We fund Judaism 101, interfaith engagement, and holiday programs; single session events and multi-month courses; and hands-on learning and traditional classes. We support a wide variety of programs that introduce new people to the joys of Judaism.

We reimburse for marketing, security, program materials, and some staff expenses. For our grant guidelines and other details see our Grant Process page. For more details on our funding guidelines see our What We Fund page.

NCEJ Grants Help Groups Offer Holiday Programming for Multifaith/Multicultural Families

An NCEJ Grant Helped JEWISHColorado in Denver Expand the Audience for Its “Nosh and Dessert Seder” This Past Spring

“Nosh and Dessert Seder” – JEWISHColorado, Denver

Before the Seder began, families met each other and did a mitzvah project together. For the children there were Passover-themed activities and a PJ-library sponsored story time. During the Seder everyone who wanted could participate, and a music educator incorporated singing into the program. Families were invited to take the haggadahs home and each child received a kid-sized Seder plate as a gift.

“We never imagined doing a Seder at our house and now we feel comfortable not only doing one but also inviting another family to join us.”– participant

Jewish Explorers Passover Haggadah (PDF)

For more information contact Cindy Coons.

For Over 40 Years NCEJ Has Supported Organizations Offering Basic Judaism Courses

NCEJ recently gave a grant to Central Reform Temple, located in South Boston, for its “Join Our Jewish Family” program

“Join Our Jewish Family” – Central Reform Temple, Boston

Central Reform has noticed an increase in inquiries from people interested in conversion. The grant will be used for producing a webpage and flyer for the program as well as a guide to the congregation.

For more information contact Rabbi Dr Michael Shire.

Recent New Grants

• Astoria Synagogue, New York – Pathways to Judaism
• Temple Brith Achim, PA – Shabbat celebrations
• JEWISHcolorado – Shabbat family programming
• New London Synagogue, Great Britain — Conversion program
• JCC Budapest, Hungary – Judaism 101 videos
• Schechter Institute Ukraine–Conversion Seminar
• Hillel Kyiv – Basic Judaism videos

NCEJ funds programs worldwide to engage, educate, and connect interfaith couples, people interested in conversion, and others who want to explore becoming part of the Jewish community. To learn about future grant opportunities sign up for our newsletter.

Photos above courtesy of JEWISHcolorado, Jewish Explorers.

The post Grants Available Now for Fall Programs Connecting New People to Judaism appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.

We fund a variety of programs for individuals interested in conversion, interfaith families and others who are just beginning to explore Jewish life and culture. Our grant-giving focuses in 3 major areas: a) Introduction to Jewish Traditions, b) Interfaith Engagement, and c) Holidays. We give grants to synagogues, JCCs/federations, national and international groups, and nonprofit organizations. For information on the type of programs we have funded, see our Program Profile pages.

Hillel Buffalo receives NCEJ grant for a new “Introduction to Jewish Life” program

“Introduction to Jewish Life” – Hillel Buffalo, New York City

The 8-session Introduction to Jewish Life program offers an accessible and welcoming entry point for individuals who are new to Judaism or have limited exposure to Jewish life. By offering a supportive, interactive learning environment, the program helps participants explore key aspects of Jewish identity, history, and tradition. Through discussions and engaging lessons, students will gain a deeper understanding of Jewish heritage and develop a meaningful connection to its traditions.

Hillel Buffalo, New York City

An NCEJ grant given to the Marlene Meyerson JCC in Manhattan will be used to offer a new Basic Judaism course to residents of Northern Manhattan (including Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood)

“Basic Judaism” – Marlene Meyerson JCC, New York City

Basics is an experiential course introducing the principles, theology, literature, and ritual/spiritual practices of Judaism through discussions and exposure to traditional texts, contemporary readings, and Jewish experiences to those exploring conversion, interfaith families and couples, and others interested in learning more about Judaism. This course is based on the Miller Introduction to Judaism course, and offered in partnership with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, JCC Harlem, YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, and in consultation with local synagogues. The facilitator for the program is Rabbi Mira Riera, JCC Harlem’s Rabbi-in-Residence, and the first Filipino-American woman to be ordained at JTS. This course has never before been offered to residents of northern Manhattan.

NCEJ funds programs worldwide to engage, educate, and connect interfaith couples, people interested in conversion, and others who want to explore becoming part of the Jewish community. To learn about future grant opportunities sign up for our newsletter.

The post NCEJ Helps Fund Two New Experiential Intro to Judaism Programs in New York State appeared first on National Center to Encourage Judaism.