Clarity of Purpose Through Covid-19

As a result of changes necessitated by COVID related restrictions and concerns, the mission and values of Congregation Beth Tikvah are now more aligned with our programming and processes. As a result, membership, giving, and participation are all up. Congregant connections to the Holy are up. The sense of community within the congregational family is palpable, with no in person programming. It is often in moments of change and transition when Jews look to Judaism to help guide them along the way; seize this opportunity to do that just that. For the people you serve, for those whom you do not yet serve, for your organization, God, Torah, and the Jewish people.

Once COVID-19 struck, synagogue leadership immediately recognized an opportunity to increase our impact within and beyond the congregation. COVID-19 enabled us to better communicate our vision and direction as a small and vibrant Kehila Kedosha, a sacred community. It seemed to place our small shul on equal footing with big shuls to articulate our core values, get those values into the larger communal conversation, and reach previously unreached Jews who are seeking community during this time of separation.

Below are some of our approaches and successes. Should you find them helpful, we welcome you to utilize them for your community. They are divided into seven areas of focus.

ESTABLISHMENT OF COVID TASK FORCE: Immediately upon shutting down our physical gatherings, the synagogue president established a COVID task force to address all aspects of synagogue life. Led by our immediate past president and consisting of our Vice-Presidents, our rabbi, and our synagogue administrator, this group began meeting weekly. The president tasked this group with identifying the values that would drive our decision making, and then to put those values into practice. While we had functioning committees and a monthly board meeting prior to COVID, meetings with executive leadership were haphazard at best. By regularly bringing together top leadership, we were not only equipped to manage COVID related questions and concerns, but we began collaborating across department to increase communication and improve overall functionality. All areas of synagogue life came to function more consistently in accordance with our values. We set guidelines for reopening and metrics for health and safety standards. We examined our budgetary priorities and limitations, established a phone tree (below), quickly set up processes for examining Jewish practice (below), saw to effective communication with congregants about the state of the synagogue, and then some. Most importantly, all questions, requests, and complaints about our decisions were funneled through this group. Throughout, this group remained thoughtful, compassionate, honest, and transparent.

CARING MINYANIM AND CONGREGANT CONTACT: It is a core value of our congregation to know each congregant individually and deeply. Immediately upon our physical closure, our Rabbi began a process of calling each congregant to check in. Those calls revealed that there were congregants with resources to offer and others with acute and ongoing pastoral and personal needs. We then took action to meet those needs by pairing congregants when appropriate. Further, our COVID task force established a “Caring Minyan,” a team of volunteers to make weekly calls to each congregant to check in. The Caring Minyan was tasked with ensuring that every congregant had safe access to food and medication, and that everyone heard from a friendly caring voice each week. As a result, relationships among members, and between members and the synagogue, were strengthened. Despite a closed building, we maintained near 100% of our members, and giving has also increased. Many congregants expressed that they feel more connected to the shul now than they did before COVID struck.

HIGH HOLIDAYS AND HIGH HOLIDAY TASK FORCE: In late Spring, in collaboration with the Ritual Committee, the COVID Task Force established a separate High Holiday Task Force. This group brought together a wide cross-section of leaders from various synagogue committees and subgroups to vision and implement our High Holidays. It was imperative to all that these High Holidays not just be a suitable substitute for an in-person gathering, but would instead provide deeply meaningful high holiday experiences in their own right. Rather than just “good enough,” High Holiday services and experiences needed to be reconstructed to serve our community's spiritual lives in this moment. The task force organized a synagogue-wide survey that had an over 70% response rate. The survey results drove our planning, which subsequently increased congregant buy-in. The result was a series of high holiday services and experiences that represented our values, were well attended, and were meaningful, innovative, and resonant. Dozens of volunteers felt personally committed to bringing the services and experiences to life, and they continue to feel more deeply passionate about our community as a result. The response has been overwhelming.

MOBILE SUKKAH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Since COVID hit, we have increasingly utilized social media to do both inreach to our members and outreach to non-members. Among other programs, we initiated a weekly Facebook Live check-in, a weekly virtual healing service, and a weekly Tot tuck-in. These programs are free and open to anyone. During Sukkot, we brought our message beyond the computer screen to each neighborhood in a safe, fun, and memorable way. We partnered with a local car dealership to borrow a pickup truck in which we built a mobile Sukkah. Our Sukkah made 19 stops throughout the community and served over 400 adults and children, more than half of whom were not members. Each participant said the blessing for sitting in the Sukkah, shook the lulav and etrog, and had their picture taken in the Sukkah to be tagged on social media. Four local news channels covered it, and thanks to the generosity of the car dealer, the project cost us less than $50. Many unaffiliated Jews met us, asked questions about who we are, developed a positive association with our community, and a few even joined.

SOCIAL WORKER AND CONSTITUENT SUPPORT: We support the full emotional, spiritual, and practical lives of our members. We learned from our Caring Minyan phone calls that families with children at home were particularly struggling. In response, our Religious School leadership contacted the local Jewish Family and Children's Service (JFCS) to inquire about contracting with a social worker to meet with our families. The social worker could connect families in need with appropriate resources and supports. The conversation with JFCS opened the door to a larger partnership with them to employ an MSW candidate to work with all CBT members as a benefit of membership. As a result of this collaboration, we have begun an Isolation Support Group, individualized meetings for families with small children, 15-minute mindfulness sessions for congregants of all ages, socio-spiritual support gatherings, monthly mindfulness articles, and more. Our social worker, an MSW candidate, cannot be paid while receiving her clinical hours. The synagogue serves as her “site,” and she receives supervision and oversight from the JFCS. Dozens of congregants have already taken advantage of these services, and we hope to be able to support the full spectrum of needs expressed by our congregants during COVID. This is remarkably inexpensive to do and our members deeply appreciate having the resource available to them.

SUMMER MITZVAH BRIGADE AND YOUTH PROGRAMMING: When the local JCC camp and the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movement camps announced that they would not have in-person camping during the summer, we saw an opportunity to bring children and families into meaningful engagement with Mitzvot and with our community. We offered the entire community, for free, a brief weekly teaching and story about a particular Mitzvah on Monday afternoons. We offered practical ways for children to put that Mitzvah into action during the week, and collected photos and stories of the children doing the Mitzvot to publicize their accomplishments on social media. We had strong non-member participation and felt that we provided a program that added a sense of community, value, and purpose for our families over the summer. We received coverage in the local media and cultivated new relationships in the community. Most importantly, we cultivated new relationships between children and Mitzvot. After a total restructuring, our school continues to meet virtually.

SHABBAT SERVICES, RITUAL, AND ALIYOT: During the shutdown, our ritual committee opted to hold full, traditional services with a Torah service, including reading from the Torah, over Zoom. We understood that this is not comfortable for all communities, or even for all our members, but it felt most appropriate for our committee's and Rabbi's approaches to Jewish expression. We became the only congregation in our area to be conducting a full service from our Bima with a traditional matbea both on Friday night and Saturday morning, and have attracted participants from all over the country. Our rabbi and cantor lead from the bima with appropriate PPE, streaming via Zoom. Further, a volunteer agreed to invite congregants celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other simchas to join us for an Aliyah, bringing increased joy to our gatherings. More than ever, Shabbat is anchoring our congregants' week, and more people are actively participating. A group of congregant volunteers even began leading a virtual Havdalah each Saturday night. There is a lay-led virtual morning Minyan twice a week, after which congregants share a meal over Zoom. Through engagement, volunteerism, and a clear articulation of our values, our spiritual life is stronger than ever despite a closed building.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/clarity-of-purpose-through-covid-19
via USCJ

Why Synagogue Collaboration Matters Now More Than Ever

Nine years ago, when I first began working as a Synagogue Consultant at USCJ in the Metropolitan New York (METNY) District, collaboration was a familiar and important topic. In fact, it was so important, that the first conference that we held was on collaborations and mergers. With the current pandemic creating greater pressures on our congregations, we are holding our fourth conference on collaborations and mergers in November.

