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.

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Considering sponsoring an Intro or conversion class in 2023? If you charge less than $18 per person per session you could receive additional funding from NCEJ!

NCEJ offers grants to synagogues, JCCs, and other Jewish nonprofits that provide programming that welcomes new people to Judaism. We give grants for marketing, program materials, and other expenses that help individuals and families establish a Jewish identity and create a Jewish home.

We want to encourage groups to offer Intro and conversion classes at a lower cost than they might otherwise, to widen the audience and reduce potential barriers to participation. Apply by January 31 and if the per-person charge for each session is under $18, your organization could be eligible for a bonus of up to 18% (up to a maximum of $1,000). For example, you could offer a 10-session course for $175, or a 6-session course for $100. For examples of recently funded projects, see our “Introduction to Jewish Traditions” profile page.

What We Fund

We fund a mix of advertising methods, to help grantees reach more people and increase attendance. Examples of promotional materials we have funded recently include:

We cover a variety of program materials, including:

NCEJ has funded translations in Spanish, French, and Portuguese for Intro to Judaism and conversion classes, and given grants for programs located in over a dozen countries.

We also reimburse for security and some staff and technology costs.

Recently Funded Judaism 101 And Conversion Programs

Community Wide Course: Judaism for Conversion Candidates – Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City

RAKC’s year-long 36-week course is taught on a rotating basis by rabbis from the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox movements and is intended to acquaint those considering conversion to Judaism with what it means to live Jewishly. The course cost is $250 (including textbooks).

This program provides a comprehensive forum to engage, educate and connect potential Jews-by-choice to Judaism, and guides them in learning how to create a Jewish home. Students gain insight on a wide range of topics, presented from the perspective of all three major denominations.

Judaism for Conversion Candidates – Simply KC magazine ad

“By combining community resources students gain a much stronger and richer experience as they explore their spiritual journey.” – Annette Fish, Administrator/Program Director

Each class includes a 30-minute Hebrew component. Hands on extra-curricular activities enhance Jewish learning as students take part in a Shabbat worship service, Chanukah celebration, and Passover Seder, and are provided with ritual kits that help them observe and celebrate Jewish holidays.

Marketing: The class is promoted through print and digital advertising, including 2 local monthly Kansas City magazines, Google ads, the RAKC website, and social media. The magazines created the ad featured here for the consortium.

For details contact Annette Fish, Administrator.

“Seeking Judaism” – Institute of Southern Jewish Life, Jackson, MS

The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) is dedicated to serving even the smallest Jewish communities in the South. ISJL employs a staff rabbi who visits places too small to have their own local Jewish clergy. NCEJ gave a grant earlier this year to help ISJL expand outreach to potential conversion students.

The rabbi now has 8 conversion students, with more requests continuing to come in. This represents an increase of 300% over the past three years. (In prior years there were only l-2 active conversion students per year). This number does not include program participants, inquiries, or referrals to other programs such as the Union of Reform Judaism’s Introductory Judaism class.

Marketing: The marketing team used Canva Pro to enhance its promotional efforts. Marketing included Instagram and Facebook posts introducing the rabbi and mentioning conversion opportunities.

“The exponential increase in conversion requests truly seems to correlate with our increased marketing efforts as supported by this grant.” – Beth Kander-Dauphin, Chief Strategy Officer

For more information contact Beth Kander-Dauphin.

To see examples of effective marketing techniques from our grantees see our Marketing Gallery.

Conversion Class – Temple B’nai Israel, Monroe, LA

Temple B’nai Israel offers a 10-month conversion class every year, followed by a formal conversion to Judaism led by the congregation’s part-time rabbi, Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh. The class met 1-2 times a month in 2021-2022, mostly on Zoom. In addition to books the students also received 4 holiday ritual kits to make it easier for them to celebrate holidays at home. The program cost $600.

“As a Rabbi, I loved how excited these students get about learning and how they are sharing this learning and Jewish rituals with their families. I also like how all of them have already become active members of our Synagogue.” – Rabbi Ginsburgh

Marketing: The class was promoted using local bulletins, flyers and social media.

Temple B’nai Israel used the NCEJ grant to provide some basic ritual items to their students, partly pay for the cost of the books and materials, and help pay for security for in-person events.

For more information contact Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh.

Exploring Judaism Class – Mishkan Chicago

Mishkan Chicago has seen substantial growth in its “Exploring Judaism” class in the last few years. There will be 49 participants in the 2022-2023 class. The class is geared towards people who didn’t grow up practicing or identifying with Judaism—whether they are studying to convert or looking to bring Judaism into their multi-faith home.

