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.

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

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

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Top photo – The Michael Levin Base

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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.

We fund marketing, security, program materials, and related expenses for Judaism 101 classes, holiday workshops, and interfaith engagement programs. For our grant guidelines and other details see our Grants Process page.

Celebrating and Connecting Newcomers to Jewish Life

NCEJ provides 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. They use engaging programming, sometimes supplemented with holiday celebration kits, to create an environment that both educates and welcomes newcomers.

“Inclusive Outreach 2nd Night Seder” – Temple Shalom, Manitoba Canada

Outreach Seder, Temple Shalom, Manitoba

Temple Shalom, Manitoba held an “Inclusive Outreach” 2nd night Seder. It was geared towards people attending a Seder for the first time including recent Jews by Choice and those considering journeying into Judaism. Everyone who wanted to come was welcomed. Everything that was sung or said in Hebrew had the accompanying transliteration and translation to make it accessible to all. The Seder combined both traditional and contemporary themes.

New symbols were added to commemorate current events, such as an empty chair at the table for the hostages. Passover Taboo was played at each table. (In addition to being fun, playing the game added to participants knowledge of the holiday).

For more information contact Sherry Wolfe Elazar, Jewish Learning Coordinator.

“Choosing Judaism – A Shavuot Panel and Dinner” – Sutton Place Synagogue, New York City

Sutton Place Synagogue – Shavuot program flyer

Sutton Place Synagogue (SPS) had a panel featuring Jews by Choice as part of the synagogue’s celebration of Shavuot. The panel brought together members of the SPS community who chose Judaism as converts from different backgrounds and time periods to discuss their experiences, joys, and challenges in a facilitated clergy-led panel for an audience of over 100 people. This was followed by a traditional dairy dinner. After dinner, the panel answered questions about their experiences and what it means to choose Judaism.

One of the goals of the program was to provide inspiration and encouragement for audience members who might be considering or in the process of conversion. In addition, there was ample opportunity for creating connections over dinner.

For more information contact Abby Johnson-Guez, Director of Membership and Development.

Check Out Our Website for More Examples from Recently-Funded Programs

We have given grants to over a dozen countries in the last 8 years, and over 1/3 of our grantees in 2023 were first-timers. For information on the type of programs we have funded, see our Program Profile pages.

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.

Top photo courtesy of Temple Shalom, Manitoba.

The post Apply Now for 2025 Spring Programs Welcoming New People to Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

Since 2017 NCEJ has given grants for programs that welcome new people to Judaism in over a dozen countries, including Canada, Israel, Brazil, Spain, Great Britain, Ukraine, Poland, and Germany. We fund marketing, program materials, security, and related expenses for Intro and interfaith engagement programs. For our grant guidelines and other details see our Grants Process page.

An NCEJ Grant Enabled a Synagogue in Jamaica to Connect to the Center for Jewish Life at Beth David, Miami

“Jamaica Conversion Program” – Shaare Shalom Synagogue, Kingston, Jamaica & The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David, Miami, FL

The Shaare Shalom Conversion Program was a year-long program of Judaic studies for over 20 people who were interested in converting to Judaism. They were taught remotely by Rabbi Adam Gindea at the Center for Jewish Life at Beth David, Miami. Students met monthly, exploring the Jewish calendar and traditions, and participated in the weekly Torah study group and other virtual programming offered in Miami. Rabbi Adam also met one-on-one with the students as part of the conversion process.

“This has been such a remarkable experience to witness and facilitate.” – Rabbi Gindea

A formal conversion ceremony was held in June in Jamaica. The ritual immersion was in the ocean waters outside Kingston.

Watch the celebration videos & see the program photos here.

For more details contact Rabbi Adam Gindea.

NCEJ is Funding Conversion Classes in Ukraine offered by the Midreshet Schechter Institute

Family Camp – Midreshet Schechter, Ukraine

More people with Jewish roots in Ukraine are discovering their Jewish heritage, and some of them ultimately decide to convert to Judaism. Candidates interested in converting study with the Midreshet Schechter rabbi for one to two years, and take part in Jewish community life. The program is held in several cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv and Odessa. In preparation, students must attend a local synagogue for Shabbat activities at least once a week, plus conversion classes. The culmination of the conversion classes occurs at a 4-day retreat, followed by a conversion ceremony.