Collaborative work in METNY can be a model for synagogues in the rest of the country, as it is a building block for greater synagogue and Jewish communal vibrancy.

At first blush, the proximity of METNY congregations might seem to make collaboration more difficult, as synagogues worry about losing members to each other. While this is a concern for some, many more have realized that it is critical for long-term success. What follows is the “secret sauce” of METNY’s congregational successes, and ideas as to how others can replicate this success.

Factors that Led METNY Congregations to Collaborate

Proximity

I like to say that METNY is like a string of pearls, with a synagogue every few miles. As far back as twenty years, collaborative work in METNY began with religious high schools and youth groups, and has since expanded into other areas such as programing and religious services. Specialty programing is one of the newer forms of partnerships. For example, one congregation has been bringing together six local Conservative congregations for a very successful Yom Hashoah program. They now also partner with the local JCRC and local government to increase their overall outreach and impact.

Demographics

It is no secret that changes in affiliation patterns, aging of our communities, and couples starting families later in life are and have been deeply affecting synagogue membership in recent years. A couple of years ago, some of our senior congregations recognized that young families were no longer moving into their areas so they stopped focusing on outreach only to them. These synagogues began to explore relationships with new adult communities in their neighborhoods and teamed together with them for adult learning and programing.

Leadership/Volunteer Burnout

Over the last twenty years there has been an explosion of Jewish organizations that all vie for the same pool of volunteers. Synagogues, are no longer the primary “adult” volunteer experience. USCJ has created several educational and programmatic experiences, like Sulam for Current Leaders (SCL), Sulam for Emerging Leaders (SEL) and Sulam for Purposeful Living (SPL) to help our synagogues recruit, engage and train volunteers and leaders.

Financial Issues

Aging buildings, declining membership, lost income from catering/renters, and donor fatigue, all create situations that make sustainability ever more challenging. It is not uncommon for Conservative synagogues in METNY to explore combining religious school programs for cost saving purposes. It is now also becoming more common for Conservative and Reform synagogues to rent space from each other, share buildings, or combine religious schools providing more flexible learning options.

Why Efforts Have Been Successful in METNY

They see it as a learning process

Partnering with other synagogues affords METNY congregations the opportunity to work with different types of leaders and different congregational cultures. Varied partnerships create a learning process for both parties; they have the opportunity to get better at it or determine that they are not a “good fit”.

Frequent and Transparent Communication.

Good communication is critical in garnering support for partnerships and ensuring success. Creating relationships and excitement are key to collaborative accomplishments. The METNY District has had a long history of bringing synagogue leadership together to network, share information, and give support to each other. The pandemic brought forward a greater desire to hold METNY leadership roundtable gatherings more frequently and move in-person meetings to an online format, creating a good model for congregations.

Lots of Practice

As in any new venture, there is a learning curve. Synagogues in the METNY district of USCJ have been collaborating and partnering for years. It’s work that is familiar and comfortable. But they have not become complacent. Our synagogues continue to ask themselves and each other, “What’s working? What’s not? What can we improve?”

Perseverance

Not all collaborations work right away. Timing may not be right, bandwidth issues very often get in the way, egos, and inertia can all create barriers. One congregation became more open to collaborative work when founding synagogue members no longer held leadership positions. Transitions can create new opportunities. It’s important to be persistent, and to look for openings and recognize those transition points.

What You Can Do in Your Community

• The virtual world has blurred lines and given all communities the ability to reach people differently than they had in the past. Individuals from all over North America (and the world!) have been Zooming into Shabbat and holiday services like never before. While some may decide not to become synagogue members, they may still make donations, help with making a minyan, and can add to overall synagogue vibrancy.
• Shared programming can create financial savings through joint staff, curriculum and materials, and offer synergies for family, youth or adult programming that did not exist independently. A hybrid of in-person and virtual classrooms or programs creates new opportunities to allow synagogues to expand their viable partner options where proximity issues would not have previously allowed.
• What were once obstacles to working with more physically distant communities and more varied organizations have now been reduced by the ability to hold virtual meetings and gatherings. This in turn allows for more exploration of synergies. These new virtual relationships can develop into a desire for more in-person work. Some communities even feel that virtual programming gives them the ability to be more inclusive for a population that cannot otherwise participate.
• Use technology as a collaboration tool. Online schmoozing, cooking classes, and book clubs have helped to create meaningful connections in new ways. Zoom break-out rooms for “sharing” Shabbat dinners and fundraising through virtual galas have made us consider how we can engage our communities more deeply even if we cannot be physically together.
• Look for collaborative partners in places you may have never considered before. A transition point, such as a change in leadership or a financial setback can often be a signal for opportunities that can facilitate the possibility of creating a new relationship. Continue to reflect on your community’s work with an eye toward new and different partner(s) which can be a springboard for new ideas and hopefully new relationships.

Why Synagogue Collaboration Matters

It takes vision and courage to consider partnering with other congregations to make a synagogue into a stronger community. Synergies of collective congregations can create a vibrancy for the future that will benefit not only individual congregations, but the larger Jewish community. As you decide to explore to collaborations and partnerships, approach the venture from mutual positions of strength and with the hope of creating a kehillah kadosha (sacred community) for current and future generations.

Endnote: Collaborations and partnerships may ultimately lead to mergers, or consolidations which can be complex and emotional. Your community’s first step should always be to build solid relationships and explore shared undertakings. Merger and consolidation will be the topic of my upcoming article.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/why-synagogue-collaboration-matters-now-more-than-ever
via USCJ

Ned Gladstein: 5781 High Holiday Message

Dear Friends,

Nothing tests leadership like crisis. Looking back to a year ago, none of us could have predicted the challenges the year 5780 would bring. Our synagogue leaders have faced difficult decisions at every turn, how to protect and enhance the lives of our congregants, how to create new meaningful experiences and connections, and how to ensure our congregations thrive.

As we go into 5781 we do so with a sense of hope, mixed with loss and uncertainty.

We feel the loss of praying together and kibbutzing at kiddush. We feel the anxiety caused by so many disruptions -- postponed or transformed life cycle events and celebrations that could not take place. We grieve for community and family members whom we've lost this past year, including those who fell victim to the virus.

We feel uncertainty about what the new year will bring. How will synagogue life continue to be transformed? How will we manage financially? How will we balance our personal, professional, and volunteer responsibilities when, at times, they seem so overwhelming?

And yet, we feel hopeful when we look back on a year in which so many of our synagogues have transformed themselves. We have discovered that our congregations are not about our buildings, but about the relationships that we build with our people and our communities. We have reached out to our members to keep them connected and cared for by adapting new rituals at home and taking prayer experiences, education, fundraising, and social experiences online. We start this year with a sense of confidence as we continue to overcome the challenges in front of us, and emerge strong, connected, nimble, and even transformed.

