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.

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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

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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.

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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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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How Grantees Are Connecting Interfaith Families to Judaism in New Ways

Many NCEJ grantees are using a combination of hands-on kits and innovative virtual programming to reach interfaith and new Jew-by-choice families during a pandemic. The kits give families an activity to do at home, even if they choose not to participate in the online sessions, and help to actively engage all participants.

The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh’s “Home to Home” holiday celebrations help create Jewish memories

The goal of the JCCPGH’s Home to Home programming is to “support and encourage interfaith families who are just beginning the journey to make Judaism a part of their lives.” In the fall, families received a welcome kit, and then picked up a “Jewish Celebration Kit” prior to each holiday. 60 families picked up at least one kit. Each Zoom session was 45 minutes. Danielle West, PJ Library Coordinator, reports that the sessions created opportunities for friendship, invaluable during a time when activities were limited. The JCCPGH is doing a similar program this season, focusing on Pesach, Shavuot, and other spring holidays. NCEJ is currently funding a variety of virtual programs for interfaith families, people in the process of conversion, and others who are exploring becoming part of the Jewish community.

For more details contact Rabbi Ron Symons, Senior Director of Jewish Life or Danielle West, PJ Library coordinator.

Nashville Jewish Federation’s “Building Sacred Spaces” seeks to engage interfaith / intermarried couples in Jewish conversations

The goal of the one-year program, according to Adam Bronstone, director of planning, is to help these individuals and families “establish a Jewish identity and traditions in their respective homes.” NCEJ funding will be used to design meaningful content, including the development of kits containing ritual items such as candlesticks and cooking materials for sessions on traditional Jewish foods. The program will be marketed through social media and word-of-mouth.

For details contact Adam Bronstone.

The Jewish Enrichment Center of Chicago provides an entry point into Judaism for families with young children

Jewish Play Take Home Kit (credit: Jewish Enrichment Center Chicago)

JEC’s Family Jewish program sends play kits to participants, filled with developmentally appropriate play materials, craft projects, song sheets, and information about Jewish holidays and topics. The materials give adults the content knowledge and confidence to bring Judaism into their families lives, regardless of their Judaic background. For example, the fall series play kits offered family pretend play prompts for Rosh Hashanah (phrases to use with imaginary play), information on the origin of the Sukkot holiday, Chanukah candle lighting blessings, recipes, and more. Many people heard about the program through word of mouth or the JEC’s own website. NCEJ grant funding enabled JEC to advertise in several local online publications and on Facebook and Instagram, which brought in families they would not have reached through other means.

“(The) program has been an overwhelming success… the craft projects, authentic Jewish materials, and information for parents… encourage Jewish play at home and offer basic Jewish knowledge to parents.”

For details contact Sara Grossman, Assistant Director.

Planning Now for Fall 2021? Apply for a Grant from NCEJ

The National Center to Encourage Judaism has funding available now for virtual/hybrid programming that welcomes new people to Judaism – interfaith families, individuals considering conversion, others interested in learning more about Judaism’s beliefs and traditions. Our grants help connect people who do not identify as Jewish with Judaism, increasing their engagement with Jewish organizations. We support programs that provide an “on-ramp” to Judaism for people on the periphery of Jewish life. For more details visit our Grant Process page. Applications are accepted anytime.

Looking for Programming Ideas? We Can Help.

Our Virtual Programming page is packed with innovative ways to engage people online, such as supplementing screen time with activity kits. We have ideas for interfaith family engagement programs, conversion classes, holiday programs, and much more.

Have an idea but not sure it meets our guidelines? Please reach out to us at 301-802-4254, or contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director.

Have a Program in Mind, but Looking for Ways to Reach More People? Check out our New Marketing Gallery

Our Marketing Gallery is chock-full of examples, ranging from Facebook and Instagram ads to print flyers, postcards, and brochures. See how synagogues, JCCs, and other groups have promoted their programs for adults and families—ranging from single-session to multi-month events, discussion groups to how-to workshops and hands-on activities.