There were 2 cohorts of the class: in-person and online. The virtual class enabled people who did not live in Chicago, or have a disability, or for whom it is more convenient to meet and learn online to participate in the program.

“It is a complete joy to be able to offer this program and bring so many people into the Jewish community.” – Rachel Cort, Executive Director

Marketing: Mishkan Chicago promoted the class via an email newsletter, social media channels, and word of mouth.

Follow-up Plans: Mishkan Chicago would like to establish a more robust alumni network so that prior students could serve as a resource for current students.

For more information contact Rachel Cort.

Miller Introduction to Judaism – Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock, Los Angeles

Temple Beth Israel (TBI) is offering the Miller 18 week “On One Foot” Introduction to Judaism class for $350 in 2023. The class will be available in both English and Spanish, geared primarily to residents of East Los Angeles who are interested in learning more about the basics of Judaism.

“Our primary goal is to welcome new people into Judaism, whether they be interested individuals, families, or non-Jewish spouses seeking to draw closer to their spouse’s tradition.” – Rabbi Daniel Chorny

Marketing: The congregation plans on conducting an extensive multi-channel marketing campaign, including the local Jewish press, Google/Facebook/Instagram, YouTube, and flyers.

For more information contact Rabbi Educator Daniel Chorny.

The Open Door: Stepping into Jewish Life / Intro to Judaism – Temple Israel of Boston

The Open Door Program at Temple Israel (TI), a large Reform congregation in downtown Boston, is an entry point for those who are looking to explore, rediscover, or connect with Judaism and synagogue life.

“Journeys to Judaism are vast and varied. Who you are and how you locate yourself in the Jewish story is a journey that all who are drawn to Judaism take, including those born into its heritage, those who choose it as their inheritance, and those whose legacy is love and who cherish the people in their lives who are Jewish.” – Rabbi Andrew Oberstein

Each semester TI offers holiday kits and a Shabbat dinner experience to Introduction to Judaism students. One of the goals of the Shabbat dinner is to help build community and foster new relationships among the cohort. Once the Intro to Judaism students receive the kits, one of TI’s rabbis leads an online discussion and talks about celebrating holidays at home.

For more information contact Shoshanna Goldberg, Director of Membership and Development.

Conversion Program – Congregação Israelita Paulista, Brazil

The main objective of the 1-year conversion program was to introduce the basic concepts of Judaism so that students could “follow their life within the community.” A pluralistic view of Judaism was emphasized. Teachers were from both the Reform and Conservative denominations.

“Judaism belongs to us because we study, live, practice, and feel it.” – Congregação Israelita Paulista

Marketing: The congregation used the NCEJ grant to increase marketing, and as a result attracted more participants to the program. The program was publicized on the synagogue’s website and on social media, and some printed materials were also produced.

For more information contact Beatriz Muller, Director of Membership and Development.

Promoting Judaism

An NFL football game this fall featured an ad from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality highlighting the benefits of Judaism. Read more here: “Going on offense: Why we ran an ad for Judaism during an NFL game” By Rabbi Josh Feigelson, EJ Philanthropy November 16, 2022.

Here are just a few of our recent grants:

Have an idea for a program but not sure if it’s something we will fund?

We welcome inquiries about our grants process. Reach out to us at 301-802-4254, or contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director.

Please tell your colleagues about NCEJ and let them know we accept applications throughout the year.

Top photo courtesy of Mishkan Chicago. Participants of their “Exploring Judaism” class.

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The Jewish Enrichment Center in Chicago, an independent Jewish nonprofit, used an NCEJ grant to promote their Passover Book Fair and DIY Seder. The first part of the program introduced participants to formats and materials they could use to lead a personalized Seder. The Center also set up a display of over 30 haggadot. The event was publicized on Facebook and Instagram, as well as in the local Jewish federation’s online portal.

Tips for anyone considering offering a similar program:

• Advertising works! This was the first time the Center had a chance to market their program to a wider audience. Facebook and the federation portal were especially effective tools for reaching new people.
• Have handouts available, not just links to sources. For example, participants requested photos/artwork illustrating freedom to use at their Seders.
• Allow time for free-flowing discussion. Participants enjoyed sharing ideas about incorporating what they learned in their own Seders.

“This workshop gave me lots of ideas about how I can lead my Seder.”

– DIY Seder Participant

Contact Rabbi Rebecca Milder, Director, 773-234-9403 for more information.

Pathways to Judaism

Jewish Discovery Institute, in Newton, MA, offers the Conservative Movement’s “Pathways to Judaism” class at different suburban Boston locations for people who are considering conversion. An NCEJ grant helped pay for a flyer that publicized its programs. There were 50 students in this year’s class.