Through it all, I am proud of the role that USCJ has played, as we seek meaning together through our connections to resources and to each other. We are travelling this road together, treating one another with kindness, taking risks, sharing ideas, learning from our successes and failures, and giving each other encouragement. We are truly a united synagogue community. In the coming year USCJ will continue to offer that same support, connection, and training. We will continue to engage our teens. And we will deepen our partnership with the Rabbinical Assembly and other movement partners to continue to become a truly united movement.

Meanwhile, I am grateful to all who lead our congregations and met the challenges of this past year. Thank you for all you do, and please accept my wishes to you and your family for a Shanah Tovah -- a year of blessings.

Sincerely,

Ned Gladstein

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/ned-gladstein-5781-high-holiday-message
via USCJ

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal: 5781 High Holiday Message

Dear Friends:

The sound of the shofar calls to us to listen! But our tradition teaches us that salvation only comes when we open our eyes to suffering and take action towards solutions. Indeed, in both our Torah readings for Rosh Hashanah, an angel calls out, and Hagar and Abraham discover that what is needed to save a life was in front of them all along.

In both these Torah readings, the stakes could not be higher. A child’s life is in imminent danger. On the first day we read of Hagar and her son, Ishma’el, who were banished from Abraham’s household. As they wander in the wilderness, their water runs out, and Hagar sobs as she sees her beloved son dying of thirst. On the second day we read of Abraham preparing to fulfill what he believes to be God’s command, offering his own beloved son Isaac on an altar. We can imagine his own tears as he raises his knife.

And as each child endures terrible trauma and the possibility of death, an angel calls out to pause the action, and when Hagar and Abraham each look more clearly, the agent of salvation is near at hand. For Ishma’el, “Then God opened [Hagar’s] eyes and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water, and let the boy drink” (Gen. 21:19-20, JPS). For Isaac, “When Abraham looked up, his eye fell upon a ram, caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son” (Gen. 22:13).

In our world, some lives are threatened by natural forces of disease, hunger or thirst. And some are threatened by human acts of violence, racism, antisemitism, and bigotry. Suffering and injustice abound.

This Rosh Hashanah, the shofar is the call of the angel who tells Hagar, “Come, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him” (21:18). And it is the call of the angel who tells Abraham, “Do not raise your hand against the boy, or do anything to him. For now I know you fear God” (22:12).

This year, let’s hear the sound of the shofar as the call of that angel. Let go of the knife. Reach out a virtual hand. Lift up one another. Heed the angel’s voice -- God’s voice -- commanding us, “Do not turn away from suffering. See it clearly, and look for the solutions that God is providing you. The well of water. The ram in the thicket. It is there, right in front of you! Seize it, save a life, save a child, save a world.”

Indeed, isn’t this what we have been doing in our synagogues and communities over these past few months? I have been inspired by the creativity, talent, passion, flexibility and incredible energy of our clergy, synagogue professionals, and lay leaders who have shown us that strong communities are not about buildings, but about people, relationship, connection, and spirit. And I’m grateful that USCJ has been able to play a partnership role in inspiring, connecting, training, and facilitating those connections and achievements.

May we hear the call of the shofar this year. May we see the world with clear eyes and a pure heart. And may we continue to act with love and compassion, with partnership and care.

Please accept my warmest gratitude for all that you have done this year as a leader of your community, and for all that we will do together in the year to come.

L’shanah Tovah Umetukah -- With Wishes for a Good and Sweet New Year,

Jacob

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/rabbi-jacob-blumenthal-5781-high-holiday-message
via USCJ

Shabbat Shalom: Say it with a "Shabbat-o-gram"

Observing Shabbat at Jewish summer camp is an incredibly powerful experience—from the creative outdoor services to the energetic singing and dancing with friends. So when it was announced that in-person camps would remain closed this summer, one Jewish couple was inspired to replicate a piece of the experience virtually—first for camps and now for synagogues, religious schools, preschools, Hillels, and others in the Jewish community. Rabbi Shayna Golkow of Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills, California, and her boyfriend Ben Zauzmer, a coder with the Los Angeles Dodgers, created Shabbat-o-Grams. The website keeps people connected virtually by enabling them to create and send digital Shabbat greetings—at no cost—to friends, family, staff, alumni, etc. every Friday. “Ben and I grew up going to Jewish summer camps and loving the experiences we had,” shares Shayna. “Upon hearing the news that camps were going to be virtual all summer, we felt so sad for the campers, staff, and other community members who were missing out on those experiences. We wanted to create something that would help bring people together and make them feel like they were getting to bring the magic of camp home in this virtual world.” While in-person campers might cut cardboard and use markers, tape, and photos to create good wishes and notes of appreciation for Shabbat, Shabbat-o-Gram users digitally choose fonts, add color and text, and upload photos and drawings to customize their greetings to arrive by email. They can even designate Shabbat-o-Grams for entire communities, which are then shared on Instagram with links to those communities’ donation pages.

“We’ve seen some beautiful Shabbat-o-Grams with amazing drawings and collages of friends and family,” shares Ben. “We’ve also seen so many sweet, kind, and supportive messages.” In fact, over 1,000 people from 35 Jewish summer camps have received Shabbat-o-Grams so far. The Friday it launched, Ben awoke to his email filled with requests. “That was a real pinch-yourself-type moment,” he says. “We really had no idea if this would be something that would catch on but we had advertised to every camp letting them know this was available to them. A few came in Monday through Thursday, and then I awoke on Friday before the deadline to my Gmail so filled I had to click to the next page. That never happens.” Since then, the couple has received requests from several synagogues to make Shabbat-o-Grams available to their communities for Shabbat as well as the High Holidays—and that’s exactly what they’re doing. “We have received such nice messages from people letting us know they feel supported by this project,” says Shayna. “We hope that will be the same for congregations and others in the Jewish community who are struggling to keep people engaged and connected in this virtual world.”

Click here to visit the website and start sharing it with your congregation.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/shabbat-shalom-say-it-with-a-shabbat-o-gram
via USCJ

USCJ's #BlackLivesMatter Statement in The New York Times

On Friday, August 28, 2020, The New York Times published a letter signed by over 600 Jewish organizations, including USCJ, expressing Black Lives Matter. The process used to sign on to this letter was consistent with current policy regarding issuing statements, and was reviewed by Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal along with Leslie Lichter, USCJ’s COO, and Ned Gladstein, USCJ’s president.

The letter reflects the mission and values of USCJ, and we are therefore pleased it has received a good deal of attention. The following additional information/ context might also prove helpful:

1. We believe that this letter represents the mainstream point of view in the Jewish community. Among many others, both the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), which represents Jewish Community Relations Councils across the US, and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) signed on, as well as hundreds of synagogues, Federations, and other organizations.

2. #BlackLivesMatter is a broad-based idea linked to a wide range of institutions and leaders initiated by the Black community in its struggle to seek justice and to eliminate systemic racism. There is no one organization responsible for its thinking. Much as the Jewish community is extremely diverse (even our Conservative movement is quite diverse!), that is also the case in the Black community.