Recent Grant Highlights

JCC Tallinn in the Jewish Community of Estonia

NCEJ renews Joint Distribution Committee grant for outreach programming in Latvia and Estonia

JDC’s programs at the JCCs in Riga and Tallinn provide a welcoming Jewish home to individuals who have recently discovered they have Jewish roots and are interested in developing their Jewish identity. Newly affiliated Jews experience the richness of Shabbat and Jewish holidays through a range of on-line and in-person celebrations. This (pictured right) took place during a brief relaxing of social distancing restrictions, and people welcomed the opportunity to reconnect to their newfound community.

In the coming year a variety of virtual educational, cultural, and social activities will help connect people with Judaism, including pluralistic holiday and Shabbat celebrations designed for people of all ages, youth clubs to engage teens in Jewish life, community service and volunteer activities, and social activities such as Jewish cooking lessons, and virtual tours of Israel. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and actively explore what being Jewish can mean to them.

Hillel CASE (Central Asia/Southeastern Europe) offered “Let My People Grow” Passover program

NCEJ awarded a grant to Hillel CASE for a Passover program. This year’s grant was used for holiday kits to enable participants to create a Seder at home, in addition to learning about Passover traditions online.

“We are sure that over the past months we have taken a special place in the lives of our students and we are confident that they are not alone but together with their big Jewish Hillel family”

Kolot Mayim, a small synagogue in British Columbia, receives grant to adapt Intro to online format

Kolot Mayim Reform Congregation used an NCEJ grant to adapt PowerPoint presentations, create break-out sessions, and research and develop visual materials that would help sustain participants’ interest online. The 20-week basic Judaism virtual class was preceded by a 3-week overview “Nosher’s Plate.” The evaluation noted several benefits of online learning, including allowing participation by people who would find it difficult to attend a class in person, such as people with mobility issues or who live a significant distance from the synagogue. Many of the students regularly attended online services and other synagogue programs. There was a high level of interaction with the rabbi, through emailed questions and regularly scheduled meetings.

Recent Grant Awards

• American Jewish University: Online Introduction to Judaism
• Congregation B’nai Amoona, St. Louis: “The Art of Jewish Living”
• Hillel Kyiv: “Introduction to Jewish Tradition”
• Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism: “Converting with the Family: Introduction to Jewish Holiday Customs”
• Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary: “Jewish Essentials” class
• Rabbinical Association Greater Kansas City: Community Conversion class
• Shaar Zahav, San Francisco: Judaism 101 and Journey to Judaism Discussion class
• Women of Reform Judaism: “Online Outreach” programming for women new to Judaism

Articles and Resources

We welcome your inquiries. Please reach out to us at 301-802-4254, or contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director. To apply, visit our Grant Process page.

Top photo courtesy of Hillel Minsk

The post NCEJ’s Grantees Use Online Programming to Engage Interfaith Families appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

Funding for Virtual Programming Now Available

NCEJ is now funding virtual programming to educate and engage interfaith families, people who are considering converting or have recently converted, and others who do not identify as Jewish who are seeking spirituality and connections with the Jewish community in these challenging times. Our goal remains unchanged: We want to encourage Jewish organizations to offer programming that helps individuals and families establish a Jewish identity and create a Jewish home.

Apply for funding today; applications accepted year-round. 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.

Special Funding Bonus for Online Programming for Families

In addition to funding virtual programs that begin in 2021, NCEJ is offering up to a 10% bonus* for applications received by December 31 for online family programs that meet our eligibility guidelines.

*For grants up to $6,000

Planning for 2021

Now is the time to begin planning programs for 2021, including programs that help interfaith families and individuals beginning their Jewish journey prepare for Passover (which begins March 27th).

We have expanded the type of items that are eligible for reimbursement. In addition to marketing, we cover some program material costs, such as the cost of Take-Home Kits that supplement virtual learning. Check out our grants page to learn more.

View/Download our Funding Focus Guidelines as a PDF

Learn How NCEJ’s Grantees Use Technology to Creatively Connect New People with Judaism

Selected Grantee Programs

Here are some ideas that illustrate the variety of virtual programming being funded by NCEJ. Some groups are doing online-only programs, while others are finding ways to also have socially distanced limited attendance outside gatherings.

Westside JCC, Los Angeles received a grant in May 2020 for virtual Jewish engagement programming for interfaith families. Proposed online programming includes:

• Bi-monthly “Shabbat ShaZoom” – virtual community Shabbat programs facilitated by a Jewish educator
• Havdalah programs
• Zoom “tour” of Israel

For more information contact Melanie Litzer, Development Director.

