Jewish World

Streams Funding in Israel and in Ukraine

Background

In 2013 JUF provided $300,000 for pluralistic programs in Israel. 2013 allocations for pluralistic programs in Ukraine will be made later this year.

In Israel

In 1998, the Jewish United Fund participated in the national Unity Campaign raising funds in support of pluralistic religious streams in Israel. When the United Jewish Communities (now Jewish Federations of North America) was developed and an overseas allocations process implemented which permitted local communities to designate part of their overseas allocations, this community decided to use funds in support of programs conducted by Progressive, Masorti and Modern Orthodox streams in Israel. The program has had positive repercussions locally, nationally and in Israel. By targeting some of its overseas funds without detracting from the support of the major beneficiaries, JAFI and JDC, Chicago set itself up as an example for other communities to follow. 

Direct funding supports many programs which reach out to children or youth with the understanding that it is important to develop a future generation of Israelis who fully accept a pluralistic approach (which can include reaching out to secular Israelis as well). Traditionally the eligible programs which are seeking funding do not receive government support, which was part of the rationale for prompting our involvement and support of the unity streams and pluralistic programs. 

Additional JUF funds are provided through our beneficiary, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). JAFI’s 2012 allocation to the streams was $2,957,140 which is divided as follows: the Reform Movement $1,182,856; the Conservative Movement $1,182,856; and Modern Orthodox $591,428. 

In Kyiv

JUF’s Kyiv Kehillah Committee was established in 1999. It supports projects in Kyiv which focus on formal and informal Jewish education. The Kyiv Kehillah Committee provided $70,000 in support of streams programs in Kyiv in 2012.

Overview of Program Grants

The following 15 streams programs in Israel received support from JUF in 2013.

In Israel

Progressive (Reform) Movement – Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism - $102,000

  • Youth Movement Fellowship
  • Advancing Jewish Pluralistic Education
  • Beit Midrash BaDerech 

Masorti (Conservative) Movement and Schechter Institue for Jewish Studies - $102,000

Masorti Movement Programs:

  • NOAM Youth Groups in the Periphery
  • Ramah/NOAM Camp

Schechter Institute for Jewish Studies Programs:

  • Midreshet Schechter for Jewish Leadership
  • Schechter Midrashot 
  • TALI Bar and Bat Mitzvah Seminar at Kibbutz Hannaton 

Modern Orthodox and Transdenominational - $96,000

  • Yaacov Herzog Center - Tzahali:Pre-Army Prep Course for Religious Women
  • Yaccov Herzog Center-Taking the Lead for Tikkun Olam 
  • Ohr Torah Stone – Yachad: Jewish Cultural Facilitator 
  • Atid Bamidbar/Kochav David - Jewish-Israeli Identity for Russian-speakers in Kiryat Gat 
  • Shalom Hartman Institute – Rabbinic Enrichment Program
  • Ein Prat-Elul Program
  • MEITARIM - Meitarim Schools

In Kyiv, Ukraine

In 2012, JUF’s Kyiv Kehillah Committee allocated $70,000 for pluralistic programs in Kyiv.

World Union for Progressive Judaism (Reform)

  • Progressive Jewish Seminars and Summer Camps

Midreshet Yerushalayim (Conservative)

  • Masorti (Conservative) Programming
  • Masorti Jewish Summer Camps