3. Leaders in the Black community have spoken out forcefully against violence and antisemitism, and have been important allies to our own community in the face of the increase in antisemitism (including leaders who do not agree on all of our community’s positions).

4. #BlackLivesMatter is sometimes erroneously linked to the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) organization, and concerns have been raised about its links to BDS and anti-Israel sentiment. I strongly urge you to read this analysis by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which pushes back on those initial assumptions that were made 4 years ago and also brings it up to date based on their draft 2020 platform statement to be released soon. We agree with the JCPA’s conclusion: “To counter antisemitism and to live out our Jewish values of equity and justice for all, that the Jewish community should not abandon the largest movement for racial justice in decades because of fear of a position, even one as objectionable as that included in the M4BL platform in 2016, taken by a small faction also participating in that fight.”

5. It is very important to note that BLM is a movement by and for Black Americans, including many members of our Jewish community. There may be times when we need to take a step back from the Jewish community’s immediate concerns and, when we see fatal results of prejudice and systemic racism, give priority to those efforts. As we form closer alliances, we will also find opportunities to talk about our own concerns.

6. Many of our constituents have expressed gratitude for taking this position as allies of BLM. From those comments I note especially that our younger generation is passionate about this struggle, and many times they can be our teachers on issues in which unfortunately, a generation after the civil rights movement, we have not made sufficient progress. In fact, USCJ’s Board of Directors will have a chance to have a multi-generational, multi-perspective conversation about the issue of racial justice at our board meeting on September 13.

7. We are proud that USYers are in the midst of an “18 Day Learning Challenge'' to educate themselves further about racial injustice in America. In addition, USYers will engage in challenging conversations with peers surrounding these issues. We also invite our synagogue leaders to participate in a voluntary cohort of congregations engaged in our upcoming Kol Tzedek racial justice initiative.

Part of our goal as we Seek Meaning Together at USCJ, is to improve a very flawed world, and this statement expresses our desire to be allies in the struggle to eliminate racism, seek justice, and affirm that #BlackLivesMatter. Real change is never easy, demands that we take risks, and is rarely comfortable. Particularly in the month of Elul, as we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jewish tradition requires that we look at both ourselves and our society -- own our challenges, biases, and imperfections -- and act to correct them.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/uscjs-blacklivesmatter-statement-in-the-new-york-times-1
via USCJ

Encouraging Our Congregants to Be “Counted”

In the first chapter of Bamidbar (Numbers), the Bible tells us that God commanded Moses to count all of the members of Am Yisrael. Perhaps that’s why the United States Constitution requires that every decade the federal government count the number of people residing within our national border.

For 230 years, the United States has conducted a Census. The process plays an important part in influencing policies and decisions that personally impact us all, including our congregants, as well as in framing the conversation of who we are as a country.

Here’s how:

• The Census determines how many Congressional representatives and electors a state receives. However, urban areas and large metropolitan cities are historically under-counted, which can mean not enough representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives where many urban Jewish communities exist. Moreover, the number of Congresspeople who represent a state are the same number of electors the state has in the electoral college for the election of a President. Accordingly, a community that wants to see its values represented in the presidential election needs to actively participate in the Census.
• The Census determines where federal funding goes. The Census determines which programs and systems that are critical in our local communities and states will receive federal funding and in what amount. An under-count in our communities means that tax dollars paid by our community members might be distributed elsewhere. Things like local health care, housing, child education, and public transportation can be affected. Additionally, the law requires that information provided to the Census may not be shared with any other governmental agency for any purpose. Accordingly, if your community is supporting immigrants, their participation in the Census may not be used by immigration authorities.
  
• The Census helps show where and how businesses can flourish. It’s no secret that businesses were hit hard as a result of COVID-19. It is going to take a while for them to recover. The data collected during the Census helps inform better decision making around business expansions, closures, hiring strategies, and other business practices in order to decrease perceived risks and increase return on investments. These informed decisions mean that, again, resources can reach our local communities and those who may need them most.

This year, the federal government has decided to shorten the period of time in which the Census is counted -- this year, the Census is collecting data only through September. Please consider encouraging your congregants to be counted as part of the broader U.S. community this year by filling out the Census -- it takes just 10 minutes! God’s mandate to Moses did not only mean that he had to do the counting, but that the people of Israel had to participate and be counted. Similarly, our synagogue members need to participate and be counted in this years United States Census. Please include a reminder in your synagogue newsletter, mention it in your programming, and highlight it on social media.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/encouraging-our-congregants-to-be-counted
via USCJ

#MyUSYfiSummer has the perfect summer programs for your teen. And registration is still open!

We may not be sending trips out this summer, but #MyUSYfiSummer is a seriously incredible way to ensure your teen or tween still has a fulfilling, meaningful, and fun summer experience with USY. And it's not too late to sign up! Registration is still open to purchase an All Access Pass, or to select specific premium classes a la carte.

Does your teen have an interest in Israel, Middle East politics, or overseas travel? Check out these classes:

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/myusyfisummer-has-the-perfect-summer-programs-for-your-teen-and-registration-is-still-open
via USCJ

Jewish Book Council Recommends Summer Reads

Summer is the time when many of us like to kick back and relax through reading.

Miri Pomerantz Dauber, Director, Jewish Book Council Book Clubs, provides the following suggestions, some of which were recognized with Jewish Book Council awards. The 2020 Jewish Book Award recipients will be announced on January 12, 2021.

Fiction

• Hannah's War by Jan Eliasberg
• On Division by Goldie Goldbloom
• The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman (2019 JBC Book Club Award)
• A Bend in the Stars by Rachel Barenbaum
• The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas (2018 JJ Greenberg Memorial Award)
• Fly Already by Etgar Keret (2019 JBC fiction award)
• The Book of V. by Anna Solomon
• The Lost Shtetl by Max Gross

Non Fiction

• The Art of Leaving: A Memoir by Ayelet Tsabari
• America's Jewish Women: A History from Colonial Times Until Today by Pamela Nadell (2019 JBC Jewish Book of the Year/Everett Family Foundation; recommended for book clubs)
• The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed Race Jewish Girl by Marra Gad
• The Seventh Heaven: Travels Through Jewish Latin America by Ilan Stavans
• The Sacred Exchange: Creating a Jewish Money Ethic by Mary Zamore
• Wandering Dixie: Dispatches from the Lost Jewish South by Sue Eisenfeld
• #QuietingTheSilence: Personal Stories by The Blue Dove Foundation

JBC’s web­site fea­tures a data­base of cur­rent and past Nation­al Jew­ish Book Award win­ners and final­ists; judges’ remarks on the 2019 win­ners and final­ists book pages

The Jewish Book Council (JBC)is a not-for-profit organization that works to promote books of Jewish interest. Through reviews, awards, public programs, book club resources, an annual literary journal, the JBC Network author touring program which connects synagogues, JCCs, and other institutions with current authors for events (virtual for this year!), and more, Jewish Book Council engages in conversations around literature. Find out more, read reviews, sign up to receive JBC's annual book club reading selection guide, or register with the JBC Network at www.jewishbookcouncil.org.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/jewish-book-council-recommends-summer-books
via USCJ

Abundant Summer Education Opportunities From Masorti Olami

Masorti Olam has a robust roster of online education opportunities this summer to provide an Israel perspective of the Jewish experience. Congregations are able to book a session to enhance their own education programs.