Building Jewish Identity – The retreat gives families – Jewish, intermarried, and those converting – the experience of a week together in the country, learning how to observe Shabbat and bring Jewish tradition into their homes, and helps them build Jewish identity as a family.

“Especially during this difficult time of crisis in Ukraine, belonging to a close-knit Jewish community provides a buffer against the travails of war.” – Michal Makov-Peled, Executive Director

For more details contact Michal Makov-Peled, Executive Director.

NCEJ’s grant to the Israel Reform Movement for a program for interfaith families from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) helped connect many to Judaism at an unexpectedly challenging time.

Jewish renewal for interfaith Russian and Ukrainian refugees and immigrants – The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, Israel

NCEJ gave a grant to the Israel Reform Movement in 2023 for a year-long Jewish renewal program for interfaith Russian and Ukrainian refugees and immigrants (who arrived within the past 5 years). The goal was to encourage engagement with Judaism through introductory classes and workshops, online activities, holiday and Shabbat celebrations, lifecycle events, and conversion (for those interested).

Hundreds of people attended Shabbat and holiday prayer services during the year, with a large segment coming from interfaith families. Many families learned about holiday rituals and customs by coming to community-based holiday celebrations.

“What I feel isn’t just about candles, or history; it is about the miracle of belonging, my personal Hanukkah miracle… My deepest and sincerest thanks to NCEJ for making all that happens at Kehillat Shirat HaGan possible, and therefore making my life here so much deeper and richer.” – participant

Thirty young adults in the program recently completed a leadership course, and learned how to lead a Kabbalat Shabbat service and facilitate Jewish life cycle events. The new leaders plan on publicizing the program via social media and other digital methods, to bring in more participants.

“This is a huge step forwards as now these program participants can actually pass on Judaism to others, like ambassadors, and can both practice and lead Jewish ritual independently within this unique community.” – Tamar Roig, Program Coordinator

Watch the video from the Seder that Rabbi Grisha held for his congregation in Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv here.

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

NCEJ helps support JDC’s Jewish renewal efforts in Central and Eastern Europe

Joint Distribution Committee – (JDC), Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Budapest and Hungary

NCEJ has given grants to JDC since 2017, for programs in Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Hungary. In 2023 we helped engage young people with Judaism at Camp Szarvas, located near Budapest. Many Szarvas campers come from Central and Eastern Europe, and learn about their Judaism for the first time. Some are from communities where their Jewish heritage may have been hidden for generations, or where interfaith relationships are common.

“Camp Szarvas, where so many youngsters have discovered and fallen in love with their Judaism for the very first time.” – Eliza Prince, Director of Global Strategic Partnerships

The camp offers participants an entry to Jewish life, and gives them the tools to be Jewish leaders in their own communities. When they return home they are able to increase the involvement of their friends and families with Judaism.

NCEJ helped fund holiday celebrations at the JCC Budapest and JCC Riga

“With the support of the National Center to Encourage Judaism, this year thousands of people in Hungary and Latvia strengthened their Jewish knowledge and identity and connected to the Jewish community through the JCC Budapest and JCC Riga.”

In Budapest, Ukrainian refugees joined the JCC community for a reading of Megillat Esther and a Purim costume party. In Riga, at Passover families from a variety of Jewish backgrounds learned about the holiday and its traditions, played Passover-themed games, and tried out Israeli dancing.

NCEJ helps fund an Inclusive Outreach Seder at Temple Shalom, Manitoba

Inclusive Outreach Pesach Seder – Temple Shalom Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada

This past year Temple Shalom, Manitoba received an unprecedented number of inquiries from people who wanted to learn more about Judaism. In April the congregation held an “Inclusive Outreach” 2nd night Seder. It was geared towards people attending a Seder for the first time including recent Jews by Choice and those considering journeying into Judaism. Everyone who wanted to come was welcomed. Everything that was sung or said in Hebrew had the accompanying transliteration and translation to make it accessible to all.

For more information contact Sherry Wolfe Elazar, Jewish Learning Coordinator.

Top photo courtesy of Shaare Shalom Synagogue, Jamaica.

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There’s still time to apply for funding for Passover/Shavuot programs that engage interfaith families, new Jews by Choice, and individuals considering conversion.

