat celebration, while connecting to other families and Jewish life and community. JEWISHcolorado will be offering four one-hour Family Tot Shabbat experiences during the year, led by a Jewish music educator who will create and lead the services. Each family will receive a Shabbat kit with challah, juice, candles, and blessing sheets. One of the goals is to connect the families to JEWISHcolorado programming and the greater Jewish community. The program will be marketed through JEWISHcolorado’s communications sources and targeted emails to young families.
Check Out Our Holiday Program Profile Page
For examples of recently funded programs see our Holiday Program Profile Page:
Celebrating and Connecting Newcomers to Jewish Life
Holiday Programming
Our grants can help you connect new people to Judaism and your organization.
PJ Library/JEWISHcolorado: Family Jewish holiday celebrations, a gathering at a local pumpkin patch for Sukkot
Apply Now for Funding
Have a question about what we might fund? Drop us a note. We welcome inquiries and offer a variety of ways to get in touch with us:
Complete our application
Fill out the proposal form
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Top photo – The Michael Levin Base