Families pick up a “Jewish Celebration Kit” prior to each holiday.

The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh (JCCPGH) recently received a grant for 7 virtual holiday programs led by a trained educator, geared towards interfaith families and others who are marginally connected to Jewish life. According to Rabbi Ron Symons, one of the goals of the “Home to Home: Celebrations of Jewish Life” program is to “encourage families who have not yet made the commitment to raise Jewish children to engage in Jewish customs.” Each family will receive a welcome kit and then pick up a Jewish Celebration Kit for each holiday.

“We want them to raise their children as Jews with Jewish values, customs, traditions, foods, celebrations, holidays… as a part of their regular life cycle.”

Here are some highlights of the funded programs:

Sukkot: Guests in the Sukkah – This year guests could not be welcomed into a sukkah. Families who participated in the “Guests in the Sukkah” session were invited to use a wall in their home as an indoor sukkah. They were encouraged to fill their indoor sukkah with photos of family members and to share family stories throughout the holiday. Children used art materials to create their own Super Sukkah Guests.
Shabbat: Challah Detectives – The Challah Detectives experience aims to bring families together to make their own challah while learning some of the lesser known traditions surrounding this weekly treat. Together families will mix their ingredients to make dough. While waiting for the dough to rise, families will use their detective skills to discover the answers to questions such as “What does it mean to salt a challah?” Families will also create their own challah cover to be used as they build their own Shabbat traditions. While the challah is rising, families will practice braiding techniques using Play Doh. Families will bake their challah on their own following the program.
Havdalah: Grateful for… Havdalah – Grateful for… Havdalah will bring families together to experience Havdalah. Each family will create a Havdalah kit and will have the opportunity to use it in a virtual Havdalah service. Throughout the program, participants will brainstorm ways to make gratitude part of a Havdalah experience.
Chanukah: Donuts in the Dark – Shining a light on the determination of the Maccabees, families will be challenged to create a chanukiah using donuts, donut holes, frosting, and other edible treats. Once all families have completed their challenge, together as one community everyone will recite the blessings and “light” the chanukiyot using glow sticks for candles.

For more information contact Rabbi Ron Symons, Senior Director of Jewish Life.

Over the summer they also had several Shabbat picnics at a local park, with attendance capped due to Covid. A local Kosher caterer provided Shabbat picnic meals for those families who did not want to cook. Many families ordered dinner, which had the added benefit of bringing more business to a Kosher caterer whose revenue had dropped substantially since the pandemic began. Debra Bulmash, the program coordinator, says:

“Through BI Neighborhoods, we are able to create a welcoming Jewish environment where families can learn simple and easy traditions, children can participate in Jewish crafts (usually related to holidays, Shabbat, etc), and families can connect with each other and with Beth Israel.”

For more information contact Debra Bulmash, BI Neighborhoods Coordinator.

Jewish& celebrates Family Day with a photo session. Photos courtesy of Ian Lawrence Photography

Miles Nadal JCC, Toronto sponsored a 6-session “Jewish Foundations” course taught by Rabbi Julia Appel, using the curriculum she developed. One student said:

“I loved participating in the class especially since I’m beginning the conversion process. I learned so much about living Jewishly and I feel more excited to take my next steps.”

Cara Gold, who oversaw the program, stated that “It is very clear to us that this ‘high touch’ approach goes such a long way in welcoming the wider community into Jewish learning together.”

In 2019 the Toronto JCC received an NCEJ grant for a series of holiday family programs under the umbrella of its “Jewish &” programming. The goal was to gather multi-faith and cross-cultural couples and families for Jewish exploration and education. The program was publicized via social media, newsletters, flyers, and word of mouth.

Jewish & – Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre Photos

Photos above courtesy of Jewish & – Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre. Thank you for sharing!

“In the first 6 months, and with the help of NCEJ we were able to launch the program and our corresponding social networks to build the project between events.”

They ran 8 events in 6 months that were attended by over 350 people. Examples included:

Crafternoons: Rosh Hoshanah, Sukkot, Tu b’shvat – an afternoon of holiday crafts, snacks, and fun inspired by the particular festival.

