NCEJ is helping support The Joint Distribution Committee’s (JDC) programs to reinvigorate Jewish life in Riga and Warsaw. At JCCs in both cities, people who are new to Judaism or have just discovered their Jewish roots start to develop a Jewish identity and intermarried couples and families learn how to incorporate Jewish culture and heritage into their lives.

For more information about this program contact Sandy Katz, Director, Strategic Relations, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, via email here.

Conversion Programs in Iberian Peninsula

NCEJ is also increasing its international presence with a grant to The World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) to support conversion efforts in the Iberian Peninsula. The mission of the WUPJ is to promote a Progressive/Reform approach to Jewish tradition by strengthening Jewish communities throughout the world.

After 500 years in exile, the Jewish communities of Spain and Portugal are coming back to life. Many Spaniards raised as Catholics have discovered that they have Jewish roots—that they are descendants of Christian conversos (Bnei Anussim) who practiced Jewish traditions such as lighting candles on Friday night and abstaining from eating pork. Following several years of study, over 25 candidates have successfully converted to Judaism. With NCEJ’s help WUPJ will be able to expand its infrastructure and reach more people who want to learn more about Judaism.

For more information about this program contact Naomi Smook, Director of Advancement, The World Union for Progressive Judaism, via email here.

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