The Orthodox Union does not necessarily endorse any of the resources. It is up to the reader to research the information and determine its suitability for his/her community.

Click subtitle of inquiry/suggestion to respond.  Please include your shul and location in any correspondence.
 

Administration

Congregation Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Contracts - Comment Here

1) Does anyone have a sample contract between Synagogue and Rabbi?
2) Does anyone have a Prenuptual agreement whereby prospective copuples agree before a marriage that they will not withold a Get in the event of a marriage dissolution?

(11/11/04)

Administration

Croydon Federation
London, UK

Improving Services to Membership - Comment Here

We're a small shul in the UK looking for information about how we can improve our services to our membership, and reach beyond to the wider community.
Are there any resource materials which you American chaps would know about which could prove useful in our attempts to improve our shul?
Yours faithfully,
M Daniels

(11/08/04)

Administration

Ohaiv Shalom
New Hempstead, NY

Looking for a part-time Rov for growing shul - Comment Here

Hi.

We're looking for a part-time Rov for our growing shul.
I've contacted R' Levin from RIETS and was wondering if anyone has other resources with which to find candidates?

thanks!
Daniel

rsf4trading@optonline.net
(05/03/04)

Administration

Sha'arei Israel
Raleigh, NC

Training - Comment Here

Is there any information on what shul leaders responsibilities should be? training?
(07/11/03)

Administration

Discretionary Charity Funds - Comment Here
St. Louis

How does your shul administer discretionary charity funds?

Administration

Shul Constitutions - Comment Here

A sample Constitution for your shuls is now available online at the following link: http://www.ou.org/services/constitution/default.htm.

Fundraising

Cleveland, Ohio

Free and easy fundraising program.
go to www.recyclestop.com

(09/20/05)

Fundraising

Fundraising Programs - Comment Here

Southeast Hebrew Congregation
Silver Spring, MD

So now I'm on the Board and-- big surprise-- the major issue is money, specifically: a) how come we don't have any; and b) where can we get some. Does the OU have any way of facilitating or supporting shul fundraising programs?

Answer:

SEHC
Silver Spring, MD

Risk-Free, Cost-Free Fundaiser

I know of a website where shoppers can buy products and services from a list of retailers and a percentage of all purchases are donated to the Charity/Cause of their choice. (e.g., a shul, yeshiva, etc.) I know of several but one that I think is worth mentioning is My Simple City.com. My Simple City has more retailers than other charity malls (800+), gives you a personalized website, the person running the company is a frum Jew and sensitive to halachic issues (e.g. dating sites, adult sites, etc.), and… this service is 100% Cost-Free. (The retailers finance this service.) This is a risk-free, cost-free, effective fundraising tool.

(12/23/04)

Fundraising

Seeking advice - Comment Here

I am writing to see if there is any interest among the shuls of the U.S. to help a music conservatory and therapy program in Jerusalem by selling our CD's at your bazaars or judaica stores (if your shul has one). The proram is run out of a Jewish music conservatory called Ron Shulamit, and the CD's are compilations of pieces performed by our orchestras, ranging from classical arrangements to traditional folk tunes (hassidfic niggunim, prayer tunes etc). Proceeeds would fund the Ron Shulamit Conservatory's continued efforts to bring quality music education and performance to the various communities of Jerusalem and the areas that have been suffering from terror attacks and isolation, to lift their spirits and imbue them with hope. The CD's are produced by our professional accordion orchestra, and the Melzer Consort Recorder Quartet. They are part of a project titled the "Renaissance of Traditional Jewish Music", whose aim is the preservation of Jewish tunes from around the world. If you are interested, or have suggestions on how we should proceed, please contact me at ronshulamit@yahoo.com. Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Shira Barzilai Program Director

(03/25/04)

Fundraising

Handy fundraising tip: Comment Here

Handy fundraising tip: Many publishers and manufacturers will arrange to give a percentage of their profits to synagogues whose members order goods.

Fundraising

BMH-BJ Congregation
Denver, CO

Hotel certificates as auction fundraisers - Comment here

I propose gathering hotel certificates in Denver and Rockies and distributing them to shuls in 5 major cities. I know it is fairly easy to get rooms in your own city & difficult in other cities.

What I ask is recprocation. (ie: if NY, Miami, Chicago, LA, etc. would do this, we all would have a lucrative auction fundraiser). Anyone interested?