Challah Hang – participants gained some pre-shabbat bread-making skills while learning about the variety of Jewish& experiences Toronto had to offer, and took home a loaf of bread.

For details on the “Jewish Foundations” course, contact Rabbi Appel. For more on the JCC’s “Jewish &” programming contact Cara Gold, Manager of Downtown Jewish Life.

The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh (JCCPGH) – Rosh Hashanah and Welcome kit. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Ron Symons, JCC of Greater Pittsburgh

Activity Take-Home Kits

Many grantees are combining virtual programming with activity kits that are either delivered to homes or picked up by participants. Here are some ideas from recently approved applications:

Shabbat

  Shabbat Baskets: “Shabbaskets” – Congregation Beth Israel, Vancouver
The Shabbat kit contained items that families could use to create meaningful traditions in their homes. Items included:

• Grape juice
• Challah
• Candles
• Activities for either the children or the family to do together (story, coloring book, Shabbat matching game, craft, etc.)

After the kit was delivered, there was a Zoom group chat to read the story/make the craft and welcome Shabbat together.

  Challah Kit: – JCCPGH
The JCCPGH Shabbat Celebration kit will include items that will enable each family to easily make challah and a challah cover:

• Recipe
• Cloth for challah cover
• Decorative materials for challah cover
• Play Doh so that families can practice braiding
• Blessing
• Adult education materials

  Havdalah Kit: – JCCPGH
Families can use the items in the JCCPGH’s Havdalah kit to create their own Havdalah kits:

• Beeswax for candle making
• Spice bag materials
• Wine glass materials
• Blessings
• Adult education materials

Judaica Activity Baskets

  Activity Packages: Westside JCC, Los Angeles’ activity packages will include materials for families to make Judaica items at home, such as Havdalah candles and mezuzahs.

BI Neighbourhoods – Rosh Hashanah Take Home kit

Holiday Baskets

  Sukkot Baskets – JCCPGH: The JCCPGH provided baskets containing art materials to make a “Sukkot Special Guest” along with educational materials and information on making both an indoor sukkot along a wall and directions for making a traditional outdoor sukkah in future years.

Items in the Sukkah Celebration Kit included:

• A branded poster to create a sukkah wall
• Art materials to create a Super Sukkah guest
• Resources for building an actual sukkah
• Educational materials for adults

  Chanukah Celebration Kit – JCCPGH: The JCCPGH Chanukah Celebration Kit will enable families to create an edible chanukiah.

Items in the Chanukah Jewish Celebration Kit will include:

• Donuts
• Donut holes
• Frosting
• Glow sticks
• Chanukah blessings
• Adult education materials

Grant Updates

New Grants

Route 613 received a grant for advertising and other costs for a 3-part webinar series “Intermarriage: The Steep Challenges and Possibilities” for intermarried and interdating individuals who are interested in Jewish life but who may be hesitant to connect with the Jewish community in more formal ways, such as synagogue membership.

For details contact Rabbi Maury Kelman.

18Doors (formerly Interfaith Family) received a grant for a year-long program “Our Year of Firsts” which is open to all engaged or newly married interfaith couples to give them the opportunity to explore the meaning behind the Jewish holidays and create new traditions together. Couples will receive monthly emails, have monthly virtual discussions, and receive ritual gifts related to the discussion topics such as a Havdalah kit.

For details contact Mike Navisky, Director of Development.

American Jewish University, Los Angeles – Miller Introduction to Judaism classes. Credits: AJU, Hillel Smith (designer) & Esther Kustanowitz (copy editor)

American Jewish University, Los Angeles will be using a new suite of branded accessories to promote the Miller Introduction to Judaism classes.

“We are very happy with the final product and want to thank you and the grant from NCEJ that allowed us to develop these as a real service to our affiliates. I am full of gratitude to NCEJ for making this possible.” – Deborah Engel Kollin, Relationship Manager

Repeat Grantees

Temple Emanu-el, Tucson will be virtually hosting two 3-session sets of Taste of Judaism® this year. Instead of literal “tastes” as in years past, the program will include recipes for traditional foods. NCEJ has funded advertising for Temple Emanu-el’s Taste® program for many years.

For details contact Abby Limmer, Taste® coordinator.

