NCEJ is Expanding Grant-Giving for Intro, Holiday, and Interfaith Engagement Programming This Year

We fund marketing, security, program materials, and related expenses for Judaism 101 classes, holiday workshops, and interfaith engagement programs. For our grant guidelines and other details see our Grants Process page.

Celebrating and Connecting Newcomers to Jewish Life

NCEJ provides 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. They use engaging programming, sometimes supplemented with holiday celebration kits, to create an environment that both educates and welcomes newcomers.

“Inclusive Outreach 2nd Night Seder” – Temple Shalom, Manitoba Canada

Outreach Seder, Temple Shalom, Manitoba

Temple Shalom, Manitoba held an “Inclusive Outreach” 2nd night Seder. It was geared towards people attending a Seder for the first time including recent Jews by Choice and those considering journeying into Judaism. Everyone who wanted to come was welcomed. Everything that was sung or said in Hebrew had the accompanying transliteration and translation to make it accessible to all. The Seder combined both traditional and contemporary themes.

New symbols were added to commemorate current events, such as an empty chair at the table for the hostages. Passover Taboo was played at each table. (In addition to being fun, playing the game added to participants knowledge of the holiday).

For more information contact Sherry Wolfe Elazar, Jewish Learning Coordinator.

“Choosing Judaism – A Shavuot Panel and Dinner” – Sutton Place Synagogue, New York City

Sutton Place Synagogue – Shavuot program flyer

Sutton Place Synagogue (SPS) had a panel featuring Jews by Choice as part of the synagogue’s celebration of Shavuot. The panel brought together members of the SPS community who chose Judaism as converts from different backgrounds and time periods to discuss their experiences, joys, and challenges in a facilitated clergy-led panel for an audience of over 100 people. This was followed by a traditional dairy dinner. After dinner, the panel answered questions about their experiences and what it means to choose Judaism.

One of the goals of the program was to provide inspiration and encouragement for audience members who might be considering or in the process of conversion. In addition, there was ample opportunity for creating connections over dinner.

For more information contact Abby Johnson-Guez, Director of Membership and Development.

Check Out Our Website for More Examples from Recently-Funded Programs

We have given grants to over a dozen countries in the last 8 years, and over 1/3 of our grantees in 2023 were first-timers. For information on the type of programs we have funded, see our Program Profile pages.

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.

Top photo courtesy of Temple Shalom, Manitoba.