New USCJ Speakers Directory: A Resource for Synagogues

"Every year, congregations ask for help in finding talented speakers for a Shabbaton or lecture series, and every year I hear reports of wonderful congregational programs that featured gifted guest teachers, musicians or entertainers. I decided that a shidduch (match) between speakers and the congregations who need them was clearly necessary," says Rabbi Moshe Edelman, Director of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Department of Congregational Programming. The result of the match is Program Suggestions 5761 (2000-2001), a 40-page USCJ resource book.

In compiling this unique directory, Rabbi Edelman polled affiliated congregations that hosted successful scholar-in-residence programs, Torah lecturers, musicians, or entertainers within the past five years, summarizing their responses and arranging them by congregation. His findings appear in Part One of the new guide, in which speaker and topic are followed by synagogue phone and fax numbers along with the name of a contact person. Rabbi Edelman observes that simply browsing through Program Suggestions 5761 offers a wealth of ideas for program topics.

Part Two of the directory is a listing of Conservative Movement speakers, including rabbis, cantors, scholars, professors, and USCJ professionals, together with titles of presentations they are prepared to offer, and e-mail addresses through which they can be contacted. Thus, the guide states that Hazzan Joseph Levine is available to make a presentation on the topic "Rise and Be Seated: The Ups and Downs of Jewish Worship," while Sarrrae Crane, USCJ Director of Social Action and Public Policy, can speak on "Hillel and Shammai Are Alive and Causing Headaches: Pluralism in the Jewish Community." Interested congregations may contact the speakers directly to arrange a visit. An appendix to the book offers suggestions for finding Jewish musicians and entertainers.

According to USCJ President Stephen S. Wolnek, "This publication enables us to be a clearinghouse, putting synagogues and speakers in touch with one another. It also has the virtue of simplicity, since the parties themselves make all arrangements regarding scheduling, travel, accommodations, and honoraria."

Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein, United Synagogue Executive Vice-President, points out that "such publications reflect our commitment to ongoing Jewish learning. Connecting scholars to congregations hungry for information on Jewish subjects enhances the lives of participants and strengthens the Conservative Movement."

Copies of Program Suggestions 5761 (2000/2001) have been sent at no charge to the leaders of affiliated Conservative congregations. The book is available to the general public at a cost of $2.50 each. Call Rabbi Moshe Edelman, 212-533-7800, ext. 2205, or e-mail edelman@uscj.org.