Finchley Progressive Synagogue in London: “Experiencing Jewish Festivals and Shabbat: An Invitation to Discover”

Holidays can be a hook bringing people into Judaism

NCEJ provides grants for holiday how-to workshops and hands-on programs that help interfaith/intercultural families, Jewish-adjacent individuals, and spiritual seekers learn about the meaning of Jewish holidays and holiday traditions. Our grants cover marketing, program materials, security, some staff support, and related expenses for both single events and multi-session programs, traditional classes and experiential learning.

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.

Hillel Ukraine’s Passover Project focuses on the themes of freedom and resilience

Photo: Hillel International, Across Ukraine, Hillel Offers Refuge Amid War and Loss

“Pesach Project” – Hillel CASE, Ukraine Region

The Pesach Project, designed for university students and young adults with little or no Jewish background, will focus on the traditions and customs of Passover, and its contemporary relevance. Hillel plans on holding Seders in multiple cities throughout the region. A key component of the program will be a handout, developed by Hillel educators and distributed to every participant.

“The program introduces Passover traditions, including the Seder, while emphasizing universal themes of freedom, displacement, resilience, and hope that resonate deeply with students living through conflict and uncertainty.”
– Tetiana Smotkin, Program Coordinator

In 2025, Hillel held the program in 5 cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odessa. Students prepared traditional foods and re-enacted parts of the Seder. This not only made learning fun but also allowed participants to connect with the customs on a personal level. These students were then empowered to lead Pesach Seders for their peers—many of whom had little or no prior familiarity with Jewish history or traditions.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to NCEJ for supporting this initiative– in such difficult dark times for Ukraine we managed to bring together the light of hope and support.”
– Tetiana Smotkin, Program Coordinator

Participants attending the Tallinn, Estonia JCC’s Passover program will learn how to celebrate Pesach at home

“Family Passover Experience: Your Own Seder Journey” – Jewish Community of Estonia | Tallinn JCC

The Tallinn JCC will be holding a 1-session Passover program “Family Passover Experience: Your Own Seder Journey” as part of their “Jewish at Home: Family Journeys into Tradition” programming. It is designed primarily for families with limited Jewish background, interfaith households, and people who have never celebrated Passover before. The organizers will guide attendees through the story, symbols, and structure of the Seder.

The experience will include:

• A family-friendly retelling of the Exodus story, with reflections on the themes of freedom, identity, and resilience-especially relevant in today’s world
• An explanation of the Seder plate, haggadah highlights, and key rituals
• Interactive stations where families can make charoset, learn the Four Questions, practice the blessings, and sample symbolic foods
• A creative hands-on activity: assembling a home Passover kit with a mini haggadah, symbolic items, and a simple Seder guide
• A closing family discussion circle, inviting participants to reflect on how they can make Passover meaningful in their homes

The goal of this program is to make Jewish holidays accessible and welcoming to new audiences through engaging activities, take-home resources, and inviting conversations.

A London synagogue’s Passover program emphasized empathy towards strangers because “we were once strangers in the land of Egypt”

“You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9)

“Experiencing Jewish Festivals and Shabbat: An Invitation to Discover” – Finchley Progressive Synagogue, London

Finchley Progressive Synagogue received a grant in 2025 for a series of holiday programs that aimed to empower participants to feel confident celebrating at home. Over the course of a month participants learned about the story and traditions of Passover. Students in the congregation’s Conversion/Delving into Judaism class cooked and served the Seder meal, as a way of “leaning in” to the rituals. Interfaith families and Jewish-adjacent and interested individuals were encouraged to attend, and were invited to play a part in the evening events.

“We are proud that our community is inclusive in every sense and we take pride in the diversity of our membership and our efforts to welcome people whose journeys to Judaism may be unique, challenging, winding, or choppy. Whatever their path has been to reach us we are proud to welcome them.” – Finchley Progressive Synagogue

Check Out 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.

Sign Up For Our Grants Letter Today

Keep abreast of new funding opportunities by signing up for our newsletter: sign up for our newsletter.

Chag Sameach!

