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

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

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

For more information contact Rabbi Molly Weisel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information contact Sahel Chen, Program Coordinator.

Ideas and Inspiration for the Holidays

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

Rosh Hoshanah

“Apple Jews” – Hillel Minsk

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

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

Tu b’Sh’vat

Tu b’Shvat Terrariums – The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh

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

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

Purim

Purim Celebration – Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism

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

Passover

Online Passover Activities – Joint Distribution Committee, Latvia

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

Top photo courtesy of Hillel Minsk.

The post NCEJ Gives Grants for Holiday Programming to Engage Interfaith Families with Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

Taste of Judaism® ad – funded in part by NCEJ.

Congregation Ner Tamid sponsors Taste of Judaism® every spring

In 2020 and 2021 the course was offered via Zoom.

Advertising: Ner Tamid advertises in local newspapers and via social media. Many people also sign up by word of mouth.

One participant from last year’s class commented:

“After taking this course I feel like I am one step closer to my goal of conversion to Judaism… but nothing compares to being in a learning environment with other students. I learn from others’ questions.”

For more information contact Heather Seltzer, Program Coordinator.

Temple Emanu-el Tucson Advertises Taste® Extensively

Temple Emanu-el Tucson (TE) held 2 sets of 3 2-hour classes via Zoom in 2020-2021. Each class normally includes literal tastes of Judaism, but in 2020-2021 due to Covid participants received recipes instead of food.

Advertising: The Union for Reform Judaism provided the social media advertising. TE advertised via synagogue emails, local papers (both print and online), and also on public radio.

What Worked Well – Tips and Advice:

Marketing and Teacher Styles

• The class was promoted using a mix of different marketing methods to reach a diverse audience.
• Students liked having multiple teachers since teaching styles varied.

Virtual Programming Compared to In-Person

The coordinator, Abby Limmer, commented that in-person offers a number of advantages:

• Students have the opportunity to taste traditional Jewish foods, which helps create class cohesion.
• She also noted that when she called students from her cell phone some wouldn’t answer because it was an unfamiliar number, whereas they would have answered if she called from a phone at the synagogue.

Format of Future Programming: Some Classes Remote, Some In-Person

Temple Emanu-el plans on offering 2 sets of classes remotely, and 2 sets in person. If Covid guidelines permit, TE will include literal tastes of Jewish food at the in-person classes. In the past, volunteers provided the desserts and the congregation purchased the rest (such as latkes and applesauce), which reduced costs.

For more information contact Abby Limmer, Taste of Judaism® coordinator.

Congregation Keneseth Israel, PA offers A Taste of Judaism® class every year

Martina Obenski, program coordinator, notes that Taste® is often a stepping stone into further exploration of Judaism. The congregation has found that 62% of participants register for their 6-week Introduction to Judaism class.

The NCEJ grant has enabled KI to market to a wider audience. In 2018-19 almost 60 individuals from various faith backgrounds were introduced to the core concepts of Judaism.

“As a result of these offerings KI has added 3 individuals to our membership roles. While this was not our primary purpose for marketing these classes, it is certainly a positive side effect.”
– Martina Obenski

For more information contact Martina Obenski, Outreach Coordinator.

Ideas Gleaned From Our Grantees

Richmond Kehilla’s “Interested in Judaism” online class featured a multimedia approach

Kehillah Richmond: “Being Jewish” banner (funded in part by NCEJ)

Rabbi Patrick’s “Interested in Judaism” program provided an introduction to Judaism education through materials available on their website, as well as weekly virtual classes. These classes combined people interested in becoming Jewish, as well as those wishing to learn more outside of conversion.

Students had the option to learn on their own using a variety of media (video, audio, etc), rather than relying solely on workbooks or other printed materials. Each week participants reviewed the “Being Jewish” learning materials available on the kehillah’s website, followed by an online group discussion.

“The NCEJ grant empowers a small congregation to do big things.”
– Rabbi Patrick Beaulier

Thanks to NCEJ, Richmond Kehillah has:

Brought eight new people into the Jewish peoplehood the last 2 years
Will be bringing in another 7 new Jews by the end of secular year 2021

For details contact Rabbi Patrick.

Temple Beth Shalom, Hudson OH plans follow-up to first Judaism 101 course

Temple Beth Shalom, located on the fringes of the metropolitan areas of both Akron and Cleveland, has about 100 family units. Rabbi Michael Ross has taught the course at previous congregations but this is the first time it has been offered at Beth Shalom.

“The grant enabled us to have a strong marketing budget which is essential to this program.”
– Rabbi Michael Ross

What Worked:

Hiring a Zoom stage manager was hugely helpful in coordinating the moving pieces each week, and coordinating communication among the group.
The in-person outdoor dinner and service at the end helped connect participants to each other and the congregation.

Rabbi Ross plans on offering a 3-session “Art of Prayer”. He also intends to add some contemporary topics the next time he teaches Judaism 101.

