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OU
Synagogue Services
What Does
it Mean to be an OU Synagogue?
Belonging to the OU enables
your synagogue to be part of the national network of Orthodox
congregations. Your membership ensures your community’s role in engaging the top
talent within modern Orthodoxy to strengthen our national community.
Strengthening Community
The members of your synagogue turn to you for spiritual guidance, and you want to be the strongest possible resource for them. Yet, synagogues can become derailed from this mission when the “day-to-day” tasks of running an institution detract from their spiritual mission. Synagogue Services is here to provide you with the necessary resources to run your synagogue more efficiently, which will result in strengthening the resources and spiritual experiences you provide for your members.
How?
Through our network of hundreds of synagogues, the OU is connected to the best resources that exist for synagogues. These resources include:
· The best youth departments
· Engaging adult education programs
· Expert mentors for rabbis, presidents and executive directors
· Successful fundraising
· Proven methods to run more effective board meetings
· How to create a vision and strategic plan
Being an OU synagogue is your
key to tap into these resources as well as put your synagogue on the national
radar. Send us your best practices to be added to the network.
The OU at Your Fingertips
In addition to specific synagogues resources, OU synagogues gain automatic ties to all that the OU has to offer.
·
The Institute for Public Affairs: Join the OU’s leadership
lobbying missions to Capitol Hill, connect your synagogue with local
politicians and learn how to apply for government security grants.
·
Community Services: Let the OU help plan a community-wide
parenting or positive marriage program. Screen the OU’s Hungry to be Heard
eating disorders documentary to raise awareness. Teach your community to make Tefillot more meaningful and personal.
·
OU Job Board: The OU Job Board is responsible for placing
hundreds of jobs each month. Bring a resume writing workshop to your community
as a direct tool to help unemployed individuals be
better qualified to find jobs.
· Yachad: The National Jewish Council for Disabilities: Teach your community about the importance of being inclusive and working with special needs individuals. Participate in North American Inclusion Month (NAIM).
·
NCSY: Connect with your local NCSY region to provide teens with
positive Jewish experiences and spiritual growth.
·
Day School and Educational Services: In addition the synagogue,
our schools are the epicenter of Jewish Life. The OU’s
Department of Day School and Educational Services works with the principals and
lay leaders of schools to strengthen these institutions.
For More information, contact the Department of Synagogue Services at 212-613-8225 or synagogue@ou.org.