Synagogue Initiative Resources

The goal of this program is to enable Jewish organizations and synagogues to offer a hands-on explanatory seder to Jews of limited religious background, helping participants develop a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, the… seder’s customs and rituals. The Passover seder is one of the most popular Jewish holiday rituals performed by American Jews. In fact, a 2014 Pew Research study found that more American Jews attend a Passover seder than fast on Yom Kippur or light Shabbat candles. While the ways people host a seder vary, the study found it common practice to display a traditional seder plate with symbolic foods on the seder table, read from the Haggadah (the book that includes the story of Passover), recite the Ma Nishtana (the “Four Questions”) and for children to search for the afikoman at the end of the Passover meal. NJOP’s annual Passover Across America is a no-knowledge-of-Hebrew-necessary seder hosted in synagogues and Hillels around the country, designed for those who want to learn more about the meaning behind the Passover seder. The NJOP sponsored seders include explanations of the seder rituals and traditions – including the festive Passover meal – with the songs and tunes you may remember and some you may be hearing for the first time. Passover Across America brings together families, couples and singles to relive the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. No matter if you attend one or two Passover seders each year, have not attended a seder in a while, or have never experienced a traditional Passover seder, everyone is welcome. We hope you’ll join us at this year’s Passover Across America.

FREE BEAUTIFUL ACRYLIC SIGN to Enhance your Shul's Davening. Available in 3 Beautiful Styles-White, Gold, and Clear. To order one for your Shul, please fill out this short form below and we will ship it to you Free. Get one for your Shul today! https://forms.gle/YbU5LhfKH5M4yEoZ8

Available in full size and pocket size Visit ArtScroll.com/kitzuryomi or call 1-800-Mesorah for more information and to order. Be sure to use promo code: KITZURYOMI. The Kitzur Yomi calendar, along with the yomi calendars for Mishnah Berurah, Shmiras HaLashon, Rambam, and more, is featured on the OU's All Halacha app (available at allhalacha.org).

Six freshly refurbished Torahs for sale! All are fully checked and made kosher by Sofer Rabbi Ronald Sieger, and include a five year warranty on his work. Place your bids below! Contact Bernard Hasten with any questions at bhasten@aol.com, or (317) 442-3668.

Tefillin Awareness Project experts will examine, and if necessary, adjust and correct, the placement and external parts of the Tefillin. At the end of Shacharis, a member of the Tefillin Awareness staff addresses the congregants for a few moments. He explains the reason for the event, and urges them to take advantage of this no-cost, wonderful opportunity. After Shacharis, the Sofrim meticulously inspect and rectify on the spot any of the up to 20 potential issues with Tefillin placement and external conditions. Our program is offered at no cost to the participant (with the exception of any additional, extensive, necessary external repairs). However, we rely on the generosity of the host Shuls and Yeshivas to contribute towards the expenses associated with hosting and compensating our professional Sofrim. Email: ymnakdimen@gmail.com

Discover the extraordinary journey of Dr. Yehuda Sabiner, a beacon of courage and compassion in Israeli society. From the heart of Hassidism to the forefront of pediatric care at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Dr. Sabiner's story is one of resilience and dedication. Raised in the insular Gerer Hassidic community, he embarked on a remarkable path, overcoming educational challenges in his twenties to realize his dream of becoming Israel's first Hassidic medical school graduate. As a captain in the IDF reserve, Dr. Sabiner has served on the front lines, providing vital medical support during critical moments. His commitment extends beyond medicine—he actively promotes the integration of ultra-Orthodox graduates into Israel's security, medical, and industrial sectors. Dr. Sabiner is also a devoted father of four, including a daughter with special needs, which further fuels his passion for advancing medical research and care for children with special needs. In a captivating lecture tailored for your community, Dr. Sabiner shares his personal journey with warmth and insight. Prepare to be moved as he recounts his challenges and triumphs, offering a message of hope and unity amidst adversity. To book Dr. Sabiner, use this email ysabiner@gmail.com or contact his secretary via WhatsApp: +972-58-411-0662

May it be the will of our Father in Heaven, who redeemed the nation of Israel from suffering in Egypt, that He bless and protect our brothers and sisters in captivity. May You stregthen their soul and their faith. Protect them from all harm and sickness. Have mercy on Your sons and daughters who are waiting for Your salvation. Annul any bad decrees against them, and in Your great mercy, bring their release. May they go out from darkness to light and from the pit of bondage to freedom. May they return in peace to their families and their homes. Please instill brotherhood, peace and love in the hearts of all of us. Remove jealousy, baseless hatred from us and spread the succah of peace over us, and may we merit soon to sing before you a new song.

Planning a trip to Israel? Whether for a small group or your whole community, connect with Hiburim for direct opportunities to assist with agricultural projects and visit and support yeshiva students and families in Israel. For more information, reach out to Rabbi Shmulie Greene via email at shmulie60@gmail.com or phone 973-214-8577.

Like a mystery shopper, but for your shul! Get an outside perspective on how to make your community more inviting, engaging, and robust. Email posya@ou.org to learn more and schedule an anonymous visit to your community!

"The 10 Commandments of Shul Boards" is an interactive seminar to help Shul Boards achieve their potential by defining roles, sharing best practices, and facilitating a conversation around roles and goals for the board and Shul. Topics include: Lay Leader & Paid Staff Dynamic ; Articulating Values ; Strategy vs. Operations ; Governance. The presentation is tailored to address your shul's most pressing issues. Email posya@ou.org to schedule a seminar at your shul.

Check out our site to explore the impact we've made so far. Email katze@ou.org to plan your own!

The OU's parenting initiative, GenAleph, provides parents with resources that are easily accessible, data driven, and relatable for Orthodox families. From a weekly podcast to in-person parenting courses to online learning, articles and more, GenAleph is your resource to raise the next generation of passionate and committed Jews. The Jews Next Dor podcast will help you answer your biggest parenting questions and gain the best practices to raise children the way you want.

Click to hear Yachad representatives and shul community members share personal experiences to discuss the importance of including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. To schedule a sensitivity training at your shul, email schragr@ou.org.

Email grossmanj@ou.org to see how our Advocacy team can help you navigate federal grants, reach your local representatives, and join our advocacy-minded Rabbinical network.

Crayola Flowers is an innovative and creative fundraiser. Explore how your shul can raise money year-round and at specific events!

A new group is developing plots for purchase on Har Hamenuchot and Har Hazeitim. Click to learn more.

In "Judaism in the 21st Century," Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Steve Labkoff explore modern life, guided by Jewish insights. The podcast draws on Torah wisdom to address today's challenges and navigate our complex world. Click to listen on Spotify.

Ematai offers halachic guidance on a range of issues relating to aging and end-of-life care, including a new halachic living will. Visit the site for many resources and services.

Our Partners at NJOP have created a grant program to support Shuls with explanatory programming. Monetary stipends and additional resources are available.

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