“The Pathways program has… allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of our respective backgrounds and the traditions we each grew up with. Today, we can confidently say that based on the content of this program… now have a clear and united vision for our future together.”

– Pathways Program Participant

What Worked? The colorful brochure was an effective complement to Facebook and advertising on JewishBoston.com.

Contact Rabbi Braham David, Director, Jewish Discovery Institute or call 617-219-9775 for more information about this program.

Introduction to Judaism Classes

Germantown Jewish Centre Philadelphia. An NCEJ grant enabled the Germantown Jewish Centre to expand marketing for its Introduction to Judaism class, using the Conservative Movement’s Goodblatt curriculum. For them, having one or two teachers worked better than a rotating set of speakers.

• Tip #1: Broaden the advertising and start outreach earlier.
• Tip #2: Create more intentional opportunities to plug the folks in the course into other synagogue programs and initiatives.

“For an aspiring convert such as myself, the Introduction to Judaism class has been an awesome and fulfilling experience.”

– Introduction to Judaism Participant

Upcoming Grant Program Spotlight: Holiday 101

Congregation Beth El, in Huntington, NY will be offering a program called “Holiday 101 – Celebrating Interfaith“, an educational 6 session program that will inform, teach and create discussion around several Jewish holidays and traditions. The program will facilitate conversations for interfaith households and help families embrace celebrating Jewish holidays together. Each session/class will be composed of learning about the holiday; as well as incorporate discussion of how to respectfully integrate those traditions into an interfaith household.

Contact Lisa Triacomin, Partnership Liaison at 631-421-5835 ext. 206 for more information.

How the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh used “Family Field Trips” to Connect Interfaith Families with Judaism

For the second year NCEJ gave a grant to the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh to enable it to expand marketing for its Family Holiday camps, geared primarily to intermarried families. There were 3 one-day family camps held in the fall, winter and spring of 2018-19: Shabbat on the Ark, Latke Bake and Take, and Shavuout. Each session consisted of numerous hands-on activities plus Jewish learning. The aim was to encourage the families to build a Jewish home and also engage with Jewish life in Pittsburgh.

The Model

• Each camp was advertised in the general (not Jewish) press (print and electronic).
• Each camp included family-centered fun experiential learning about a Jewish holiday.
• Each camp showed families how they could embrace Judaism.
• Jewish content was emphasized.

Program Summaries

Shabbat on the Ark immersed families with young children in the story of Noach and allowed them to connect with one another while experiencing a family-friendly Torah service. Families went on a boat ride, much like Noah boarded the ark. Most of the activities were animal-related, such as building animal toys out of paper towel tubes.

Hanukkah Latke Bake and Take took place at the JCC. Families prepared the latkes, played dreidel, and enjoyed potato latkes and sufganyiot. For safety reasons families were given the raw materials in reclosable bags to cook at home. Before leaving they all gathered together for music, singing and candle lighting.

The Shavuot at an Environmental Center camp provided an opportunity for families to learn about the meaning of a less well-known holiday, through Shavuot-themed PJ library books, station-based activities, and questions that related the receiving of the Ten Commandments to modern day rules.

Recent Grants

• Comunitat Jueva de Barcelona Bet Shalom, Barcelona
• Kehilat Birkat Shalom Israel
• Finchley Progressive Synagogue, London
• Jewish Learning Lab, Vancouver, Canada
• Sylvan YM-YWHA, Montreal
• Temple of Aaron, MN
• Temple Beth El, NY
• Congregation Ner Tamid, NV
• Temple Adat Elohim, CA

Articles of Interest

1. Syncing our Words and Actions to be a Welcoming Community
2. Serving Interfaith Families: Current Realities and Opportunities in Conservative Synagogues
3. My Very First Shabbat: Looking Back
4. Why My Introduction to Judaism Online Class Was So Valuable
5. Brandeis University Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies: Life Stages and the Needs of Interfaith Couples, Beyond Welcoming: Engaging Intermarried Couples in Jewish Life

Have Ideas for a Program that Meshes with NCEJ’s Mission?

If you offer programs geared towards interfaith families and others who do not identify as Jewish, NCEJ might be able to help you widen your audience and connect more people to Judaism. For more details, visit our grant page, or contact Ellen Gerecht to set up a time for conversation.