Jewish Pluralism Watch (JPW) offers free online lectures and seminars that examine the complex issues of religion and state in Israel. These will help you to better navigate the different perspectives and attitudes towards one of the most controversial debates in Israel affecting the lives of Israelis and Jews around the world. Click here for more information.

Masorti@Home provides exciting online classes, workshops and sessions delivered by leading rabbis and scholars to your congregation. Click here for more information.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/summer-education-opportunities-abound-from-masorti-olami
via USCJ

Update: USCJ Membership Reporting Form

We know these are difficult, unprecedented times. While we struggle with the challenges of being apart, we are stronger together as a network of nearly 600 synagogues across North America. We at USCJ are working hard to provide the expertise and resources to help you navigate the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities we are all facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your USCJ membership dues give you access to a portfolio of programs and services, including:

• Pandemic-specific resources including issue-based conferences and webinars, support for virtual programming, planning for the High Holidays, and guidelines for the reopening of physical spaces
• Guidance, tools, and training in areas of financial sustainability, membership, relational Judaism, leadership development, security, fundraising, and more
• Teen Engagement: Helping more than 12,000 teens connect to one another and acquire the skills and experiences to make Jewish choices as adults. USYfi -- new USY virtual programming -- is now available to keep our teens connected and engaged even when they can’t be together physically
• Cost savings: Operational efficiency webinars, discount buying opportunities, and more

MRF: Flexible Options and Billing

In previous years, you would have received the Membership Reporting Form (MRF) in early June so that we could update your billing for the new fiscal year beginning on July 1. The MRF is used to calculate each synagogue’s dues based on a formula approved by you and your peers in the USCJ General Assembly.

This year, given the unique challenges we are all facing, there is an option to defer your MRF submission until October 30th. If you choose not to submit an MRF now, we will continue to invoice you based on last year's MRF and then adjust your dues if needed when we receive this year's MRF, on or before October 30th. Click here for this year’s MRF.

Note that the MRF form is now in digital format only.

Updated Dues Discount Policy

We are pleased to offer once again a 2.5% early payment discount for synagogues whose full dues are received no later December 31, 2020. In addition to a completed MRF, submission of the synagogue mailing list is required. Click here for the Mailing List Template.

For those paying monthly, we have also expanded our ability for synagogues to pay online, set up ACH or other recurring dues payments.

Questions about online payments, dues, or the MRF can be directed to Barry Mael (mael@uscj.org) or Roumi Kovachev (dues@uscj.org).

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/update-uscj-membership-reporting-form
via USCJ

How To Get an IRS Exempt Determination Letter: 4 Steps

In my recent article, US-based Synagogue Can’t Find an IRS 501(c) (3) Exemption Recognition Letter, we discussed that a synagogue need not apply for nor receive a formal letter from the IRS that recognizes its exempt status in order for it to be exempt from federal and state income taxes.

But some organizations may still want a formal letter from the IRS recognizing its exempt status. The reasons for this are many. Some are unable to locate earlier records and want a formal governmental acknowledgement of their exempt status. For example, some grantors require that an organization provide them with a copy of the formal letter that the IRS sends to organizations when it approves them for tax exempt status in order to receive the grant. Some are concerned that because they do not appear in databases of tax-exempt organizations, they may not be eligible for grants. Synagogues feel they may be able to reach more donors if they appear in the listings of organizations that have formally applied for and received a tax exemption letter. Others may have activities that extend beyond their status as a synagogue, and such activities, while critical to the synagogue’s own mission might themselves require an application be filed. In either case, or in other cases, the organization may consider submitting a formal application to the IRS for recognition of the synagogue as tax exempt. There are a few considerations that may help in analyzing this issue

The synagogue is, by its very nature, “tax exempt,” as noted in my earlier Leadership Matters article. By tax exempt we do not mean that it is exempt from all federal and state taxes, but rather that it is exempt from the payment of federal income taxes. No application needs to be filed to make the synagogue tax exempt and so no letter is necessary to prove this so long as the institution functions as a synagogue.

A synagogue may request from the IRS not a formal recognition letter, but a letter that acknowledges that the IRS is aware that the organization has identified itself as a “church” and that churches are by their nature tax-exempt. This is known as a 4163-c letter. It does not say that the IRS has reviewed and approved the synagogue’s application for exempt status under IRC Section 501(c)(3).

To get this, the synagogue has to submit an IRS Form 2848 to the Exempt Organization’s Office of the IRS. The form needs to identify the synagogue (including its address and Employee Identification or EIN number), designate an individual, and either an officer of the synagogue or the synagogue’s attorney or auditor to contact the IRS on behalf of the synagogue. It also requires the synagogue describe the matter and the letter you want. For example, on behalf of one of my clients that experienced a fire recently we wrote under the “Description of Matter” section “The taxpayer is a Jewish synagogue whose copy of its exempt organization confirmation was destroyed in a fire. Please send to the above identified representative … the form 4163-c letter.”

As for applying for a grant from an organization that requires that the synagogue provide them with a copy of an IRS exemption letter, if an organization can get its hands on this form letter, it may satisfy the grantor even though it is not a formal “determination” letter. Even without that letter, a synagogue may have an attorney or accountant willing to write an opinion letter in connection with the grant to the effect that the synagogue is, as a matter of law, exempt and that letter may assist with obtaining the grant.

Practical Concerns Due to COVID-19

There are, however, some very practical concerns that may limit this approach during the Covid-19 pandemic. First the form must be faxed or mailed, it cannot be emailed. Also, and importantly during the Spring of 2020 it has been significantly more difficult to communicate with the IRS, file the forms, follow up and receive the letter in hand. This author is personally aware that the Exempt Organizations Section of the IRS has suspended some its customer account services phone lines for long periods during the current pandemic and when they have been open the IRS has warned there is a long wait time. She has recently seen on the website that the IRS was not accepting any new form 2848s. When she was able to reach someone at the IRS (when the website momentarily did not post a do not contact notice), the IRS was unable to locate the form that had been filed. Even then, she was advised that it would take an unusually long time to get a reply. So a synagogue may be very challenged to the extent that it may want a timely letter from the IRS that acknowledges that the synagogue claims to be a “church” under IRS guidelines and so is exempt from taxes and also exempt from submitting an application for a formal determination thereof (or any response from the IRS).

Filing a 1023 Application

If the synagogue still wants/needs an IRS exempt organization determination letter, it may formally file a 1023 application for recognition of its exempt status by the IRS. Reasons for making the filing may include that the synagogue wants to appear on a website like Guidestar or Charity Navigator to assure its congregants or its other potential donors of information regarding the organization that is contained within its 1023 and annual 990 filings. Alternatively, a granting organization may really require that the organization have completed a 1023 application and submit annual 990 filings during the grant term.

In order for the synagogue to obtain an IRS exempt organization determination letter, it must file an application for tax exemption, i.e., IRS form 1023. There are currently some practical challenges with filing this form. Since February 1, 2020 applicants are required to file their forms electronically. Yet while the IRS publishes a link to an interactive copy of form 1023 through this document, as of the date of the writing of this article, the link is broken. Moreover, during normal times it is not unusual for the IRS to take weeks or months to process the application. During the Covid-19 pandemic, applicants should expect longer delays.

