OU PEPA AND JOSEPH KARASICK DEPARTMENT OF SYNAGOGUE INITIATIVES SUPPORTING THE PILLAR OF JEWISH LIFE
400,000+
calls to the OU Daily Tehillim Call since inception
150
Rabbanim took part in our Rabbinic Chaburah Program
355
OU shul consulting and support touchpoints
The OU Pepa and Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue Initiatives supports the largest network of Orthodox synagogues across North America.

DAILY TEHILLIM CALL PROVIDING CHIZUK

The OU Daily Tehillim and Chizuk call began in 2020 as a response to Covid. Nearly three years on, with over 400 daily callers, the call continues as a powerful and popular place for individuals throughout the world to pray together.

The centrality of the synagogue to the Jewish people and its impact on Jewish life is paramount, and for many, the synagogue is the portal of entry into their Judaism. The synagogue, or shul, is the place where we encounter and connect with Hashem, each other, and ourselves.

I wanted to share personal words of gratitude for the daily Tehillim and Chizuk calls. I was ill for several weeks. I was exposed through my work as a hospice chaplain making home visits. Throughout my illness when I did not have the strength for daily davening, the calls were a lifeline giving me some sense of community and tefilla. The short and low-tech nature of the calls meant even when I was ill, I could participate.

The call is still a regular part of my schedule, giving me inspiration as I counsel others. You are making a difference.”

AMY BOLTON

I highly recommend the OU’s Board Training initiative to all. It was instructive, informative, entertaining, and had many practical takeaways! If you have a new board joining or even board members with many years, there is something for all!”

SHUL EXECUTIVE, Virginia

Leadership support

Our shuls depend on strong rabbinic and lay leadership. With that in mind, the Karasick Department of Synagogue Initiatives inaugurated learning and leadership programs to strengthen shuls and communities.

  • Rabbinic Chaburahs - Community rabbis across North America learn from one another and offer mutual support
  • Lay Leaders - OU Shul Lay Leadership network with 150 lay leaders across North America
  • Executive Directors and Administrators - Programming for 150 shul administrators, including our in-person executive directors conference
  • Gabba’im - Mentorship and a networking forum for over 200 North American gabba’im
  • OU Reimagine project - Engaging lay leadership, executive directors, youth directors, and others to collaborate and provide mutual support across shuls
OU Women’s Initiative