The post NCEJ Grants Support a Wide Range of Programs appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

Rabbi Alona Lisitsa

Rabbi Lisitsa began teaching her conversion course in May of 2014. The course has rolling admissions to allow candidates to join when they are able and then continue until they have covered all of the curriculum necessary to prepare them for conversion to Judaism. The enrollment of the classes varies between 15 and 40 students. At the moment, there are 20 adults and 4 children currently enrolled. Rabbi Lisitsa also offers separate lessons for children which are customized for their age.

Among the highlights from this year’s class is the story of Miriam, a descendant of conversos, one of an estimated 100 million descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jews who were compelled to become Roman Catholic more than 500 years ago. Living in the Azores, Miriam owned a Torah scroll and other Judaica which she kept at her home. After a Jewish museum opened at the reconstructed synagogue at Ponte Delgada, Portugal, Miriam chose to donate the objects to the museum. As a member of the conversion class, Miriam was able to return to Judaism and become an active participant in the Jewish community.

New Projects Planned

The Jewish Progressive Federation of Spain has just been approved as a registered religious organization by the Spanish Ministry of Internal Affairs, which will allow Rabbi Lisitsa to plan numerous new projects. Among those is to create a series of Shabbatonim for empowering and educating lay leadership and prayer leaders.

Featured photo above: Rabbi Alona Lisitsa, Ph.D. (standing, second from left), a sponsoring rabbi for the conversion process for Iberia in the European Beit Din — featured in this Hebrew Union College article.  NCEJ is increasing its international presence with a grant to the World Union for Progressive Judaism to support conversion efforts in the Iberian Peninsula.  Photo of Rabbi Lisitsa, featured in The Times of Israel.

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To apply for a grant, simply fill out our short two-page application which can be downloaded here. Submit your application at any time throughout the year. Notification is made within 45 days.

Anyone who applies by November 15 is eligible for an additional funding bonus. See a special mention of our funding bonus in eJewish Philanthropy.

Apply today for an NCEJ Grant—and tell your friends in the field, too.

Here’s what one of our grantees said about the NCEJ grant her organization received:

“It is clear that our sisterhood leaders accepted the (NCEJ) grants with a clear vision. These programs are able to be easily replicated and will serve as models for sisterhoods in the future as well. Your gift is truly one that keeps on giving.”

We welcome ideas for innovative programs, as well as proposals for events that can be replicated by others.

An NCEJ grant can help you attract more people to Judaism from all walks of life and backgrounds.

• Temple Beth Israel, Broward County, FL offers conversion classes for Spanish speakers. Two of the students who went through the conversion class are currently members of the synagogue board.
• West Suburban Temple Har Zion River Forest, IL just received a grant for an Introductory Judaism class for Spanish speakers.
• Women of Temple Sinai, Pittsburgh, PA hosted a “Pride Seder” program which reached women in the congregation who were studying for their conversion, as well as others, including many from outside the synagogue.
• Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County / New York – Interfaith Family Engagement Project. This initiative will offer monthly two-hour conversations for parents (with children welcome) focused on building a Jewish home.

Have an idea? Give us a call or send us an email, contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director or call 301-802-4254.

Here are a few of our recent grants:

• Welcome to Judaism Course (Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine/Portland): Working collaboratively with all clergy in the community, the JCA will offer five sessions over six weeks.
• Finding Your Place in B’nai Mitzvah: The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis will hold a four-series seminar for Jewish/non-Jewish families in the bar/bat mitzvah stage to help them navigate some of the issues they may face.
• 2nd Nite Learners Seder for Conversion Students (Congregation Beth Tikvah, Toronto): This provided families an opportunity to celebrate Passover with others going through the same process.

Programs such as these can start participants on a Jewish journey. Here’s just one example:

“Our Taste of Judaism classes are a great way to introduce inactive and non-Jews to Judaism in a friendly, non-proselytizing atmosphere.”

Many students have continued on to other adult education classes. One Jewish retiree who had been unaffiliated took the Taste of Judaism® class a few years ago, got involved in the synagogue, and volunteered as an adult education chairman the past year. Additionally, a couple who attended the Taste of Judaism® class joined the weekly Torah study group.

In Other Grant News…

The NCEJ grant to the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) was recently renewed. URJ will use the grant for marketing Introduction to Judaism and A Taste of Judaism® classes. The funds will be used to support classes held by individual synagogues and for social media and other advertising for URJ-sponsored classes.

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) received an additional grant for 2018-19. This will enable more small- to medium-sized communities to receive sub grants for programming geared to interfaith families, including PJ library participants.

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about NCEJ’s activities and what we fund, click here to download our new flyer.

Have a program idea that needs funding?

Give us a call or send us an email, contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director or call 301-802-4254.

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