NCEJ Helps Fund an Inclusive Outreach Seder

This past year Temple Shalom of Manitoba received an unprecedented number of inquiries from people who wanted to learn more about Judaism. In April the congregation will be providing a Seder designed for people attending a Passover Seder for the first time. This will include new Jews by Choice and people who are exploring the possibility of becoming Jewish. The Seder will include uplifting music, contemporary readings, traditional and newer symbolic foods, games and a catered meal. The message will be that there is room for everyone at the table.

NCEJ Gives Grant for a Special Shavuot Program: “Choosing Judaism.”

Sutton Place Synagogue in New York City will be hosting an erev Shavuot program this May focused on the concept of choosing Judaism. The format of the event will be a facilitated panel of people in the congregation who have chosen Judaism, followed by a discussion. One of the goals of the panel is to provide inspiration and encouragement for audience members who might be considering or in the process of conversion. One of the discussion questions will be “what does it mean to choose Judaism in today’s world?” The evening will conclude with a dairy dinner, which will create an opportunity to build community.

Have a question about the type of programs we might fund? We encourage people to reach out to us here.

To be notified of the latest grant updates sign up for our grant news.

Happy Purim!

Purim take home kit – The Jewish Enrichment Center of Chicago

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We focus our funding on 3 major areas:

• Introduction to Jewish Beliefs and Tradition
• Interfaith/Intercultural Engagement
• Holiday Programming

In 2024 we plan to add a fourth area of emphasis: Israel. We will be increasing funding for programming that engages individuals and families with Israel. Our goal is to strengthen participants’ connections to both Judaism and Israel, for people on the periphery of Jewish life.

We give grants for marketing, program materials, security, and related expenses. Our grants go to synagogues, JCCs and federations, and Jewish nonprofits located in the United States, Israel, Europe, and South America. For more details visit our Grant Process page.

Have a question about the type of programs we might fund? We encourage people to reach out to us here.

To be notified of the latest grant updates sign up for our grant news.

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“Jewish Makerspace” – Temple B’nai Torah, Bellevue, WA

Jewish Makerspace is a hands-on opportunity for families to learn about and begin to experience Jewish holidays. It will be open once a month from 10 am- 3 pm, focusing on one holiday each time. The goal of each gathering is for individuals to learn how to celebrate an upcoming Jewish holiday and also walk away with handmade ritual items. The program is geared towards learners of all backgrounds.

Marketing: The program will be promoted on an online/print Seattle magazine for families, and on Instagram and Facebook. In addition, flyers will be distributed locally and postcards will be sent out to the synagogue’s full mailing list.

For more information contact Rabbi Molly Weisel.

“Jewish Trails” – Congregation Shma Koleinu, Bellaire, TX

Congregation Shma Koleinu in Houston will be offering “Jewish Trails,” a monthly program starting in Fall 2023, designed to empower interfaith/intercultural/low-non-practicing parents to raise Jewish children.

Sara Chen, program coordinator, says “It is geared towards families that feel on the outside of Judaism but don’t know how to begin to teach/celebrate the Jewish life cycle with their young children.”

Each session will have an art project done by parents and children together. Here are some examples:

• “Shabbat Shiners” and Shabbat to go kit – Shabbat candleholders made with little flashlights
• Blessing Trail Markers
• DIY Hanukkiah at a local ceramic studio.

Marketing: The program will be marketed on social media, YouTube, and flyers/mailings to local schools/preschools.
Program Materials: The NCEJ grant will help CSK provide arts and crafts supplies and for special programs such as a bookbinding class.

For more information contact Sahel Chen, Program Coordinator.

Ideas and Inspiration for the Holidays

Here are some examples of programs we have funded in the past:

Rosh Hoshanah

“Apple Jews” – Hillel Minsk

During the program the organizers introduced the participants to the history and traditions of Rosh Hoshanah. Attendees also learned about other events offered by Hillel Minsk.

“During the year you can learn Jewish traditions, culture, and history, and at the same time fall in love, find friends, go on a trip —whatever you can imagine.”
– Alena Kuliounich, Director

Tu b’Sh’vat

Tu b’Shvat Terrariums – The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh

The Tu b’Shvat Celebration reminded families of their connection to the earth and in particular to the land of Israel. The terrariums reminded participants of the importance of our natural resources and of the Jewish people’s connection to Eretz Yisrael.