Fundraising

Question:
What kind of government programs/funding can shuls take advantage of?
Comment Here

Answer:
The Bush administration’s Faith-Based Initiative helps religious organizations receive money for programming and needs which are not religious in nature. The program has led, for example, to the Seattle Yeshiva day school receiving FEMA (Federal Emergency Money Agency) money to repair their earthquake-damaged premises. We thank OU/IPA Washington D.C. director Nathan Diament for his involvement in helping that happen.

To help the public learn more about the initiative, the government is holding a number of free, day-long conferences covering the types of programming that may be eligible for government funding. Community representatives will hear about federal programs suited to their needs, the federal funding process, and legal issues that may apply to recipients of federal funds. At the conference participants will learn whether and how partnering with the Federal government could strengthen your organization's mission.

Upcoming conferences will be held in San Diego (February 18) and Chicago (March 14). For more information on conferences and government programs that may benefit your synagogue, please visit the oft-updated www.fbci.gov and http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/conferences.html.

Submitted by: OU Moderator, 3/21/03

Items for Donation

Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation
Bethlehem, NH

Machzorim available to donate - Comment Here

We have used Adler Machzorim for Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur (2 separate volumes). Most are in excellent condition. Yours for the asking.

08/23/04

Items for Donation

United Synagogues of Gr Htfd
Hartford, Ct

Machzorim available to donate - Comment Here

We have about 800 Machzorim for Rosh Hashana and 800 for Yom Kippor. They have not been used for some 35 years when we switched to Birnbaum. The hebrew and bindings are good, the english uses the older form. Its yours for the shipping...Rabbi Ed Cohen, W Htfd Ct

08/04

Items for Donation

Congregation Kadimah Toras Moshe
Brighton, MA

Machzorim available to donate - Comment Here

Have 100 Adler machzorim for the High Holidays to donate. Please call 617-254-1333

(05/28/03)

Response:

Just saw your posting re:adler machzorim. Still available?

Bogursky Jeff
bogursky@ccgmetamedia.com

(09/26/05)

Items for Donation

Tifereth Israel
Passaic, NJ

Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur Machsorim - Comment Here

Our shul has many unused Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur Machzorim we would like to sell, donate to someone who can use them. We have 515 Rosh Hashana & 400 Yom Kippur, Machsor Avodas Yisrael with english, nusach sephard. Published by the Hebrew Publishing Co., copyright 1931. Please contact Rachael Newman if you are interested, rjn@lucent.com. Thank You.
(04/07/03)

Minhagim

Question
Mishebeirach Question - Comment Here

We still maintain the tradition of a line of individuals approaching the bima during Torah reading, giving names of people who are ill to the Gabbai, who makes a Refuah Shleima for each name. It takes a long time, congregation gets fidgety, and ruins decorum. Also difficult for women to request Refuah Shleima. Are other shuls still doing this or do they have individuals stand at their seats and insert names in unison during Bracha made by Gabbai? Or some other approach?
(06/10/03)

Answer:

There are still many congregations that have individuals give names to the gabbai. Regarding your concern about the names that women want added, some shuls have 'runners' who stand at the mechitza, take names, and then go and tell them to the gabbai.

Regarding the concern that this lengthy process leads to breaks in decorum, I believe that that is what brought about the practice of having people stay in their places and say the names themselves.

There are also shuls that ask members to send in (email, whatever) the names of those whom they want on the list for a while, so that the gabbai can read them off (hopefully with some kavanah, not just rushing through it), and the people don’t have to line up.

It is up to the congregations ritual committee, and ultimately the Morah D'Asrah to decide on which practice the shul should follow.

Rabbi Mayer Waxman
(212) 613-8285
(06/12/03)

Other

Monsey, NY

Looking for Sifrei Halachah

New Shul in Monsey, NY needs Sifrei Halachah.
Set of Rambam, Tur, Shulchon Aruch, Mishneh B'rurah Etc.

Please E-Mail to shalomintheeast@aol.com Or call Rabbi Shalom Munitz 973 583 3103

(08/24/05)

Other

Copy of Rabbi de Sola Pool Siddur - Comment Here

Hello everyone, I'm writting from Brazil, and I'm triying to find a copy of Rabbi de Sola Pool siddur, do you have one??, please let me know Carlos

Posted 09/15/04

Answer

Until recently, the Queens Jewish Center, in Forest Hills, Queens, NY, had a nice supply. I am not sure if they still do as Artscrolls have taken over but you can contact them at 718 459-8432.

(12/23/04)

Other

Talking During Davening - Comment Here

I'd be interested in hearing about any creative ideas that have worked to reduce the level of talking during Shabbos davening.

