New Funding Initiative: Israel Engagement for Those Exploring Judaism
Engaging Individuals and Families with Israel
We will be increasing funding for programming that engages individuals and families with Israel. Our goal is to strengthen participants’ connections to both Judaism and Israel, for people on the periphery of Jewish life.
Our grants cover marketing, program materials, security, and other expenses for both single events and multi-session programs, traditional classes and experiential learning. For more details see our Grants Process page.
"First and foremost I would like to express our deep gratitude for the support and friendship towards the IMPJ during these past months, and for the additional grant awarded to us for the emergency activities provided to the interfaith families from the FSU during this time of war. Many of these families are going through their second war in two years, and the program’s pastoral counseling, spiritual solace, Jewish engagement and a Jewish community are even more important for them during these times than during regular days."
Israel Engagement Programs
Why Israel Matters: Understanding the Jewish Relationship to Israel after 10/7 - Bethesda Jewish Congregation, Bethesda, MD
Bethesda Jewish Congregation (BJC) is offering a 1-day session on Israel at the end of June 2024 geared toward individuals in interfaith relationships, Jews by choice, and others.
The goal of the program is to provide a safe space for participants to learn about Zionism, Israel, and Palestine, including what is going on in the region today. The program will include an introduction to the concept of Zionism and Israel, and why it matters to Jews. Topics to be discussed include a brief history of Israel, various definitions of Zionism, and an exploration of the different versions of “Israel”: the people, the land, the state, and the government. In addition, there will be a Zoom presentation with an on-the-ground Israeli (who made Aliya) via Zoom on what has happened in the area since October 7. At the conclusion of the program, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on what has been discussed and consider its relevancy for their own lives.
“Providing history and context will make Judaism more approachable in light of current events.”- program coordinators
The grant will be used for marketing, a speaker honorarium, staff support, room rental, security, and custodial expenses.
Marketing: The program will be promoted through Facebook, NextDoor.com, Google Ads, and a local magazine, as well as BJC’s internal newsletters.
For more details contact Wynne Busmanand Harri J Kramer.
Let’s Talk About Israel - LiNK Jewish Buffalo, Buffalo
Let's Talk About Israel, a program of LiNK Jewish Buffalo, is a 1-day program that will gather 100 adults to explore their thoughts, feelings and beliefs about Israel through facilitated conversations with 2 educators. This program will create a safe space for individuals exploring Judaism to talk about their feelings for Israel in a supportive environment. Participants will leave the gathering feeling empowered to talk about Israel with their friends and family.
Participants will participate in reflective projects throughout the program to reflect on their feelings towards Israel. They will receive professionally produced guides/journals to take home to continue their learning/processing of the current war in Israel.
This program is being created in direct response to many conversations our professional and volunteer team has had with individuals who are exploring Judaism throughout Buffalo. These individuals have expressed the need for support as they navigate conversations about Israel and how hard it is to be interested in Judaism during this time.
Before, during and after the event, LiNK Jewish Buffalo will be in touch with participants as they navigate these difficult conversations.
“Through this program, we hope that we will engage new individuals who we would not otherwise meet.”- Mike Steklof, Sr Director LiNK Buffalo
Marketing: The grant award covers advertising, program materials, some staff support, and security. The program will be promoted through email communications, text messages, ads in the Jewish Journal of Western NY, peer networking, social media, and one-on-one outreach from the Federation’s professional team.
For more details contact Mike Steklof, Sr Director LiNK Buffalo.
Hava Nagila Havdala with Israeli Food - Congregation Children of Israel, Athens GA (2024)
Congregation Children of Athens, GA is planning a Hava Nagila Havdala service and Israeli dinner for PJ Library families (many of whom are interfaith). Many PJ families have never celebrated Havdalah, and this is an opportunity to introduce them to the concept, as well as to provide a positive experience related to Israel.
Families will make spice containers with mesh bags and whole cloves, to be used later for Havdalah. Then they will be served a dinner of Israeli food--falafel, hummus, pita, etc., and Israeli wine for parents. After that a volunteer will teach Israeli dances. The program will end with Havdalah.
Impact of Prior Programs
Athens has a small Jewish community. Marilyn Gootman, PJ Library Coordinator, states in the application that in the past, when similar programs were undertaken (such as a challah bake and home-based Shabbat dinners) many strong friendship bonds were created and numerous families joined Congregation Children of Israel, the only synagogue in town. Some parents even assumed leadership roles!
Marketing: The program will be promoted via emails and newsletters to all PJ parents, as well as with individual personal outreach to each family and through paperless post.
Ideas to Emulate
Offering positive experiences with a Jewish education component that can lead to Jewish friendships and that provide something Jewish that families can incorporate into their lives.
Providing Israeli wine which is available locally to encourage participants to purchase Israeli products.
To engage folks who have never come to any events, organizers plan to have active families personally contact other families and have a parent create and send out the paperless post so that it is more personal, coming from a peer.
Program Photos
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For more details contact Marilyn Gootman, Athens GA PJ Library Coordinator.
Israel/Palestine 101 and Judaism 101 - Temple Beth Shalom, Hudson OH (2024)
Israel/Palestine 101 is a 3-session course that will give a background on the Israel-Palestine conflict, examining the origins of Zionism, Israel’s development, and dynamics of the conflict. It will be followed by the 10-session Judaism 101, which will provide an overview of Judaism. Both are geared to conversion candidates but provide information benefiting born Jews and non-Jews as well. Taking both courses will be encouraged, though each can stand alone.
Program Charge: The Israel/Palestine 101 classes will be offered free to temple members and cost $10 for non-members. The Judaism 101 classes will cost $10 per class session or $56 for the entire 10-session course for members, and $18/session or $154 for the entire 10-session course for nonmembers.
Have a Question? Reach Out to Us
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.