Compliments to Congregation Sha’ar Zahav San Francisco for hosting Judaism 101 and a Journey to Judaism discussion group year after year

Sha’ar Zahav, San Francisco – Judaism 101, Banner Ad (funded in part by NCEJ)

Sha’ar Zahav has been an NCEJ grantee for many years. Judaism 101 is a ten-session Introduction to Judaism course for people who are new or returning to Judaism and looking for a starting point to dive into Jewish learning or practice. In 2020 all sessions were via Zoom. The class covers everything from Torah to Israel, spirituality to ethics, through a queer-positive, progressive, inclusive Jewish lens with plenty of room for questions.

The Journey to Judaism discussion group is designed to engage individuals in meaningful discussions that furthers their Jewish education, and fosters the connection to other individuals in the community. The group creates a comfortable environment for exploration.

As part of the discussion group new Jews by choice tell their stories. The groups are facilitated by trained volunteer members of the congregation. The group is closed after the second session for greater confidentiality. Many individuals who convert at the synagogue have participated in the discussion group.

For details contact Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, San Francisco.

Check Out Our New Programming Page:
“Introduction to Jewish Traditions”

It’s packed full of programming ideas and helpful hints to help you run a successful program. Learn about short overview sessions, full-fledged Intro programs, and programs to help individuals build a Jewish home. See the page

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Grant Updates

Here are just some of the grants we’ve approved recently:

Synagogues

• Temple Emanu-el, AZ – Taste of Judaism®
• Sha’ar Zahav, CA – Judaism 101
• Greater Hartford Board of Rabbis, CT- Introduction to Judaism class
• Kol Emeth, IL – Succot program
• Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City – Judaism for Conversion Candidates
• Temple Israel, MA – Open Door program
• Keneseth Israel, PA – Taste of Judaism®

JCCs and Federations

• Memphis JCC – family program

National

• Union for Reform Judaism – renewal of umbrella grant for Taste® and Intro programs

International

• Schechter Institute Midreshet Yerushalyim, Ukraine – Conversion Program

Have an idea but not sure it meets our guidelines? Give us a call

That’s exactly what one of our grantees from a Midwest synagogue did and we just gave her 2 grants! Reach out to us at 301-802-4254, or contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director.

To apply, go to our Grants Process page. Applications are accepted anytime.

Articles of Interest

• Intermarriage increasingly leads to Jewish children, Pew study shows – by Louis Keene, May 2021. The Forward
• 10 key findings about Jewish Americans – by Becka A. Alper and Alan Cooperman, May 2021. Pew Research Center
• There are more American Jews – and they’re staying Jewish – by Leonard Saxe, Ph.D – May 2021. The Times of Israel
• The New Jews by Liel Leibovitz, May 2021. Tablet.
• Surprising Trends Driving Conversion to Judaism – by Mark Oppenheimer, May 2021. Tablet
• Converting to Judaism and Telling My Catholic Family – by Joe Grasso. 18Doors
• Expanding not diluting: Embracing Jewish+ families, by Alison Weikel & Rachel Weinstein White, August 2021. eJewishPhilanthropy

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

The post NCEJ Helps Congregations Connect New People to Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

The National Center to Encourage Judaism has funding available now for programming that helps people who are new to Judaism learn how to celebrate the holidays at home. 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 visit our Grant Process page. Applications are accepted anytime. Applications received by the end of February will be reviewed within 25 days (instead of 45 days).

Marketing graphic sample courtesy of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Looking for ideas? Want to share yours?

For ideas on how to promote a program and widen the audience, see our new Marketing Gallery. You can also send us your own marketing examples to feature on our website.

Our Virtual Programming page is packed with innovative ways to engage people online, such as supplementing screen time with activity kits.

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.

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

Chag Sameach!

Top photo courtesy of Congregation Beth Israel Vancouver: BI Neighbourhoods – Tu b’shevat Take Home kit

The post Funding Available Now for Programs that Help Newcomers to Judaism Celebrate Holidays at Home 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.

The post NCEJ International Grants Help People Explore Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

New International Grantees

We recently gave a grant to Project Kesher to help fund its “Global Jewish Women Celebration” in Russian-speaking countries. The program includes updating resources on the holidays and reaching out to Jewish women in Belarus, Ukraine, and neighboring countries.

In addition, we just funded a “Delving into Judaism” course at Finchley Progressive Synagogue in London. As part of the course the “delvers” will hear about the breadth of Jewish life at the synagogue, and have the chance to connect with active members.

Our newest international grantee is Bet Shalom, the Progressive Jewish Community of Barcelona. Our funding will enable them to expand their marketing and develop customized booklets for their Taste of Judaism course.

Looking for Funding for Programs Located Outside of the US?

If you operate internationally and offer programs for those with Jewish roots, or for people interested in conversion, tell us what you’re doing and how you think NCEJ can help you expand your audience. Give us a call or send us an email, contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director or call 301-802-4254.