Other

I. LETTER FROM CAPTAIN MOSHE SCHEINFELD - Comment Here

Dear Members of the American Jewish Community:

Greetings from Forward Operating Base Ar Ramadi (formerly Camp Junction City), located at the western edge of the Sunni Triangle in Iraq.

I write to request from each of you that you make a small sacrifice on behalf of the soldiers of the Iron Ranger Battalion and the other soldiers of the Devil Brigade. I request that each of you prepare a package of food and other items for our soldiers at the front of the War on Terrorism. Every single day, we face enemy direct fire outside the wire and enemy indirect fire inside the wire (we are mortared and rocketed on a regular basis inside the base). Your packages will be a phenomenal morale boost.

When our soldiers receive your packages, it's a little bit of home 7,000 miles from U.S. soil. The positive impact of your packages will be immeasurable. Your packages will not only express your care and concern for our soldiers, but it will also represent a much, much needed break in the monotony we face each day. This is a unique and  extraordinary opportunity for the Jewish community of the United States, every temple, synagogue, congregation, and JCC and for each Jew to support the soldiers who are over here.

Most Iron Rangers will be deployed to Iraq for up to a year away from family, friends, and home. Can you imagine being away from your spouse, your children, your parents, your profession, for an entire year? It's a tremendous and noble sacrifice that the soldiers make, and all they ask for in return is a token "thank you" in the form of a package. Indeed, a key Jewish value is hakarat hatov (recognizing and appreciating good by expressing gratitude). Sending packages to our soldiers here in Iraq is a unique opportunity to fulfill this mitzvah.

Our soldiers would appreciate the following items:

dried fruit, popcorn, all kinds of candy and especially Pez and Pez dispensers, gum, cakes, cookies, power bars like EAS and Met-RX, nuts, all chocolate and especially M & M's, Starbucks ground coffee, white exercise socks, Gold Bond powder, magazines and soft cover books, and anything else you can think of to surprise us!

Success, victory for America's Avodah in Iraq will be twofold. One is that we triumph over our enemies, and two is that this e-mail makes the rounds to every American Jew and that each recipient responds with a package. If thousands of packages come rolling in, this will be a magnificent Kiddush Hashem!

Please send packages by Priority Mail to the following address:

Iron Ranger Battalion and Devil Brigade
C/O
CPT Moses Scheinfeld
HHC/1-16 IN
1 BCT, 1 ID (M)
FOB Ar Ramadi/Camp Junction City
APO AE 09394

Finally, please continue to pray and say Tehillim for success in our mission and the safe return of our troops here in Iraq and in other distant places.

"Rangers Lead The Way, But God Is The Way"

Captain Moses Scheinfeld

P.S. The walls of our headquarters are covered with patriotic drawings and expressions of appreciation and thanks from children all over the U.S. Such drawings from kids from Gan Shalom in Chicago, Ramaz School in New York, the Beren Academy in Houston, and all the other Jewish schools in the U.S. would mean much. There's still plenty of space on our walls for these.

(05/07/04)

Other

Dear Sir,
I just saw your posting on the OU Shultalk. Are you still looking for a De Sola Pool Siddur? I can send you one. Please email me at spirn@juno.com.

Sincerely,
Rabbi Nahum Spirn

(05/14/04)

Other

West Los Angeles, CA

Looking for De Sola Pool Siddur - Comment Here

I am looking for an out of print copy of a Siddur by De Sola Pool. My daughter is interested in studying his translation of the prayers, but it seems to be out of print. Does anyone have any ideas where I could purchase a book? Thank you so much.

(11/03/03)

Other

Cong Ohav Emeth
Highland Park, N.J.

Synagogue Design - Comment Here

Can anyone recommend a firm used for renovation or initial design of your sanctuary?

(08/22/03)

Other

Cong. Degel Israel
Lancaster, PA

Mission Statement - Comment Here

WE are looking for a tested mission statement to describe our synagogue, its programs and its warm and caring atmosphere. Do you have one you are willing to share? Respond to Degelisrael@aol.com Thanks

Other

Aish Chile
Santiago, Chile

Question:
synagogue furnitures - Comment Here

We are finishing our new Aish Hatorah shul here in Santiago, Chile and need to order benches(pews) as well as several other religous type furnitures (ner zichron) and are trying to find the best place to order them from. If anyone has any suggestions as to whom I should call I would really appreciate it. Shira Horowitz shorowitz@maimonides.cl

(07/15/03)

Answer:

The most recognized name in shul furniture is probably Kibbutz Lavi, and the fact that they are an Israeli company is no small bonus: http://www.lavi.co.il/english/furniture_e.htm

You can try these #s in the US (new-york):
Eliezer Abrams (516) 889-3950, Don Meyers (516) 889-3210

Hatzlacha,
Rabbi Mayer Waxman
(212) 613-8285

(07/14/03)

Other

Other

For Sephardic congregants - Comment Here

The American Sephardi Federation has launched a campaign to collect testimonials from the approximately 900,000 Jews displaced from Arab countries after 1948, and to educate the public on this issue.