Sha’ar Zahav, San Francisco has received multiple grants from NCEJ for Judaism 101 and related classes. This year’s 10-week class will be held via Zoom for the first time. The teacher chose Judaism 25 years ago at Sha’ar Zahav. The program is promoted via emails, social media, recommendations from previous students, and Sha’ar Zahav’s website.

For more information contact Liliana Peliks, Manager of Community Engagement..

Finchley Progressive Synagogue, London – “Delving into Judaism” Program Flyer

International Grantees

Finchley Progressive Synagogue, London was pleased with the response it received to its “Delving into Judaism” weekly program offered from Fall 2019 – Spring 2020. The purpose was to attract and welcome people to Judaism, and inspire them to continue their Jewish education after the class ended. Rabbi Rebecca Birk reports that the quality of the learning has encouraged connections to the synagogue, as well as to Judaism, and says that several students have committed to a conversion course. One participant stated:

“The ‘Delving into Judaism’ course has been a wonderful expansive experience.”

For more details contact Rabbi Birk.

Hillel Ukraine recently received a grant for a series of holiday programs, beginning in September 2020 and continuing through 2021. All activities are designed to help young adults learn about the meaning of the holidays in ways that are both engaging and entertaining. For example, for Rosh Hashanah Director Dina Libman noted that “Everyone who tasted the fruits of the knowledge of the holiday received a memorable gift – a jar of apple jam, as a reminder of one of the symbols of Rosh Hashanah.”

For details contact Dina Libman, Director.

Recently Renewed Grants

Project Kesher – NCEJ will be funding Project Kesher’s Global Jewish Women’s Celebration for another year. One of the goals of Project Kesher is to strengthen the bonds to Judaism among Jewish women and girls in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Georgia. In May, the virtual Shavuot celebration brought together over 150 Jewish women throughout the world, including the only woman rabbi in Ukraine, a US cantor born in Ukraine, and a Russian-born rabbi living in Jerusalem.

In 2019-20 NCEJ’s support (along with other funders) helped Project Kesher trained leaders host Jewish holiday celebrations in 120+ locations in Eastern Europe. Each new curriculum created this year was added to an online program database featured on the Project Kesher Russian (PKR) language website. Group leaders and Jewish activists throughout the region can access the database and facilitate a range of programs for their communities. PKR’s program database is searchable, arranged by holiday, and offers programs for people of all ages and levels of Jewish knowledge.

Below are highlights from some of the holiday celebrations:

Chanukah 2019 photos from Russia and Belarus – Project Kesher

Rosh Hoshanah 2019 – PKR spearheaded a High Holiday spiritual preparation campaign for the region via Facebook. Rosh Hashanah celebrations were held in 39 cities in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine and reached more than 1000 people of different ages.
Simchat Torah October 2019 – The Simchat Torah holiday was marked by group discussions on the significance of Torah and Jewish text study in Jewish life, and the crucial role of women in the continuity of Jewish life. More than 1,000 people studied, danced, and sang with PK Scrolls in 2019.

“Women’s Simchat Torah celebrations are a unique opportunity to be with Torah, to read from it and to rejoice in it together. Torah unites us!”– Tatyana К., Poltava, Russia

Chanukah December 2019 – PK Chanukah celebrations highlighted the role of women as advocates for Jewish life, leaders of the community, and keepers of Jewish heritage. Jews from 50+ communities participated in the celebration. Family celebrations and observance of Jewish traditions in the home are becoming more commonplace now, as younger generations who feel more comfortable with being openly Jewish learn about Judaism and have families of their own.
Women’s Global Passover Seder 2020 – Project Kesher’s Global Women’s Seder in March 2020 reached thousands of women. The seder was celebrated online for the first time via Zoom, with more than 240 participants from six countries gathering live. The video of the event has more than 2,000 views on Facebook.

For details contact Shira Pruce .

World Union for Progressive Judaism – NCEJ will be funding conversion and outreach activities in the Iberian peninsula for another 2 years, led by Rabbi Alona Lisitsa, a Russian-born Israeli Progressive rabbi. The prior grant supported conversion classes on-line and (pre-COVID) in-person visits, outreach, educational materials, and lifecycle and conversion ceremonies.

For more information Naomi Smook.