The IRS publishes instructions to aid in the completion of form 1023. It requests a large amount of information from the applicant, including copies of the organization’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws and conflict of interest policy. The purpose of the detailed questions within the application are to assure that the organization applying for recognition of its tax exemption does not:

• Allow any of their net earnings to inure to any individual;
• Provide a substantial benefit to a private person;
• Devote a substantial part of their activities to attempting to influence legislation;
• participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office; and
• Was not formed for a purpose or activity that may be illegal or violates fundamental public policy.

If the IRS is concerned that the organization has engaged in any of the above listed activities, IRS 1023 application will be denied, and it will not be initially granted exemption. Thus, synagogues need not submit a form 1023 to be recognized as exempt may lose its exemption if it submits a form 1023 and does not assure the IRS that it is not engaging in any of the above activities. In addition, if previously its 1023 application was approved and it was determined to be tax exempt, that determination may be withdrawn. It should go without saying that if a synagogue does not submit a 1023 application, but engages in any of the above activities it is, as a matter of law, ineligible to be considered as federally tax exempt.

The 1023 application is itself complicated with a paper version of the form being 11 pages long, plus a schedule that must be completed for “churches”. In addition, depending upon the operations of the synagogue additional schedules may need to be completed, such as a schedule if the application is submitted over 27 months after the synagogue has been incorporated under state law, as well as a separate schedule that needs to be completed if the synagogue includes a school that teaches secular subjects.

To ensure that the applicant’s activities comport with IRS requirements, the 1023 application specifically mandates that the applicant’s certificate or articles of incorporation state its purpose, and state that upon any dissolution its assets will be used for exempt purposes. If this is not the case, then before submitting its 1023 application, the organization must amend its charter documents. The synagogue must also provide detailed information regarding any compensation made to its “officers, directors or trustees”, as well as the five highest compensated employees and five highest compensated independent contractors who will receive more than $50,000 per year. Detailed questions are also asked regarding a congregation’s fundraising practices and policies. Financial data from the synagogue’s current fiscal year, as well as its three prior tax years or projections from its 2 succeeding tax years must be included. Data is also requested regarding the synagogue’s religious operations are also requested.

All of this is to say that the 1023 application is a detailed description of the synagogue’s operations and finances. The instructions must be read carefully as it is critical to answer the questions properly. Its answers should be based on well-maintained documents and processes. If the organization does not have processes to properly maintain its information, it may be important to clean up its records and implement such processes before trying to complete and file the application. Once the synagogue has successfully filed the form 1023, it may need to provide a copy of its application and determination letter to state charities authorities for them to grant an exemption to the payment of state income tax. The importance of a carefully prepared application is highlighted by the fact that a synagogue may expect that its federal and state applications, as well as any annual returns it may file, will become public via any of the search functions found in the IRS website, the website of the state’s charities officials, or Guidestar or CharityNavigator and other routes as well.

The 1023 application requires time to complete and should not be done quickly or haphazardly. Accordingly, from a time perspective, it can be expensive. Therefore, synagogue leaders without expertise in the completion of the form should engage accountants and/or attorneys experienced in the operations of non-profits and synagogues, as well as in successfully advising on and completing the forms. The advice sought should not only be on the actual completion of the forms but the risks, benefits and alternative to submitting the form 1023 in order to achieve the congregation’s objectives.

With or without a determination letter, synagogues will still need to deal with the IRS. After most charitable organizations file their 1023 application, they are required to make an annual filing of form 990, which can be thought of as an annual information return, comparable to how individuals and for-profit corporations file an annual 1040 income tax return. The 990 basically requests updates from the 1023 application, and includes detailed questions regarding payments to trustees, officers and directors, highly compensated employees and highly compensated independent contractors, all to determine that the organization continues to qualify for its tax exempt status.

While synagogues need not submit an annual 990 filing, there are still filings with the IRS that it is required to make, whether or not it has filed a 1023 application. For example, if the synagogue has income that is unrelated to its purpose (such as commercial rental income on real estate it owns), then it needs to file a form 990-T for any year it has such “unrelated business income” or “UBI” and pay the appropriately calculated income tax on such income. If the UBI is greater than $500 per year it needs to make estimated UBI tax payments. In addition, it needs to provide employees with W-2s and independent contractors with 1099 statements. The IRS provides a listing of such filings which need to be made by synagogues on page 27 of its Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations which was referenced in the first Leadership Matters on IRS issues.

The issues associated with a synagogue’s decision as to whether or not to file a 1023 application for recognition by the IRS of its exempt status, and with the preparation and completion of the application are complex and specific to each organization. They need to be reviewed and assessed by experienced accountants and counsel. The best advice this author can give any synagogue is to seek out such counsel and accountants. This article provides general information about its topic. It is not intended to provide – and must not be relied upon as – legal advice to anyone for any purpose. Should you require advice on this topic or on any other legal matter, you should engage an attorney and/or accountant licensed in the state where you are located and establish an attorney-client relationship or an appropriate accounting relationship.

Susan F. Zinder is an attorney licensed to practice exclusively within New York State who focuses her practice on the representation of non-profit entities and healthcare providers. Susan thanks William Skody, C.P.A. of the New York based accounting firm Skody Scot & Company, CPAs, P.C. (www. http://skodyscot.com) for his generous assistance with this article.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/how-to-get-an-irs-exempt-determination-letter-4-steps
via USCJ

The Power of Ecosystems

I recently read a powerful novel by Richard Powers called The Overstory. In it, the author describes the fascinating evolution of trees. Over time, it seems that trees have developed an invisible network that shares resources, forewarns about dangers and even transfers nutrients when dying. Powers bases his story on scientific studies that insist that rather than evolving for individual survival, trees have developed a collective ecosystem.

It’s one week into my new role as lead professional for USCJ and the Rabbinical Assembly, and in that same spirit I can already see why the new partnership we are forging will be so powerful. Just one example: seeing the growing number of resources on CJHighHolidays.com shows the power of collaboration. Rabbis, cantors, executive directors, educators, and synagogue lay leaders are all contributing best practices, suggestions, and guidance to help us make these unprecedented upcoming High Holidays meaningful and connecting.

It is a reminder of what I believe is the distinctive nature of twenty-first century work -- the power of partnership. Jewish life can no longer afford organizations that “go it alone” competing for resources, influence, and attention. Instead, we need to think about the strengths of each institution and how those assets can combine to create more impact than they could individually.

The RA and USCJ are engaged in a great deal of parallel work. Although this will continue, we will also make a transition to working more hand in hand, enhancing our collective ability to help others. We are both organizations with a set mission for our stream of Judaism, to train and empower leaders, manage professional and volunteer talent, and seek to have impact on children, teens, and adults as individuals and communities. We are both membership-based organizations committed to connecting and supporting our constituents -- rabbis throughout the world in many professional tracks, and synagogues across North America. We have strong professionals and lay leaders whom we will bring together to meet the challenges of this unique period of pandemic, and beyond.

Our network of rabbis and communities, along with other institutions associated with Conservative Judaism, shares the same qualities as the underground network among the trees in Powers’ novel -- an ecosystem of cooperation and partnership, in which we can each find our niche while enhancing our collective ability to help others.

It’s no wonder that the Book of Proverbs, in speaking of the Torah, says, “It is the tree of life (etz hayyim hee) to those who hold firmly to it, and all who support it are happy.” Our institutions are the roots of that tree, and together we will help it grow and bear fruit.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/the-power-of-ecosystems
via USCJ

Can’t We Go Back To The Way It Used To Be?