Please share this important information with the relevant parties in your community. To learn more go to www.Jewishrefugees.org, or contact: Rachael Freedman, Special Projects & JRAC International Coordinator, American Sephardi Federation, Tel: 212-294-8350, Fax: 212-294-8348, e-mail: Rfreedman@asf.cjh.org

(05/19/03)

Programming

OU Dept. of Community and Synagogue Services - Comment Here

the Orthodox Union Dept. of Community and Synagogue Services can provide your shul with many of your programmatic needs:
Speakers for all occasions
scholars-in-residence
parenting workshops/conferences
y'mei iyun
kinus teshuva
y.u. roshei yeshiva shiurim
torah seminars for women
developing a shidduch committee for your synagogue
singles events and shabbatonim administrative/organizational/office review early motsa'ei shabbat socials: music, comedy, art, etc. social action programs solidarity trips to Israel and more

"Let us do the work for you"

please call 212-613-8188

(05/14/03)

Programming

Ideas for Seniors - Comment Here

Our program runs from 9-5 and offers: Israeli dance, a choral group, exercise (non-strenuous), guest speakers (finance, health, other), nutrition education, meals on wheels, and a trip to Atlantic city once a month. For information on building a seniors program in your community, please contact Alan Gumbo at 718-263-6995.
Submitted by: Young Israel of Queens Valley Senior League, New York (3/21/03)

Services

Mt. Sinai Jewish Center
New York City

SILVERSMITH - Comment Here

If your shul's silver requires repair and/or polishing, we use a great silversmith with the lowest pricing. Yakov Weiman: tel: 718.834.0219.

Services

Project Ezrah
Congregation Bnai Yeshurun
Teaneck, NY

Helping the Unemployed in your community - Comment Here

Project EZRAH provides critical support to families in the community by helping alleviate the stress of unemployment with personalized job search assistance, financial support and counseling services. It offers a place for those who, in the past, had nowhere to turn to for help.

Project EZRAH was founded in the fall of 2001 in response to the growing crisis of unemployment in the Teaneck community. The original concern was to help unemployed members of the community maintain and pay for their health insurance. As word spread, the founders of Project EZRAH were able to tap into the goodwill and sensitivity of members of the community with networking and job referrals. While the community's support and response has been very positive, our success rate for placing job candidates in full time employment is between 30 and 35%. In the meantime, Project EZRAH identifies part time and temporary work to help generate income for candidates on a daily basis. This has become a very crucial part of what Project EZRAH does to help people get back on their feet.

In addition to health insurance, Project EZRAH provides financial assistance to those in need, and distributes thousands of dollars in Scrip each month to cover food and other purchases. What makes Project EZRAH unique is that we work with the individual as an individual. We help our candidates, many of whom are having difficulty staying focused due to the stress of financial insecurity, by addressing a range of needs. Our team includes mental health professionals from the community who provide their services on a pro bono or reduced fee basis to help individuals and their families cope with the stresses of financial insecurity and unemployment.

(05/21/03)

Services

Is your synagogue registered in the Orthodox Synagogue Network (look for “synagogues”)? - Comment Here

The list is a service to Orthodox Union member synagogues, travelers, and non-synagogue-affiliates who access the list in order to find an Orthodox synagogue anywhere in North America. The minyanim listed in the database are conducted within Orthodox Jewish guidelines, and utilize a mechitza for davening.

Synagogue Website services: Orthodox Union member synagogues are also entitled to use the OU server for their synagogue website. The OU Department of Communications staff will help to create a personalized website for your shul or link the shul's existing homepage to the OU site.

To take advantage of this community service, please visit http://www.ou.org/forms/listing.htm

(05/19/03)

Services

Randallstown Synagogue Center
Randalstown, MD

FREE siddurim, chumashim, machzorim and sukah - Comment Here

I am on the board of directors of an orthodox synagogue, in the Baltimore, MD area. Our shul is liquidating its assets, and we have many books that are available to synagogues that need them. The siddurim and machzorim are Nusach Sefard. We are not seeking any payment for the books.

