Sulam for Emerging Leaders
After a successful first year, United Synagogue is excited to begin another cycle of Sulam for Emerging Leaders. Applications for next year's cohort are due by July 8. A conference call will be held on June 13 (12 pm EDT) to provide more information and answer questions - register here.
Kotel Response Conference Call
On April 16, we held an interactive briefing about the recent developments at the Kotel. To access a recording of the call, click here.
Safety and Security
Access a compilation of materials from USCJ to ensure that your kehilla is as secure as possible.
USCJ Against Gun Violence
To find resources, resolutions, and links about ending gun violence, including video of the USY rally, click here.
Security at Your Kehilla
The shooting in Newtown has many people concerned about security in their kehillot and schools. We urge you to:
- Call your local law enforcement to ask about increased patrols in your area.
- Review your plans for dealing with threatening calls or unusual mail or packages.
- Review your security training of security and office staff, as well as lay volunteers. Know what to look for and what to do. As always, if you see something, say something.
Details and links to online training and advice can be found through these USCJ websites.
USY Rallies to End Gun Violence
The scourge of gun violence in America was at the top of the agenda when United Synagogue Youth (USY) leaders met this past summer to discuss the programming for the annual international convention, traditionally held over the winter holiday vacation. Inspired by the partnership forged by Chicago’s Pastor Corey Brooks of Project Hood and Rabbi Steven Wernick of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) over the issue of gun violence, USY held a large-scale rally in Boston’s Copley Square on December 26th. Read more...
Updates on Our Website
We've got new information for you! Check out summaries of our inaugural Young Adult Outreach Micro Grant recipients, and find helpful information at our Kehilla Operations, Finance, and Dues page.
United Synagogue and Rabbinical Assembly Address UN Vote
In response to the vote by the United Nations to grant the Palestinian Authority non-member observer status, USCJ and the Rabbinical Assembly have issued a joint statement.
USCJ Stands With Israel, Supports Jewish Federations’ Israel Terror Fund
USCJ's responses to, and other resources about, the current situation in Israel can be accessed by clicking here.
In response to the recent Israeli military action, USCJ’s Rabbi Steven Wernick has issued a strong statement affirming United Synagogue’s support for Israel and its right to defend its citizens.
“The Israeli Defense Force acted with patience, prudence and vigilance, waiting out a rocket barrage of hundreds of rockets from Gaza that lasted several weeks before striking back,” said Rabbi Wernick. “It is unconscionable to deny Israel the right to protect its population from enemy attack. The ongoing assault against Israeli civilians in the south is a threat that no other nation would have tolerated for as long. You can read the entire press release here.
In addition, USCJ is working in coordination with the Jewish Federations of North America to support its Israel Terror Relief Fund, which has committed up to $5 million to help support the more than one million residents of Israel’s South and provide aid to victims and the most vulnerable Israelis during this time of conflict.
USCJ Thanks President Obama For Support of Israel
The leadership of USCJ has thanked President Obama for his support of Israel at this moment of crisis. Read the letter here.
Hurricane Sandy
Though Hurricane Sandy ended, it has left a trail of devastation along most of the East Coast. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering continued hardship in the wake of this disaster, and our hearts go out to those who've lost loved ones. To donate to USCJ's Disaster Relief Fund, to assist those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath, please click here. You can find more resources, read about USCJ's response, and learn how our kehillot are faring here.
USCJ Congratulates President Obama
The leaders of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism congratulate President Barack Obama on his re-election and wish him well as he leads the country through the challenges and opportunities ahead. read more...
The Global Sh'ma Flashmob
On Monday afternoon, October 22nd, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, we coordinated a Global Sh'ma FlashMob. We received videos and pictures from around the world as people stood together to recite the Sh'ma - you can check them out at this Facebook page. Do you still want to be part of this movement? We're happy to take your videos and pictures!
USCJ on Israel
USCJ has taken a stand on two issues affecting Israel: the continued rocket attacks from Gaza, and the continued issues of tolerance and pluralism at the Western Wall.
Women of the Wall
In the wake of the shocking arrest of Women of the Wall leader Anat Hoffman by Israeli Police as she was reciting the Sh’ma (Hear O Israel) prayer out loud at the Western Wall, Rabbi Steven Wernick, CEO of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism issued the following statement: read more
Christian-Jewish Roundtable
After Christian groups sent a letter to the United States Congress that he characterized as "repugnant, regrettable, and morally misguided," Rabbi Steven Wernick, CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism announced today (October 17) that his organization was canceling its participation in next week's meeting of the Christian-Jewish Roundtable, scheduled to take place at the offices of the American Jewish Committee in New York City. read more...
Safety and Security
The High Holiday season has passed - but security is a year-long process and concern. Click here to learn more about how to keep your kehilla protected throughout the year.
USY and the Israel Association of Baseball Hit a Home Run!
USY is warming up in the bullpen! We started by supporting Team Israel in the first WBC qualifying round in Jupiter, Florida on September 19. While Israel is not advancing in the WBC, USY is excited to continue our partnership with programs in Israel, equipment donations here in the US and a strong ongoing relationship moving forward. Click here to learn more about this innovative partnership!
KOACH
USCJ appreciates the efforts of our sister organizations in the Conservative Movement on behalf of KOACH. Please click here to read a statement about KOACH. To join the effort and "give KOACH to KOACH," please click here.
Scholars-in-Residence
Are you looking for a scholar-in-residence for your kehilla? Click here to access a list of scholars available to USCJ kehillot.