Streams Funding in Israel and in Ukraine

Background

In 2009 JUF provided $411,000 for pluralistic programs in Israel and in Ukraine.

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 was developed and an overseas allocations process implemented which permitted local communities to designate part of their overseas allocations, this community decided to use $360,000 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 2009 allocation to the streams is $3,664,000 which is divided as follows: the Reform Movement $1,474,000; the Conservative Movement $1,472,000; and Modern Orthodox $718,000. 

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 $51,000 in support of streams programs in Kyiv.

Overview of Program Grants

The following 17 streams programs in Israel received support from JUF in 2009.

In Israel

Progressive (Reform) Movement – Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism - $124,000

• Noar Telem – Youth Movement
• Partnership for Pluralism Program
• Olim Outreach Program

Masorti (Conservative) Movement (MM) and Schechter Institue for Jewish Studies (SIJS) - $124,000

Masorti Movement Programs:

• Strengthening Masorti Jewish Identity in Israel
• Jewish Enrichment at NOAM
• NOAM Garinim

Schechter Institute for Jewish Studies Programs:

• Developing Parental Leadership at TALI Schools
• Masorti Learning Communities
• Masorti Women’s Study Days
• Niggunim Music Programs at TALI Schools

Modern Orthodox and Transdenominational - $112,000

Shalom Hartman Institute – Rabbinic Enrichment Program
Yaacov Herzog Center – Tzahali Mechina for Women
Ohr Torah Stone – Yachad: Leadership for Jewish Unity
MEITAR
Gesher Panim Table-to-Table
BINA
MEITARIM: Mechina Lachish

In Kyiv, Ukraine

In 2009, JUF’s Kyiv Kehillah Committee allocated $51,000 for four streams programs in Kyiv.

World Union for Progressive Judaism (Reform)

• Counselor Training Seminars
• Progressive Jewish Summer Camps

Midreshet Yerushalayim (Conservative)

• Counselor Training Seminars
• Masorti Jewish Summer Camps