Specifically, we have the following books:

1. Siddurs: approximately 40 copies of the Birnbaum "Ha-Siddur Ha-Shalom" (Nusach Sefard)(Hebrew Publishing Co., 1969 edition) in Hebrew and English.

2. Chumashim: approximately 40 copies of the Hertz Pentateuch and Haftorahs, in Hebrew and English (2nd edition, Soncino 1981) with Hertz commentary.

3. Machzors: approximately 150 each for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the "Avodat Israel" Machzor, Singer-Adler translation, in Hebrew and English (Nusach Sefard)(Hebrew Publishing Co, 1931 editition).

4. Sukkah: heavy green canvas for the walls of a large, approximately 20' x 10' x 10', with heavy steel poles to support the sukkah.

If a shul or organization is interested in any or all of these items, they can contact me by phone or email. I can be reached at home evenings at (410) 521-2462.

(05/14/03)

Services

Website for Gabba'im - Comment Here

"The following website may help the gabba'im among you to do your duties more easily and efficiently: Since it is not an OU site, we take no responsibility for its content, but it does seem that it would of great use to gabba'im in performing their various tasks.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/4328/Gabbai/index.htm"

Please let us know if you find it helpful,

OU ShulTalk moderator (03/26/03)

Services

Comment Here

Thinking about moving to Israel? Listen to Arutz-7's new radio program, "The Aliyah Show" - the only show of its kind in the world!  It's aired every Tuesday night on Arutz-7 English Radio (see frequencies below), and is archived on the internet.  To listen to this week's show, which spotlights communities in the Gush Etzion area and talks about how to obtain a mortgage, click here. (3/21/03)

Services

Comment Here

ARUTZ-7 ENGLISH RADIO BROADCASTS
Live on the Net / or 98.7 FM / 1539 AM
English News Updates Every Half Hour
Programming Schedule (3/21/03)

Services

Comment Here

Yeshiva.org.il - The Internet Yeshiva. Read Torah lectures, or receive them automatically by e-mail! Enter the Yeshiva library and order - or download - books! And more! (divrei torah are available in English, too, by clicking on the site map, “mapat ha’attar”) (3/21/03)

Services

Comment Here

The Organization for the Resolution of Agunot - (ORA) - is a unique, newly formed organization, dedicated to helping women who are agunot receive gittin in accordance with strict Jewish law.

The primary function of ORA is to publicize and uphold seiruvim issued by acknowledged Batei Din involved in specific agunah cases - in accordance with the specific Beit Din's council. When necessary, ORA will hold rallies at the home or place of work of the recalcitrant party, in attempt to educate the man as to his responsibility to his wife. This strategy has already proven affective. ORA has the approbations of many Rabbis in New York, and operates under the guidance of Rabbi Herschel Schachter of Yeshiva University.

ORA is in need of financial and legal support, as well as rabbinic endorsement, in order to better assist the agunot of the Jewish community. Furthermore, please inform ORA of any relevant case that might benefit from further publicity; [ORA will contact the involved Beit Din and will only proceed on their accord].

For more details about the general activities of ORA, check out the website at www.getora.com, e-mail info@getora.com, or call 646 796 4548. (3/21/03) 

Tefillah

Where can I purchase an Italian Siddur? - Comment Here

im italian jew. i wanted to buy a siddur with the italian rite but i just cant find one, is there anyone out there that knows where i can purchase the siddur thank you!

Tefillah

There is a yahoogroup for Gabbaim - Comment Here

The purpose of this group is for Rabbis, Gabbaim of shuls and any Jews who are interested in davening or leining to discuss the Davening, Torah reading of the week, any issues that Gabbaim face in their shul and to resolve any questions or problems you may have regarding the luach for the week.

It also posts questions regarding Gabbaim and how they handle certain situations. (there are 70 members so far)

To Subscribe: Gabbai-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Post message: Gabbai@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: Gabbai-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
(04/03/03)

Tehillim

My sister in law, Pesha Zemira bat leah is very ill with cancer. I'm trying to notify as many Torah Jews of possible of her condition in the hope that if enough tehilim are said nationwide, perhaps a miracle may occur. Whoever reads this message, please forward this to as many OU shuls as possible. I would really truly appreciate it. Thank you.

David Altschuler
(11/05/03)