New National and Local Grantees

SooJi Min-Maranda, Executive Director of ALEPH

The ALEPH Alliance for Jewish Renewal will be using an NCEJ grant to give out subgrants to groups in their network for programs geared to interfaith families and others who are interested in exploring what it means to be Jewish. Funds will be used primarily for marketing.

Mount Zion Temple, a new grantee in St Paul, MN, received 2 grants: one for a 3-session course entitled “Building a Jewish Home”, and another for a 15-week class called “Taste of Honey: An Introduction to Judaism”.

The Springfield, MA JCC received a grant for a monthly “Ask-a-Rabbi” booth. The booth will pop up in a public location for 2-3 hours, using a set-up similar to a “Peanuts” booth. The rabbis who staff the booth will vary in their approach to Jewish life in order to provide different perspectives, and the location will change so as to reach a diverse population.

Holiday programming can help you connect interfaith families to Judaism

Here are some programs we’ve recently supported:

Program: “5 Senses of Judaism”

5 Senses of Judaism is a multi-session program for families with very young children that focuses on 1 holiday each session. Each session includes 5 different activity stations. This child-led program allows families to explore Judaism in an experiential setting and learn about Jewish traditions and customs. —Temple of Aaron, St Paul, MN. Jorie Bernhardt, Director of Youth & Family Programming.

Program: “J Celebrates”

J-Celebrates is a series of experiential programs that engage and educate families about Judaism. A Family Passover Seder, hosted before the holiday, offers families the opportunity to learn how to host their own Seder. The goal of the program is to foster a strong sense of Jewish identity, and to facilitate, encourage and support a family’s Jewish journey. The objective is to create a pathway for families to be able to continue celebrations at home. —Westside JCC, Los Angeles. Erin Goldstrom, Development Director.

Program: “Unpacking Passover: Creating and Leading Your Own Passover Seder”

This is a three-part series of workshops about how to create and lead a Passover Seder. The program focuses on using Passover as a doorway into Jewish practice by helping participants customize the Seder, select from the wide variety of hagaddot available, etc., in order to make it their own. Participants will be provided tools, books, support, and encouragement to lead Seders. —Beth Shalom v’Emeth Reform Temple (B’ShERT), Brooklyn, NY. Faye Guskin, Trustee.

NCEJ is now accepting applications for activities starting Fall 2019

NCEJ funds advertising and other expenses for traditional classes such as Judaism 101 as well as less structured programs such as discussion groups, holiday workshops, and other events designed to attract people who are interested in learning more about Judaism.

For details visit our website or contact us: Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director or call 301-802-4254.

Want to Learn More?

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

Photo above right, featured in Project Kesher – 30th Anniversary Announcement. Learn more at projectkesher.org.

The post NCEJ Grant-Giving is Growing appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

The goal of the evening was to reach people in their 20s and 30s who might not be comfortable in a traditional synagogue setting. Some of the activities, aside from the usual food, candle lighting, and dreidels, included an “Ask-the-Rabbi” booth, and an information station with printed literature about Judaism and a Judaism for Beginners class. In order to promote the event, Rabbi Patrick placed ads in Richmond’s alternative weekly (which has a reach of 79K readers) and on Facebook.

Rabbi Patrick wrote of the very successful event:

NCEJ’s grant will have a lasting impact and has enabled the Kehillah to:

• Begin planning a “Boot up” a Judaism 101 series which they are already promoting via social media.
• Create immediate interest from interfaith families in Jewish education for their children through their Family School (an innovative model of Jewish children’s education).
• Gain interest in conversion to Judaism, to the point that they had to add a page to their website to answer information.

A few quotes from the night:

“I’m not Jewish, but my wife is. It’s so nice to see things in this area that are open to me where I feel welcome.”

“I know I’m part Jewish, but don’t know what to do with that. This gets me interested.”

“I haven’t done anything Jewish for twelve years until now.”

Rabbi Patrick also writes: “No amount of words can express how wonderful our Hanukkah celebration was and the impact that NCEJ has now made in our lives.”

Chanukah in Carytown Photos

* Click to enlarge images.

Photos above courtesy of Kehillah RVA, Rabbi Patrick Beaulier, and celebrants. Thank you for sharing!

Have an idea for a program and need funding?

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

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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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The 36-week course is taught on a rotating basis by Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Orthodox rabbis, giving participants multiple perspectives. The average class size is 20-25 students. Each student is required to secure a rabbinic sponsor from one of the local congregations and meet the conversion requirements developed by his/her sponsor. Students gain an introduction to Judaism and a reading knowledge of Hebrew; participate in Shabbat, holiday, and ritual observances, and make connections with individual congregations and the larger community.

Post-Conversion Program

In 2018-2019, the Rabbinical Association for the first time is offering a post-conversion program to help new Jews-by-choice become more familiar with Jewish traditions and assist them in connecting with local congregations and the larger Jewish community. NCEJ is pleased to be supporting this innovative program.

For more information contact Annette Fish, Administrator/Program Director.

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