Apply Now

For over 35 years NCEJ has supported programs offered by established Jewish nonprofits (synagogues, JCCs, and others) that educate, engage, and connect people who do not identify as Jewish with Judaism. Now, due to COVID, we are funding virtual programs that meet our eligibility guidelines. Grants partially cover marketing, program materials, and other direct expenses for a variety of programs, including holiday workshops, introduction to Judaism classes, and family programs. Further information is available on our website.

There are no application deadlines, and decisions are made within 45 days. If you are not sure if a program you are considering will be covered, just reach out to us at 301-802-4254, or contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director. We welcome inquiries. To apply, visit our Grant Process page.

Featured photo above (top of page): Jewish Enrichment Center Chicago – 2020 Rosh Hashanah Take Home Kit.

The post NCEJ’s Grantees Use Innovative Online Programming to Engage New People with Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

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.

Family Fun at PJ Simchas Event, Raleigh-Cary, NC

Cities receiving subgrants included Buffalo, Indianapolis, Tampa, Chattanooga, Albany, Charleston, and Raleigh/Cary.

Here are some tips from them for anyone else considering a similar outreach effort:

• The “connector” model was a more effective way of reaching families than other methods. Federations relied on individuals with backgrounds that were similar to the prospective audience to recruit participants. The personal approach took more time than other approaches but resulted in higher attendance.
• Discussion groups offer an informal opportunity to talk about Jewish beliefs and values. The grant encouraged creative ways of reaching people who do not identify as Jewish and who previously had minimal interaction with the local Jewish community. For example, Tampa offered art and activities for small children while the parents conversed and Charleston offered monthly playgroups and holiday get-togethers.
• There is a market for introduction to Judaism classes, even in communities that have not previously offered them. Babysitting made it easier for families with children to attend, and collaboration with clergy of different denominations provided a more well-rounded experience for participants. Portland, Maine’s class “Welcome to Judaism” included trips to area synagogues.
• Discussions with people who are intermarried and active in Jewish life shows participants they can find a home in Judaism.
• Concrete education accompanied by hands-on-activities helps interfaith families build Jewish homes that work for them. In Orange County, NY a monthly federation initiative introduced families to welcoming ceremonies for newborns and other life-cycle rituals, along with details on celebrating Shabbat and other holidays. It also provided a place to talk through challenging issues that may be faced by families where one partner is not Jewish, such as “How can the non-Jewish family be educated and included in these practices?”
• People are receptive to learning about Judaism in a small group setting. In several cities the non-Jewish partner showed up for programs more often than anticipated, because they felt welcome. Many participants increased their engagement with communal life as a result of these initiatives, including becoming involved with synagogues, enrolling in Jewish preschools, and attending JCC holiday celebrations. They appreciated the opportunity to raise questions and have substantive conversations in a comfortable environment.

In a recent report, JFNA reflected:

“We are grateful to the National Center to Encourage Judaism for being our partner in this program. The funding helped us provide appealing venues, creative programs and enticing advertisements. Participants reflected how grateful they were to engage in meaningful Jewish programming that invited their families to be with us as a family in low-barrier and creative settings”

How the Pittsburgh JCC used “Field Trips” for Families to create an “on-ramp” to Judaism

For the second year NCEJ gave a grant to the JCCPGH to enable it to expand marketing for a series of 1-day  “Family Holiday Camps”, geared primarily to intermarried families. This year the focus was on Shabbat, Chanukah, and Shavuot.

Each session consisted of numerous hands-on activities plus Jewish learning. The aim was to encourage the families to embrace Jewish living at home and also engage with Jewish life in Pittsburgh. Feedback from program participants highlighted that families appreciated the opportunity to spend time together in a relaxed atmosphere while also being able to connect with other families and the larger community.

Program Example: “Shabbat on the Ark”

Shabbat on the Ark, held in the fall, immersed families with young children in the story of parashat Noach. Families boarded the Gateway Clipper for a morning cruise, much like Noah boarded the ark, and experienced a family-friendly Torah service. Connecting to the story, most of the activities were animal-related, such as building animal toys out of paper towel tubes.

The Jewish message was: Torah stories can be relevant in our 21st century life and Torah should be read in public settings with fun, joy and purpose.

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.

Featured photos: from the JCC Family Holiday Camps in Pittsburgh.

