Hillel Ukraine’s “Start Here: Rosh Hoshanah” Program Introduced Participants to Jewish Traditions and Beliefs
“Start Here: Rosh Hoshanah” – Hillel Ukraine
The program was primarily geared to those with little or no prior Jewish experience, including interfaith families and those with Jewish roots who have never felt connected to Jewish life. It took place in 5 cities throughout Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odessa, and Kharkiv.
“We want curiosity about Judaism to become a meaningful first connection.” – Hillel Ukraine
Tetania Smotkin, Deputy Director, eloquently expressed the goals for the program:
As Ukraine continues to live through extraordinarily difficult times, people need places where they can come together, find warmth in one another, and feel that they are genuinely welcome. We want our Hillel centers to become such places — open Jewish homes where no previous knowledge, experience, or Jewish identity is required to walk through the door.
Rosh Hashanah, with its message of hope, renewal, and new beginnings, gives us a unique opportunity to create a first encounter with Judaism that feels warm, accessible, and personal. After 30 years in Ukraine, we want to celebrate by welcoming new people around our table and giving them the opportunity not simply to learn about Jewish tradition, but to experience what it feels like to be welcomed into Jewish life.
For us, this is what “Your First Rosh Hashanah” is ultimately about: opening a Jewish door, creating a sense of home, and making room for a new beginning.
The program was promoted through targeted social media, partner organizations, local community platforms, and the “Bring Someone to the Table” campaign, specifically designed to reach new people.
Hillel CASE
The Kharkiv JCC Helps Newcomers to Judaism Celebrate Holidays at Home
“Learn and Connect” – JCC Beit Dan, Kharkiv, Ukraine
The Kharkiv JCC will be sponsoring a 5-month “Learn and Connect” program for families with children age 10-17, primarily engaging participants who do not identify as Jewish or are not connected to Jewish life. At each weekly session participants will be introduced to Jewish traditions, holidays, and local Jewish history. The program provides an entry point for new people, fostering connection, curiosity, and continued engagement with Jewish culture and community life.
By creating positive first experiences and engaging both parents and children, the program encourages continued involvement and supports the development of a Jewish home connection. – Artem Okun, JCC Director
The program will be promoted through targeted social media, local online groups, printed materials in schools and community spaces, and partnerships with local organizations to reach new participants. The JCC also plans to produce a short-form video to promote the program.
Our program serves as a warm and welcoming gateway — an opportunity for people to connect with Jewish culture, values, and community, sometimes for the very first time. – Artem Okun, JCC Director
The NCEJ grant will enable the JCC to develop printed educational materials and brochures, supplies for each session, and interactive family learning kits that families can use to celebrate Jewish holidays at home.
NCEJ Gives Grants to Jewish Groups Worldwide for Programs that Welcome New People to Judaism
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.
What We Fund:
NCEJ provides grants to established Jewish organizations, including synagogues, JCCs/federations, and regional and national groups.
We fund a mix of programs, from traditional classes to experiential learning; in-person, hybrid, and online; family programming and adult-only. Programs can be any length, from single-session workshops to multiple-month classes. All programs must have an educational component.
We reimburse for marketing, security, program materials, room rental, and related expenses. We place a priority on promoting to a wider audience.
Our program profile pages are full of examples of recently funded projects, along with advice gleaned from grantees. Visit our Program Profile page.
Help interested individuals in your community develop a Jewish identity – Apply for an NCEJ grant today!
NCEJ accepts applications throughout the year — apply anytime! Grantees may receive more than one grant per year. Apply now and hear back within 30 days. 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.
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Top photo – Hillel CASE