Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Washington, DC

Multi-Program Grant—$150,000
Program Contributions:
$120,000—Jewish Life & Values Contemplative Practice
$25,000—Interprogram Initiatives for Social and Economic Justice

Religious Action Center

This grant will support the educational, advocacy and coalition building activities of the Religious Action Center (the RAC), the Washington DC office of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. On issue after issue - from economic justice to environmental concerns, from international human rights to religious liberty - the RAC is a powerful and distinctive voice. Since 1961 the RAC has been in the forefront of progressive issues by, among other things, training and organizing social action leaders, creating widely acclaimed educational materials, and working with members of Congress. The RAC brings the insights of thousands of years of Jewish teachings and traditions to bear on today's most critical issues of social justice. For the first time in its history, the RAC is fully staffed to monitor more than 60 critical advocacy issue areas. At this time of civil liberties crises, immigration policy debates, campaign and tax reform debates, and the potential for Muslim-Jewish coalition building, the RAC's voice is crucial. Other activities of the Religious Action Center includes high school and college programs that educate students about Judaism and social action and forging interfaith, interracial and inter-group coalitions in Washington and around the nation.

Meorot Institute Ltd.
New York, NY

$140,000 (Two Year Grant )

Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School

This grant supports Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, an innovative two-year-old rabbinical school for pluralistic Orthodox rabbis. The Yeshiva's mission is to inspire and train professional Jewish religious leaders who will shape the spiritual and intellectual character of the larger Jewish community in consonance with modern and inclusive Orthodox values and commitments. In the fall, the Yeshiva will admit ten new rabbinical students, bringing the total to thirty in three classes. The breadth of the course of study is revolutionary. Students are not only grounded in serious halakhic and talmudic texts, but they also study Bible, Jewish thought, mysticism, Hasidism, pastoral counseling and leadership. The Yeshiva is deeply committed to expanding the role of women in Jewish life and leadership. The classes are small. The students receive a stipend, and in return must promise to serve in a congregation or other rabbinic post for at least three years. This grant will enable the rabbinical school to build a board, organize a committed group of donors, receive foundation grants and develop and implement a business plan.