“…renew our days as of old” (Lam. 5:21)

Can’t we go back to the way it used to be? This sentiment from Eicha, the book of Lamentations that we read every year on Tisha B’Av says it all. For so many of us, we remember with great affection a time when we could hug one another. A time where we could gather together without a mask blocking our smiles. Where our face to face conversations weren’t dependent upon the power of our internet connection.

“…Renew our days as of old“ is the very last line that we recite from Lamentations every year as we remember the pain of the exile and the lack of a home. The suffering of our people under the yolk of slavery and oppression. Being forcibly taken from our home, sitting by the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, we lamented our inability to return to our land. Tisha B’Av is designed to remind us of our deep sadness, but also remind us that there remains hope for our future, even if it can’t be (shouldn’t be?) exactly as it was before.

Tisha B’Av begins in the deepest sadness; we sit in the dark reciting the words of Eicha in the nighttime. The next morning, we cannot bear to wear our tefillin, for how could we wear a garment that celebrates and solemnizes our relationship with God, when God has abandoned us? We sit on the floor, unable to lift ourselves from the depths of our depression. By afternoon, however, the tefillin returns, a hopefulness for the future returns, and a sense of normalcy returns as well. We still fast, but begin to see a light at the end of our immensely dark tunnel.

What is fascinating, however, is that while we begin to transition back to normal, that normal isn’t the same as before. We begin with the Psalm for the Day, which we don’t do on any other day. We wear tefillin in the afternoon, a practice unique to that day. We do not return to days as of old, we renew. It is new and different, but not the same. We are renewed and restored, changed from the depths of our sadness.

Tisha B’Av this year will be observed in significant isolation and with an attempt to attune ourselves more intensely to the terrible racism and bigotry within our world. As much as we might we long to go back to the way things were, we simultaneously must realize that we cannot go back. Our world will never be the same. While we will return to something that resembles normalcy, we cannot allow ourselves to return to a time when we were not as aware as we should have been about the hatred in our world or about communities that we weren’t as inclusive of as we might have been.

“Renew our days as of old…” Let us experience again a world that is familiar; yet simultaneously, let us dedicate ourselves appropriately so as to assure that it won’t be the same as before. It will be better.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/cant-we-go-back-to-the-way-it-used-to-be
via USCJ

A Warm Welcome to Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal

Following is an excerpt from welcome remarks delivered by Margie Pomerantz, Vice President, USCJ, on the occasion of Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal taking the helm as joint CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Rabbinical Assembly.

What a momentous day! On behalf of Ned Gladstein who unfortunately could not be here today, and all of USCJ, I extend a warm welcome to you, Jacob!

It is so wonderful to have you officially as our CEO. We have come a long way since we first started our conversations.

As we have partnered over the past months, we have found you to be thoughtful, insightful, respectful, curious, pragmatic, strategic, visionary… and a mensch. What a great combination of skills you bring to USCJ and the partnership between USCJ and the RA.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote, "Leaders lead because there is work to do, there are people in need, there is injustice to be fought, there is wrong to be righted, there are problems to be solved and challenges ahead. Leaders hear this as a call to light a candle instead of cursing the darkness. They lead because they know that to stand idly by and expect others to do the work is the too-easy option. The responsible life is the best life there is, and is worth all the pain and frustration. To lead is to serve; The highest accolade Moses ever received was to be called “eved Hashem“ – “God’s servant” – and there is no higher honor."

We have so much to do and we will all benefit from working together under your leadership. Moving forward, we can feel assured that the two organizations will become far more than the sum of their parts.

Mazal Tov to you and to all of us.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/a-warm-welcome-to-rabbi-jacob-blumenthal
via USCJ

A Celebration of the USCJ-RA Partnership

Following are excerpts from remarks delivered by Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal on his first day as joint CEO of USCJ and the RA, during a virtual staff welcome event.

A phrase I’ve been keeping in mind this whole year has been from the Talmud, “kol hat’halot kashot -- all beginnings are hard.”

I know I could never have imagined this past first year leading Our RA -- the blessings it would bring in developing this new partnership, and also the challenges we are facing with this pandemic. Yet here we are, and it’s very powerful to see the staffs and officers of two outstanding organizations joined together in one Zoom call. While some of us are used to some of the faces on our screens, I also know that it still feels awkward. But I hope that a year from now it will seem completely natural -- that we will have a track record of joint work and experiences that will make us feel at home with one another, and where we seek one another out as we accomplish our joint mission of bringing our version of Judaism to more people in more places in more ways.

We come from many backgrounds, but I think most of us by now are familiar with the fact that Jews around the world focus on a specific part of the Torah each week. One part of this week’s portion is the story of the Moabite prophet Bilaam. He is a reluctant prophet, who is sent on a journey by his King, Balak, to curse the Israelites, but is also sent by God to offer blessings.

Bilaam rides a donkey, and while on their journey, they get stuck in a narrow space. The donkey sees a holy angel brandishing a sword in their path and refuses to move. Bilaam the prophet doesn’t see the angel or the sword, and is frustrated by the what he perceives to be the stubbornness of the donkey. He starts beating the animal.

The Torah adds a surprise twist -- the donkey turns and speaks to her rider. To paraphrase. “Hey,” she says. “Why are you hitting me? Haven’t you ridden me many times? Have I ever refused to move?” Bilaam is forced to say, “No” -- you’ve never been stubborn like this before.

Then God opens God’s eyes to see the angel holding the sword in front of him.

Bilaam doesn’t apologize, but he should have.

As I assume these new responsibilities, and as our two organizations come together in our joint work, there will be moments of frustration. I am sure of it. We will disagree about the path ahead. We will have different perspectives. We will think we are moving to quickly or too slowly.

We have individual track records, but it will take time to form the relationship of interdependence and trust that is required for our work together, so we can agree on what is in front of us, and move ahead together.

Yesterday I saw a double rainbow from outside my garage (see photo). In Genesis, the rainbow is a sign of the covenant -- God’s promise to humanity to never let anger get the better of God, and to always preserve humanity.

Today we are forming a covenant between our organizations, and I saw the rainbow yesterday as a powerful sign and reminder of what we are seeking to build -- a strong and caring relationship as we bring the promise and inspiration of God’s covenant to our broader community.

Indeed, kol hathalot kashot -- beginnings are challenging. But the letters of the Hebrew word “kashot” also spell “keshet” -- what emerges from storminess is a rainbow that brings beauty and promise to our work and our lives. I wish us many such blessings in our work together.

Today is a beginning, but also marks the end of the program and fiscal years for both our organizations. Despite so many challenges, both of our organizations have reached new levels of flexibility and relevance in meeting the needs of our members and the broader community. We have met our goals for fundraising and dues collection. We have adapted to working from home and over Zoom. So many of you have worked extra hours, balanced the needs of family with the demands of our work -- there isn’t enough gratitude for all that you have done, and all that we will do.

