Kesharim
USCJ
Launches Pilot Program to Engage
Innovative Young Adult Davening Communities
Project
Overview And Goals
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) recognizes that it must
be a dynamic and not a static Movement. To that end, this initiative reaches
out to engage Jewishly committed young adults. During the last 10-15 years
many independent prayer or “davening” communities of young adults
have emerged, often generated by those whose commitment to Jewish life grew
from experiences in United Synagogue Youth (USY), Camp Ramah and Solomon
Schechter Day Schools. These independent minyanim are playing an important
role in Jewish life.
Participation
in such communities has a very powerful effect on both
the individuals involved and the Jewish community as
a whole. Young adults with a strong commitment to leading
Jewish lives are vital to the future of the Conservative
Movement. Beginning with this RFP, USCJ looks forward
to the very positive and vibrant effect that such young
adults will have on Conservative Judaism.
The
goal of this project is to build on the growing movement
of independent minyanim. USCJ is seeking to enable and
empower Jewishly committed young adults to develop within
the Conservative Movement the communities, programs,
and initiatives they seek. Such communities may encompass
a spectrum of practices that falls within the Halakhic
framework of Conservative Judaism.
This
is a first step by USCJ to address the needs identified
through a series of interviews with participants in existing
minyanim, as well as to address the needs expressed by
alumni of the various Conservative schools, camps, Israel
programs, and youth and college organizations.
Eligible
Applicants
Independent davening groups that are interested in developing a relationship
directly with a USCJ congregation may submit a proposal. Such communities
may already exist outside of USCJ or may be a group that wishes to build
a new such community. The location of the davening may be within a synagogue
or at a satellite location. Consideration will also be given to minyanim
that are not able to partner with a USCJ congregation, but are willing to
associate with a USCJ Region.
The
goal of these pilots is to provide some support for grassroots
young adult minyanim within the Conservative framework.
In addition, USCJ wishes to encourage its member congregations
in areas with a critical mass of young adults to be responsive
to the needs of such committed individuals, many of whom
grew up in Conservative synagogues and participated in
Conservative schools, camps and youth groups.
Funding
Each applicant selected will receive up to $2500 for the first year of the
program. These funds may be used to offset expenses incurred by the Minyan
and/or the synagogue in creating a new community or building on an existing
community.
Application
Requirements
The application deadline is August 1, 2008. Applicants must
describe the davening community they intend to create, including but not
limited to:
Please
limit response narrative to no more than two pages
plus a Budget page. Grantees will be notified by September
1, 2008 with funds available on September 15, 2008.
Please
copy the application into Microsoft Word:
APPLICATION
PART
I
Name of Respondent Group_________________________________
Address_________________________________________________
City ______________________________________ State ________
Synagogue partner (if applicable)_____________________________
Location:
____ In a synagogue
____ synagogue satellite
____ other (Please specify)_________________________________
Key Contact Name_________________________________________
e-mail address ___________________________________________
Phone Number___________________________________________
Type of Proposal:
____ Synagogue Partnership
____ Independent
____ Existing Minyan
____ New Minyan
PART II – Narrative
No more than two typewritten pages
PART III – Budget
Responses
should be e-mailed to ehpressman@rcn.com.
The response should be in Word format.
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