In light of recent events, NCEJ is now giving grants for online programming geared to interfaith families, people beginning their Jewish journey, and those who may be interested in converting to Judaism or becoming part of the Jewish community. Programs must have an educational component. For details about NCEJ’s eligibility guidelines visit our website. If you have questions about what might be reimbursed contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director, or call 301-802-4254.

Pivoting to Online Programming: Examples from Around the World

Israel Reform: Passover 101 Workshop Held Entirely Online

Israel Reform received a grant for a 3-session Passover program for interfaith families from the former Soviet Union. They learned about the traditions and practices of Pesach, how to prepare for the holiday, and how to lead a Seder. This year for the first time the model Seder was held virtually instead of in person. The program was promoted via social media, other digital media platforms, and phone calls to the target audience in the local area.

The first session covered the history and background of Passover and included “handouts” of materials in Russian. The second session covered the rituals of the Seder, including how to read the haggadah and which foods to prepare. Participants could download a Reform haggadah and a DIY kit of materials for making a Seder plate and other items. The last session was a model Seder, held on the first night of Passover. Families could put into practice what they had learned and children who wanted could ask the Four Questions.

Contact Tamar Roig, Partnership Development, IMPJ, for more information.

Hillel Case (Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan) “Let My People Know” Passover Program

Hillel CASE (Central Asia and Southeastern Europe) recently received a grant for a new multi-session program about Passover to take place in 5 cities throughout the Ukraine. The organizers expect approximately 500 students to participate. The goal is to teach them about Judaism through the lens of the Passover story. The program was promoted through social media, their website, and other channels.

The first class (held online) covered the philosophy of Passover and how to hold a Seder at home. Valeria Kholodova, director of Hillel Case, says:

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to hold Passover Seder for hundreds of Jewish students at this difficult time. Right now, when I write you a letter, the students of Hillel are participants in the Passover TedX and thanks to this knowledge they will be able to hold the seders at home. And bring the Passover holiday to thousands of Jews.”

– Valeria Kholodova, Program director, International Jewish Student Organization HILLEL Case in Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan

Hillel at Virginia Tech “Judaism 101″ Finishes Online

The Hokie Hillel’s 5-session course ran from early January through mid-March. It was advertised through table-top cards and posters in local restaurants, coffee shops and markets, as well as through Facebook, Instagram and email blasts. Word of mouth was most effective, however.

The organizers quickly switched the last class to an online format when circumstances changed. One participant, who is in the process of converting to Judaism, said about the course:

“Judaism 101 was a great place to gather with other students and community members to learn, share, and ask questions about Judaism. It was nice to do that in a place where I wasn’t the only one who felt like they didn’t know anything.”

Sue Kurtz, the executive director of Virginia Tech’s Hillel, looks forward to doing more such programming in the future. She stated that “the funding from the National Center to Encourage Judaism has made us even more of a community center for Jewish learning here in Blacksburg. It is something we have always wanted to do.” For more information, contact Sue Kurtz, Executive Director, Hillel at Virginia Tech.

Bet Chaverim, Washington “Introduction to the Jewish Experience” Goes Online Only

Bet Chaverim received a grant for an “Introduction to the Jewish Experience” program. Rabbi James Mirel reports that he began the class by Zoom and had a dozen students participating. For more information, contact Rabbi James Mirel.

“In these difficult times, I wanted to thank you and the NCEJ. Jewish study will go on thanks to your efforts and generosity.” – Rabbi James Mirel

Temple Beth El of Huntington, NY “Jewish Holidays 101–Celebrate Interfaith” program goes virtual for final session

The 6-session program (Fall 2019-Spring 2020) was promoted in the local paper prior to each meeting, and flyers were distributed at the JCC and other community outlets. Each session consisted of an educational component followed by discussion about how to integrate Jewish traditions into an interfaith household. The goal was to help interfaith families embrace celebrating Jewish holidays together and provide a forum for conversation.

The final meeting, via Zoom, was attended by over 30 people. Participants learned how to observe Passover, including practical advice about (celebrating Pesach during a pandemic).

The facilitators were praised for their non-judgmental approach, and for teaching about the Jewish holidays in an easy-to-understand, enjoyable manner. The congregation’s Partnership Liaison, Lisa Tricomi, says:

“The grant conveyed our message of inclusivity, and it also allowed us to get our name out in the community to let others know that we are a progressive synagogue that is open to anyone interested in Judaism.” 

For details contact Lisa Tricomi, Partnership Liaison.

Resources for Connecting Digitally:

• Longtime Virtual Rabbi Offers Advice on “Doing Jewish” Online – Video by Rabbi Juan Mejía, who has been teaching online for a decade.
• A Recording of Rabbi Juan Mejía’s Conversation About Online Judaism on 3/15/20. Thanks to jewishLIVE and Oshman Family JCC.
• Virtual Community and Informative Resources – powered by The Jewish Federations of North America

Grant Updates

NCEJ renewal grant to Union of Reform Judaism includes increased digital media advertising for congregational Intro and Taste of Judaism® classes

URJ will give out marketing grants to 12-15 congregations, with preference to collaborative programs, congregations offering both Taste of Judaism® and Intro, and congregations offering a program for the first time. URJ will also implement digital media advertising for up to 50 congregational programs.

American Jewish University receives grant for branded marketing materials

The grant will fund the development of branded, customizable, professionally designed marketing collateral (both physical and digital) as well as a media kit, to be used to expand marketing for the Miller program and enable affiliates to widen their audience and increase attendance for Introduction to Judaism classes. The overall goal is to demonstrate that the Miller program “welcomes newcomers to Judaism with warmth.”

Funding Focus

In the last few years, NCEJ has expanded the scope of programs it funds and given grants  to a wider variety of groups across the Jewish nonprofit spectrum. Explore our site for details on the type of programs we fund. Have a question about whether we might cover a program you are considering? Contact us

Although our funding guidelines have broadened over the years, our mission has remained the same:

To Welcome New People to Judaism

NCEJ WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We welcome your inquiries as we navigate this new environment. Please reach out to us at 301-802-4254, or contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director. Applications are accepted throughout the year. For details about our grant process, visit our Grant Process page. Let’s all stay safe but stay connected.

Featured photo above: Rabbi Juan Mejía is the Southwest regional director at Be’chol Lashon, a group for diverse global Jews. From the video on YouTube “Diverse Jewish Voices: Rabbi Juan Mejía.” Rabbi Mejía has been teaching online for a decade.

The post NEW: NCEJ Giving Grants for Online Programming for People Exploring Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.