Top photo – Finchley Progressive Synagogue in London: Children singing the Ma Nishtana, reading from the Haggadah

The post NCEJ Funds Holiday Programs Worldwide – Providing a Place Where All Are Welcome appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

NCEJ gives grants to synagogues and other Jewish organizations sponsoring programs that attract more new people to Judaism from all walks of life and backgrounds. We provide grants for holiday how-to workshops and experiential programs that help interfaith families and individuals exploring Judaism learn about holiday traditions. Many of our grantees have used the Jewish holidays as a “hook” to connect new people to Judaism. Learn more on our Holiday Page.

We fund marketing, program materials, security, and some staff support. Program materials include arts and crafts supplies, books, handouts, and related items. We also reimburse for the costs of holiday celebration kits, which can enrich participants’ educational experiences and strengthen connections to the sponsoring organizations. (See our Program Kit Page.)

To learn more about NCEJ and the type of programs we fund, see our What We Fund page.

NCEJ funds programs worldwide to engage, educate, and connect interfaith couples, people interested in conversion, and others who want to explore becoming part of the Jewish community.

Recently Awarded Grants

Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder Booklet – Funded in part by NCEJ

“Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder” – Congregation Or Ahavah, FL

Jewish Renewal Congregation Or Ahavah held a Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder in September. The Seder was preceded by participants sharing something about each of the hostages that remained in Gaza at that time. In addition to chicken and brisket, participants feasted on pomegranates, stuffed dates, beets, carrots, and chocolate fish.

View Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder Booklet (PDF)

“Our past experience tells us that nothing attracts people more than food and joyous music. Our strategy is to connect everything we do to teaching about Judaism and how what we do is repeatable in their homes and their lives.”
– Rabbi Debrah Shenefelt

Tu B’Shvat activity – “Forest in a jar” terrarium

“ABCs of Judaism” Holiday programming – Hillel Poland

This program was a series of pre-holiday educational meetings designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of key Jewish holidays. The program aimed to ensure that participants not only learned about the holidays intellectually but also connected emotionally and engaged practically with the tradition. Holidays and celebrations included Shabbat, Tu B’Shvat, Purim, Pesach and Shavuot. Programming combined historical and textual learning with hands-on activities, such as challah baking for Shabbat.

“The NCEJ grant was instrumental in establishing a program that provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of key Jewish holidays through the ‘3H’ philosophy – Head, Hand, Heart.”– Magda Dorosz, Director

NEW! Jewish Outreach Podcast

The purpose of The New Jew Podcast is to encourage non-Jews to consider becoming Jews and to challenge the Jewish community to rethink about reaching out to non-Jews to convert to Judaism. The podcast is a series of interviews; it is a celebration of faith, resilience, and community.

Listen to the Podcast: Episode 04: Welcoming the Curious – The Case for Jewish Outreach, with Jonathan Argaman, The New Jew Podcast, (recorded: Nov 3, 2025).

In this thought-provoking episode of The New Jew, Rabbi Jon Cutler and Jonathan Argaman sit down with Ellen Gerecht, head of the National Center to Encourage Judaism (NCEJ), to explore a bold and often overlooked strategy for Jewish continuity: actively inviting non-Jews to explore Judaism. Ellen shares the inspiring origin story of NCEJ, founded by her parents over 40 years ago with a simple but radical idea—market Judaism like any meaningful product, highlighting its benefits and welcoming spiritual seekers. Today, NCEJ funds programs across denominations and geographies, from intro-to-Judaism classes to interfaith holiday workshops, helping Jewish organizations reach new audiences.

Check Out Our Resource Pages

Fostering a Welcoming & Educational Pathway to Judaism
Introduction to Jewish Traditions

Celebrating and Connecting Newcomers to Jewish Life
Holiday Programming

Connecting Interfaith Families to Judaism
Interfaith/Intercultural Engagement

Our grants can help you connect new people to Judaism and your organization.

Sign Up For Our Grants Letter Today

Keep abreast of new funding opportunities by signing up for our newsletter: sign up for our newsletter.

Top photo – Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder – Congregation Or Ahavah, FL.