Now our work begins. Kol hat’haklot kashot -- all beginnings have their challenges. But you can’t start without them. May this beginning bring blessings and rewards for our own work experience, for our rabbis around the world, our congregations throughout North America, the Jewish people, and all humanity.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/a-celebration-of-the-uscj-ra-partnership
via USCJ

The Power of the Zoom Rectangle

I can vividly remember walking into my first program as a new synagogue member when my husband and I were in our twenties, like it was yesterday. I arrived alone, and not-so-patiently waited for his arrival. I felt intimidated as I knew less than a handful of people. I did not know who would be there, as this was a time before smartphones, Facebook check-ins and 24/7 connectivity. I was living my “old school” life. Approaching the welcome table, I noticed a long line. I gave my name, but they couldn’t find it because it was misspelled; this left me in a cold sweat. Eventually, I walked into the social hall looking for a familiar face. Although I was relatively extroverted, I shook inside while looking for a friendly face. Questioning my decision to attend, I seriously contemplated my exit strategy. After all, I was not a “regular,” a big donor, or someone who looked important enough to engage.

Zoom: The Great Equalizer

Looking back, if I could have simply attended this program as a “Zoom rectangle,” I might have actually felt much more at ease. Over the last 100+ days, we have been given a gift; the ability to attend any program or service we desire, in a virtual format that, in gallery view, “equalizes” all attendees. All of our rectangle-sized images on the screen are the same. How many of us have ever attended a synagogue program with greater ease? There is great power in the Zoom rectangle.

Virtual Welcome Mat

At my congregation in southern New Jersey, our Sisterhood has held weekly programs that have been well attended by those who do not usually participate. Virtual programs have created opportunities for seniors who don’t drive at night, single moms with no childcare, and those who feel more comfortable just stopping in to check out what’s going on. Although we are all hungry for human connection and miss our physical gatherings, there are many aspects of attending “as a rectangle” that are empowering and satisfying. Besides the joy and physical comfort of showing up in sweatpants, we all sit in the VIP seats. This means that we all share the same viewpoint and no one has to worry about with whom to sit, or be anxious about who may, or may not, talk to them. For many, this is liberating, and makes attendance at events easier and less stressful.

Many of us who work inside the synagogue world don’t realize how difficult it can be for new people or individuals who haven’t attended in a long time to “just come” to our programs. Many program staff and volunteers are discussing what our events will look like post COVID-19. It is important that we consider the “power of the rectangle” as we plan our future events. How can we continue to make people feel as confident in their participation, and attend our events with the same comfort, when in person? What steps will we take to create environments that are stress-free and truly welcoming? What have we learned about our members and potential future members, while sheltered in place? How will we use this knowledge and information as we plan our synagogue program calendars?

Although none of us are sure what synagogue life will look like post-High Holidays 5781, I am certain that our members continue to look for ways to engage that are spiritual, meaningful, and accessible. We have spent the last few months flexing muscles we never knew we had and have experimented in ways some of us never dreamed possible. As we find ways to encourage active and reflective participation, let’s continue to hold open the floodgates of innovation as we work to transform our audiences into connected members.

It is said that the rectangle is a trusted shape, representing honesty, solidity, and stability. May we move forward into 5781 as rectangles that embrace all three of these timeless virtues.

Jennifer Stofman is the Director of Synagogue Consulting at USCJ. She has never checked-in anywhere on Facebook. This article was published in eJewishPhilanthropy.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/the-power-of-the-zoom-rectangle
via USCJ

USY Alumni Programming and Engagement Survey

USY is undertaking a major effort to engage and reconnect our alumni around the world, and we need your help. Please share the USY Alumni Programming and Engagement Survey in your congregational and communal communications and widely within your community and network. We want to know where our USY alumni are, their favorite USY memories, and what type of alumni programming should offer.

Feel free to share this short survey with your community, contacts and friends. We can provide a Facebook post, copy for newsletters and bulletins, or any other resources to assist you in a wide distribution of the survey.

Please contact Alana Cooper, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at cooper@uscj.org for more information.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/usy-alumni-programming-and-engagement-survey
via USCJ

USCJ Participates in Amicus Curiae Brief to Protect LGBTQ Rights

USCJ continues to be actively involved in advocating for and protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community, including same sex marriage.

Along with other religious organizations, USCJ and the Rabbinical Assembly are planning to participate in an amicus curiae brief before the United States Supreme Court this August, making the same argument as the attached amicus brief that was filed in the case in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Specifically, USCJ is supporting the argument that a municipality may make “no discrimination against same-sex couples” a condition of contracts for foster care/adoption agencies, including agencies operated by religious groups such as the Catholic Church.

The anti-discrimination restriction is an across-the-board restriction on all agencies that contract with the municipality. The religious agencies are forced to make a choice between their religious beliefs and doing business with the municipality. If they choose the former, they lose a significant revenue stream which helps to fund their religious activities. If they choose the latter, they are forced to violate their religious beliefs. The position we are joining is: The anti-discrimination provision is a law of general application, not targeted against anyone (certainly not against religious groups, which would be ipso facto unconstitutional), and which gives same sex couples equal rights with hetero couples. Each agency (religious or secular) can choose to accept the restriction (and do business with the City) or not. No one is forced to do business with the City against their beliefs.

This position is in keeping with the CJLS Teshuvah on same-gender relationships which affirms the value of human dignity in arguing for full equality for LGBTQ persons.

Case Background

In March 2018, after the City of Philadelphia learned that the foster care agency, Catholic Social Services (CSS), would not license same-sex couples to be foster parents, the city ceased referring children to it. CSS and four of its foster parents, represented by counsel from the Becket Fund, sued the City of Philadelphia asking the court to order the city to renew the agency’s contract. On August 14, 2018, the ACLU was permitted to intervene in the lawsuit on behalf of the Support Center for Child Advocates, a nonprofit that represents and advocates for children in the foster care system, and Philadelphia Family Price, a nonprofit membership organization of LGBTQ+ people and their families, whose members include same-sex foster parents and prospective foster parents.

History of LGBTQ Advocacy

This is not the first time that USCJ and the RA have shown solidarity with the LGBTQ community. Several years ago, USCJ and RA joined with other religious groups in the amicus curiae briefs in United States v. Windsor, and Hollingsworth v. Perry, in which federal laws discriminating against same-sex marriage were struck down.

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/uscj-participates-in-amicus-curiae-brief-to-protect-lgbtq-rights
via USCJ

MyUSYfi Summer: A New Virtual Experience

Recently, USY cancelled its summer programs for the first time in sixty years due to the pandemic and safety concerns. That said, the USY team rolled up their sleeves and reimagined its summer experience as a virtual one, in #MyUSYfiSummer. There is a wide span of offerings for teens from grades 5-12 across North America over a six week period, all with a USY twist. There are also options for high school seniors who have graduated to participate. “We’ve brought so much of what USYers know and love about the USY experience to #MyUSYfiSummer,” explains Michelle Rich, Director of Teen Travel and International Engagement. “Our talented team has developed programs that teens and tweens can participate in from home. We’re also working with creative partners and organizations to elevate the overall experience.” #MyUSYfiSummer consists of two overall categories of programs, All-Access and Premium.

Program highlights include a songwriting class taught by Rabbi Josh Warshawsky, a course on Stand-Up Comedy, Jewish Values Through The Lens of Star Wars, Israeli Dancing, Social Justice and Debate discussions, Digital Illustration, and more. College preparedness classes are also being offered.

For more information click here: https://www.usy.org/myusyfisummer/

from USCJ https://uscj.org/blog/myusyfi-summer-a-new-virtual-experience
via USCJ