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.

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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