The post NCEJ is Increasing Funding for Interfaith Engagement Programs in 2026 appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

NCEJ gives grants to synagogues and other Jewish organizations sponsoring programs that attract more new people to Judaism from all walks of life and backgrounds. We fund programs that help individuals and families celebrate holidays, build a Jewish home, and connect with others with similar backgrounds and experiences.

NCEJ funds programs worldwide to engage, educate, and connect interfaith couples, people interested in conversion, and others who want to explore becoming part of the Jewish community.

Our grants cover marketing, program materials, security, and related expenses for both single events and multi-session programs, traditional classes and experiential learning. For more details see our Grant Process page. For more details on our funding guidelines see our What We Fund page.

Chanukah Boxes of Warmth – The Beri Foundation, Ukraine

Recently Awarded Grants

“Introduction to Judaism” – Temple Beth El, Jersey City, NJ

Temple Beth El in Jersey City, NJ sponsors a 20-session Introduction to Judaism class, using the Union for Reform Judaism curriculum. It includes 2 dinners and invitations to numerous social, communal, and religious events. Students are encouraged to craft their own practices and perspectives. Adding to the intimacy of the group, participants occasionally meet in people’s homes, in addition to the synagogue.

“Because of this program, Temple Beth-El now has many members and member families who have gone through the program and are now active members. Many have converted and there is a social cadre of young people who call Judaism and our Temple home.”– Rabbi Leana Moritt

For more information contact Rabbi Morritt.

“Judaism Behind the Scenes” – Temple B’nai Torah, Bellevue, WA

Temple B’nai Torah is offering a 10-session holiday program, “Judaism Behind the Scenes,” designed for families that are new to Judaism, but open to everyone. It is a monthly gathering to help participants experience the foods, songs, and rituals of upcoming holidays. Families will cook/bake food related to the upcoming holiday; and then, while eating the meal, they will learn about the meaning of the holiday. Each gathering will take place 3-4 weeks before the actual holiday so that participants can use the skills/ information learned to be able to celebrate the holiday at home with family and friends.

“Our synagogue has become known in the Puget Sound area as an ‘entryway’ to Judaism for folks interested in exploring Jewish life.”– Rabbi Mollie Wiesel

For more information contact Rabbi Mollie Weisel.

“Stepping into the Seasons: Introduction to the Jewish Holidays” – Mittleman JCC/PJ Library, Portland, OR

This 4-session program series, sponsored by the Mittleman JCC/PJ Library, invites interfaith families to explore Jewish holiday traditions. Each 90-minute event, held on a weekday evening, will offer an opportunity for families to learn and engage together. Each session parents will learn about a specific holiday and discover ways to incorporate these traditions into their own family lives. Children will enjoy a craft activity directly related to the holiday being celebrated.

For more information contact Lisa Katon, Donor Relations/Grants Specialist.

Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism – Tu Bshvat

See Examples of Recently Funded Grants

Check out our resource pages, containing descriptions of recently funded grants for Judaism 101, holiday, and interfaith engagement programs. Scroll through for program ideas, marketing suggestions, and advice on what worked well.

Our program profile pages are chock-full of examples of recently-funded projects, ranging from Judaism 101 classes to holiday workshops for interfaith families. To get ideas that you can use in your community see our profile pages:

Fostering a Welcoming & Educational Pathway to Judaism
Introduction to Jewish Traditions

Celebrating and Connecting Newcomers to Jewish Life
Holiday Programming

Connecting Interfaith Families to Judaism
Interfaith/Intercultural Engagement

Our grants can help you connect new people to Judaism and your organization.

Recently Awarded Grants

Sign Up For Our Grants Letter Today

Keep abreast of new funding opportunities by signing up for our newsletter: sign up for our newsletter.

Chag Sameach!

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Top photo – Mishkan Chicago: celebration held at Shabbat for all the people welcomed into Judaism.

The post NCEJ Grants Help More Groups Offer Intro and Interfaith Engagement Programs appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

We fund Judaism 101, interfaith engagement, and holiday programs; single session events and multi-month courses; and hands-on learning and traditional classes. We support a wide variety of programs that introduce new people to the joys of Judaism.

We reimburse for marketing, security, program materials, and some staff expenses. For our grant guidelines and other details see our Grant Process page. For more details on our funding guidelines see our What We Fund page.