“Much like Jewish tradition teaches that we should plant trees not for ourselves, but for the generations to come, Tu b’Shvat Terrariums will plant the seeds of Judaism for the next generation.”
– Rabbi Ron Symon

Purim

Purim Celebration – Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism

The program included a Megillah reading, festive feast, costume competition, and a Mishloach Manot (Purim basket) parcel delivery. The registered participants were Russian-speaking interfaith individuals.

Passover

Online Passover Activities – Joint Distribution Committee, Latvia

Activities included a culinary class on making desserts from matzah, a model family seder, a session of Pesach songs, a Pesach “board game” for younger children, and an online Zoom quest called “Escaping Egypt” for young adults.

Top photo courtesy of Hillel Minsk.

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NCEJ funds programs that help individuals and families establish a Jewish identity and create a Jewish home.

We fund holiday workshops, Introduction to Judaism classes, and interfaith engagement programs for both adults and families. We give grants for marketing, program materials, security for in-person events, and related expenses. For more details visit our Grants Process page.

We place a priority on marketing, and encourage grantees to use a variety of channels to widen the audience and attract a diverse group of participants.

Get Ideas for Successful Programs that YOU can use in Your Community

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Our new Program Resource pages are packed with profiles of recently funded programs from a wide range of groups, including synagogues, JCCs / Federations, national nonprofits, and international organizations. We provide highlights of programs focused on:

Introduction to Jewish Beliefs & Traditions – “Connecting Interfaith Individuals to Judaism”
Interfaith/Intercultural Engagement – “Fostering a Welcoming & Educational Pathway to Judaism”
Holiday Programming – “Celebrating and Connecting Newcomers to Jewish Life”

Apply Now—While There’s Still Plenty of Time to Plan Fall Holiday Programming!

We welcome questions, by phone or email. You can always reach out to us to make sure we received your application. Decisions are usually made within 45 days. For more details, visit our Grant Process page.

Jewish Women’s Global Celebrations 5781 – Rosh Hashanah

Here are just a few of our recent grants:

• Congregation Sha’ar Zahav (San Francisco) – Judaism 101
• Congregação Israelita Paulista (São Paulo, Brazil) – Conversion Program
• Midor Lidor (Israel) – Passover workshop for Kavkazi immigrants to Israel
• Miles Nadal JCC (Toronto) – Sing-Along Holiday Celebrations
• Kehillah RVA (Richmond) – Pop-up Judaism: Jewish Holidays

Please share this grant-giving notice with your colleagues, or pass their names on to us. We accept applications throughout the year.

L’Shanah Tovah!
Have a Sweet New Year

Top photo courtesy of Temple B’nai Israel-Monroe, LA. Participants of their conversion class being formally welcomed into the Jewish faith.

The post NCEJ is Increasing Funding for Programs Connecting New People to Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

• Introduction to Jewish Beliefs & Traditions
• Interfaith/Intercultural Engagement
• Holiday programming

We give grants to local, regional, national, and international groups, ranging from small synagogues to large national nonprofits. We have provided funding for programs sponsored by JCCs/Federations, regional rabbinic consortia, and groups affiliated with the Orthodox, Conservative/Masorti, Reform, and Jewish Renewal movements.

We reimburse for marketing, program materials, security for in-person events, and other related expenses. For more details see our FAQs.

We accept applications throughout the year. Applicants are notified within 45 days. To apply go to our Grant Process page.

NCEJ Supports Small Southern Jewish Communities

Institute of Southern Jewish Life receives grant for conversion and interfaith programming

The ISJL’s Rabbi Caroline Sim travels to small communities across the South

NCEJ recently gave a grant to the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) for conversion classes and traveling holiday programs. The ISJL serves a 13-state southern region and employs a full-time rabbi who works only with communities too small to have their own full-time Jewish clergy-person. Over the years, ISJL rabbis have facilitated many conversions. ISJL will use NCEJ’s grant to seek out more conversion students through targeted emails, social media marketing, and possibly print materials.

“ISJL supports, represents, and introduces Judaism on these visits in a way that is accessible, joyful, and community building.”
– Beth Kander-Dauphin, Development Director

Some of NCEJ’s funds will be used to support ISJL’s holiday programs, such as the Passover pilgrimage, where ISJL rabbis visit small Jewish communities, and the friends and neighbors within those communities. Some conversion students began their journey to Judaism with these traveling holiday events. ISJL provides the program materials, such as haggadahs, that are accessible to people regardless of their Judaic background.