The post How an NCEJ Grant Can Help You Reach Interfaith Families appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

The World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) Conversion Program in the Iberian Peninsula Attracts People of all Ages and Backgrounds

NCEJ gave WUPJ a 2-year grant in 2018 for conversion programs in the Iberian Peninsula. The program includes both online classes and periodic in-person visits, outreach, educational materials, lifecycle and conversion ceremonies. The program was promoted through the World Union’s network of Progressive Jewish congregations in Spain and Portugal as well as on their respective websites.

Russian-born Israeli Progressive Rabbi Alona Lisitsa leads the program. Thirty students have completed the program in the past two years and there are currently 15 conversion candidates in the new class – including four children. The current participants are from all over the Iberian Peninsula including Lisbon, Portugal, Galicia, Spain, and an entire family from Valencia, Spain.

Program Features Include:

• A new curriculum for children: For younger students Rabbi Lisitsa focuses primarily on music, storytelling, and a variety of experiential educational activities to impart the rich history of Judaism.
• Customizable classes: Rabbi Lisitsa has designed her conversion course to be accessible and welcoming to everyone who wants to participate. Some of the participants who had been raised as Christians never felt that Christianity felt “right” for them; eventually they discovered their own Jewish roots dating back to before the Inquisition. Her courses are comprised of both online group classes and periodic in-person meetings, allowing the program to be customizable for each person’s needs.

Rabbi Lisitsa’s program is coordinated with the Bet Din of the European Union for Progressive Judaism. The course meets the same standards set for all conversions in Europe, and rabbinic representatives of the European Bet Din participate in the final conversion ceremony to ensure that the conversion will be accepted by all communities.

At a recent conversion ceremony, Rabbi Lisitsa reflected:

“I cannot think of a more moving and meaningful ending for the long and challenging process of return and conversion for these candidates. This is a moment when Jews from different geographic and cultural contexts are united in prayer, in Torah, and in peoplehood.”

NCEJ is delighted to support the WUPJ Conversion and Outreach Programs in the Iberian Peninsula.

JDC Welcomes Newcomers to Judaism in Warsaw and Riga

In 2018 NCEJ provided funds to the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to expand programming at the Warsaw and Riga JCCs for families and individuals who wanted to know more about their Jewish roots. People were welcomed regardless of their background, level of knowledge, or observance, and given an opportunity to learn about Judaism in fun, engaging ways. As a result, participants were inspired to practice Jewish traditions with their families at home, as well as continue attending activities at the JCCs.

At the Warsaw JCC holiday programming helped newcomers to Judaism develop their Jewish identity. For example, for Sukkot there was a week of activities in the sukkah, including meals, classes, prayers, and workshops and at Passover there was a teen-run educational scavenger hunt.

The JCC is the focus of Jewish communal life in Riga, Latvia’s capital. Situated in a hip area of the city it is attractive and accessible to all, particularly someone who just uncovered Jewish ancestors or a non-Jewish spouse who might be reluctant about connecting with Jewish life. Through classes, workshops, events and celebrations, the JCC gives such individuals the means to gain Jewish knowledge and develop a Jewish identity.

The NCEJ grant helped the JDC expand and strengthen Judaism and Jewish life by funding programs that are welcoming to interested individuals and families in countries across Eastern Europe.

Conversion Program of Kehilat Birkat Shalom in Gezer, Israel

NCEJ has just funded a conversion program in Israel which offers a liberal, Progressive option for conversion. The program is promoted through the Birkat Shalom weekly e-newsletter and in the local newspaper. The program is also promoted through social media.

The program is geared towards making Judaism accessible and meaningful. NCEJ’s grant will result in greater outreach and options for those interested in conversion to Judaism.

Looking for Funding for Outreach and Conversion Programs?

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.

Featured photo above: from the JDC Outreach Programs in Eastern Europe.

Photo above right: from the Jewish Community Center in Riga. The JCC in Riga reaches out to the Jewish and non-Jewish community through attractive events and programs which make Jewish life accessible and welcoming for newcomers.

Photo above left: from the Jewish Community Center in Riga. The JCC Riga hosted a mini-Limmud conference of Jewish learning and culture. The image is of a Havdallah ceremony that was performed at the conference.

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