NCEJ Grants Help Groups Offer Holiday Programming for Multifaith/Multicultural Families

An NCEJ Grant Helped JEWISHColorado in Denver Expand the Audience for Its “Nosh and Dessert Seder” This Past Spring

“Nosh and Dessert Seder” – JEWISHColorado, Denver

Before the Seder began, families met each other and did a mitzvah project together. For the children there were Passover-themed activities and a PJ-library sponsored story time. During the Seder everyone who wanted could participate, and a music educator incorporated singing into the program. Families were invited to take the haggadahs home and each child received a kid-sized Seder plate as a gift.

“We never imagined doing a Seder at our house and now we feel comfortable not only doing one but also inviting another family to join us.”– participant

Jewish Explorers Passover Haggadah (PDF)

For more information contact Cindy Coons.

For Over 40 Years NCEJ Has Supported Organizations Offering Basic Judaism Courses

NCEJ recently gave a grant to Central Reform Temple, located in South Boston, for its “Join Our Jewish Family” program

“Join Our Jewish Family” – Central Reform Temple, Boston

Central Reform has noticed an increase in inquiries from people interested in conversion. The grant will be used for producing a webpage and flyer for the program as well as a guide to the congregation.

For more information contact Rabbi Dr Michael Shire.

Recent New Grants

• Astoria Synagogue, New York – Pathways to Judaism
• Temple Brith Achim, PA – Shabbat celebrations
• JEWISHcolorado – Shabbat family programming
• New London Synagogue, Great Britain — Conversion program
• JCC Budapest, Hungary – Judaism 101 videos
• Schechter Institute Ukraine–Conversion Seminar
• Hillel Kyiv – Basic Judaism videos

NCEJ funds programs worldwide to engage, educate, and connect interfaith couples, people interested in conversion, and others who want to explore becoming part of the Jewish community. To learn about future grant opportunities sign up for our newsletter.

Photos above courtesy of JEWISHcolorado, Jewish Explorers.

The post Grants Available Now for Fall Programs Connecting New People to Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

We fund a variety of programs for individuals interested in conversion, interfaith families and others who are just beginning to explore Jewish life and culture. Our grant-giving focuses in 3 major areas: a) Introduction to Jewish Traditions, b) Interfaith Engagement, and c) Holidays. We give grants to synagogues, JCCs/federations, national and international groups, and nonprofit organizations. For information on the type of programs we have funded, see our Program Profile pages.

Hillel Buffalo receives NCEJ grant for a new “Introduction to Jewish Life” program

“Introduction to Jewish Life” – Hillel Buffalo, New York City

The 8-session Introduction to Jewish Life program offers an accessible and welcoming entry point for individuals who are new to Judaism or have limited exposure to Jewish life. By offering a supportive, interactive learning environment, the program helps participants explore key aspects of Jewish identity, history, and tradition. Through discussions and engaging lessons, students will gain a deeper understanding of Jewish heritage and develop a meaningful connection to its traditions.

Hillel Buffalo, New York City

An NCEJ grant given to the Marlene Meyerson JCC in Manhattan will be used to offer a new Basic Judaism course to residents of Northern Manhattan (including Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood)

“Basic Judaism” – Marlene Meyerson JCC, New York City

Basics is an experiential course introducing the principles, theology, literature, and ritual/spiritual practices of Judaism through discussions and exposure to traditional texts, contemporary readings, and Jewish experiences to those exploring conversion, interfaith families and couples, and others interested in learning more about Judaism. This course is based on the Miller Introduction to Judaism course, and offered in partnership with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, JCC Harlem, YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, and in consultation with local synagogues. The facilitator for the program is Rabbi Mira Riera, JCC Harlem’s Rabbi-in-Residence, and the first Filipino-American woman to be ordained at JTS. This course has never before been offered to residents of northern Manhattan.

NCEJ funds programs worldwide to engage, educate, and connect interfaith couples, people interested in conversion, and others who want to explore becoming part of the Jewish community. To learn about future grant opportunities sign up for our newsletter.

The post NCEJ Helps Fund Two New Experiential Intro to Judaism Programs in New York State appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.