For more details contact Beth Kander-Dauphin, Development Director.

Temple B’nai Israel Monroe, LA offers a 1-session Intro every year

Temple B’nai Israel offers a free 1-session Intro session every year. Every time the class is offered about 6-8 people decide to take the Conversion Class. Many of them become active members of the congregation. This year Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh hopes to offer the class in person (with an additional cost for security). She plans on serving traditional foods such as challah, kugel, and chopped liver to supplement the discussion.

Advertising: The program will be advertised on Facebook, regional newspapers, local magazines, and on the synagogue website.

Distinctive Idea: Rabbi Ginsburgh will serve the food on Jewish-themed paper goods.

“We appreciate your continued support of our efforts to educate people in small town Southern America.”
– Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh

For more details contact Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh.

Interested in Offering an Intro Course? Here are Some Programs We’ve Recently Funded

Curious About Judaism? – Congregation Ruach haMaqom, Burlington, VT

Ruach haMaqom is a Jewish renewal synagogue founded by Rabbi Jan Salzman, who developed the 10-session course. She has converted over 20 individuals in the last 5 years. Most of the synagogue’s members are interfaith, so a strong focus of the class is those who are not Jewish but are working to create a Jewish home.

Students are introduced to Jewish history; the Torah and the other sacred texts; Rabbinic modes of interpretation; rituals and holidays; life-cycle events; mystical and other spiritual traditions of Judaism; ritual, culture, music, food and dance; anti-Semitism; Israel; and other topics.

“A 10 week course that will cover the basics as well as the fringes, so to speak (that’s a tallis joke).”
– Rabbi Jan Salzman

There is no charge for the course, but donations to the synagogue are encouraged.

Rabbi Salzman is considering offering shorter courses throughout the year rather than one 10-week course, to better meet the needs of the people who take her classes.

For more information contact Rabbi Salzman. For copies of her book list and other resources Contact Us.

Introduction to Judaism – Congregation Keneseth Israel, Allentown, PA

Introduction to Judaism Haggadah & L’chaim glass

KI offered a 6-session Intro class in the spring for students who wanted to learn more about Judaism and establish a Jewish home. The course was team-taught by the rabbi and a variety of Jewish educators.

Topics included the Bible and other sacred texts, the Jewish calendar and holidays, life cycle celebrations, Shabbat, antisemitism and the Holocaust, Zionism and Israel. Concluding right before Passover, the final class included a model Seder with instructions on how to prepare for the ritual meal.

A portion of the NCEJ grant was used to defray the cost of a security guard each evening the class was held. The temple’s support staff and guest speakers offered their services gratis, and KI provided free handouts and materials to enhance the content of each session. In addition, the program coordinator brought home-made refreshments tied to the holiday being discussed.

“The foods always get rave reviews and students always ask for the recipes.”
– Martina Obenski, Outreach Coordinator

The class cost $30 for the public and was free to KI members. Each participant received a “Goodwill Giveaway” – haggadah and a “Shalom” mug, imprinted by a local merchant.

Advertising: The class was advertised in digital and print media throughout the greater Lehigh Valley.

Program Content: Session Summary (PDF)

Ideas Worth Replicating:

• Giving out Shalom Mugs to each participant.
• Serving refreshments including sweets that enhance the topic material (such as Challah and babka for Shabbat).
• Providing haggadahs for everyone.

For more information contact Martina Obenski, Outreach Coordinator.

Reaching Out to People Post-Conversion

Judaism 2.0 – Congregation Har HaShem, Boulder, CO

Judaism 2.0 is geared to people who are interested in conversion or who have converted in the last several years. The free 8-session program is designed to build community connections, especially important in a time of increased isolation due to Covid. Many of the participants have already completed the local Introduction to Judaism class. Mentoring is an important component of the program.

“One of the greatest things we do is to accompany people on their sacred Jewish journeys. For those who are looking for connection, inspiration, comfort, and community, we have been a positive, open, inclusive gateway.”
– Rabbi Fred Greene, Congregation Har HaShem

The clergy is developing the curriculum. It will focus on Prayer, Liturgy, Inspiration, and “Owning Your Judaism.” The program was developed because the congregation saw a need to provide greater support to folks who have spent much of their time beginning a Jewish journey online during the pandemic.

For more more details on the program contact Rabbi Fred Greene.

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