USCJ: United Synagogue

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UNITED SYNAGOGUE

"2002 Biennial Report"
Comprehensive guide to the programs and projects undertaken by the United Synagogue over the past several years. Also contains listing of national leadership and regional staff.
To order, contact the Department of Public Affairs, ext. 2601.

"2002 Directory and Resource Guide"
This valuable tool, which is updated annually, lists constituent congregations; various guides, codes and standards; and other United Synagogue resources. Also included are the times of both weekday and Shabbat services at our congregations.
Cost: $12 for member congregations;
$28 for nonmembers.
To order, contact the Department of Conferences and Special Events, ext. 2234.

"Catalogue of Publications"
A comprehensive list of publications and materials produced by the United Synagogue, the Rabbinical Assembly, the USCJ Commission on Jewish Education and the USCJ Youth Department. Includes prayerbooks, educational materials, children's holiday stories, tapes, videos, certificates, and more.
To order, contact the Book Service, 1 (800) 594-5617.

Hazak
HAZAK, the United Synagogue program for mature Conservative Jews, is a congregationally based program that seeks to address the interests and needs of Jews 55 and above. As of the summer of 2003, 8,200 members were enrolled in 74 chapters. The program is guided by the USCJ HAZAK Commission and regional commissions in ten of the regions. HAZAK is growing quickly, reflecting the fact that seniors are most rapidly growing segment of the Jewish population. Typical activities for a HAZAK chapter include social activities, trips, religious services, volunteer activities, adult studies, and more. HAZAK program materials are provided by the USCJ and include a quarterly newsletter. Members of HAZAK have the opportunity not only to meet with peers from their own congregations but also with fellow Jews from other groups in the community and region. These opportunities help develop a greater sense of Conservative identification through the sharing of tefillah, study, socializing and the like. HAZAK is an acronym for hokhmah (wisdom), ziknah (maturity), and kadimah (looking ahead). So far, the group is living up to its name.
Contact siegel@uscj.org for information.

Listserve for Bulletin Editors
Regular updates on USCJ activities and Movement news, designed for editors of congregational newsletters. To subscribe, send a message to listproc@uscj.org, leave the subject line blank, and type SUBSCRIBE BULLETIN Your Name.
For information, call the Department of Public Affairs, ext. 2601.

"News-in-Brief"
A monthly news sheet featuring updated information on new programs, projects and publications developed by United Synagogue departments. To request a copy, contact the Department of Public Affairs, ext. 2601. Available on-line at our website (www.uscj.org) under "Inside the United Synagogue." It can also be received via e-mail. Write to info@uscj.org.

"The Next Step"
Newsletter for synagogue leaders on USCJ programs and resources of special interest to the congregation. Published five times a year, it is sent to key congregational officers and synagogue professionals.
Produced by the Department of Public Affairs, ext. 2601.

Perek Yomi/Mishnah Yomit
While virtually every program of the United Synagogue is related to Talmud Torah (study), there are two programs which are unique in this regard: Perek Yomi and Mishnah Yomit. In both programs, individuals study by themselves with the help of daily text and study materials. Participants in Perek Yomi study one chapter of Tanakh each day; those in Mishnah Yomit study one Mishnah each day. Enrollment in both programs is free. For both programs, the daily material is provided via computer, although hard copy materials are available at a cost of $25 per year. Perek Yomi was launched on Simhat Torah 5760 and started its second cycle in Spring 5762 (to conclude in 5764). Mishnah Yomit was lauched in Spring 5762 with the Seder Nezikin. Participants may use “Mishnah Yomit Discuss” (an English-language listserve) to discuss the material amongst themselves or ask questions of staff at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem and/or the United Synagogue in North America. Many congregations have structured study groups, and some have Mishnah Yomit study at morning minyan.
Contact siegel@uscj.org for information.

"The United Synagogue Review"
Official publication of the United Synagogue, sent twice a year to members whose congregations update their mailing lists. Includes articles on many of the subjects listed in this publication as well as reports of newsworthy projects sponsored by congregations and regions. Selected back issues are available.
For information, contact the Review office, ext. 2601.

United Synagogue Biennial Convention
At the Biennial Convention, the leadership of the United Synagogue and its constituent congregations are afforded an opportunity to exchange ideas and plan for the future. Delegates participate in informative seminars on topics ranging from synagogue financing to membership development. At plenary sessions, top speakers address issues of concern, such as peace in the Middle East, intermarriage prevention and the state of Conservative Judaism. Resolutions sessions enable delegates to set official United Synagogue policy. The coveted Solomon Schechter Awards, which acknowledge exceptional achievements of congregations in various areas such as social action, adult education and programming, are distributed. Booths for synagogue suppliers and exhibitors display a wide array of objects and services. For information about the February 10-14, 2002 Biennial Convention (a joint convention with the Rabbinical Assembly, Cantors Assembly, Jewish Educators Assembly and North American Association of Synagogue Executives, for the first time and unique in many other respects); contact the Department of Conferences and Special Events, ext. 2234.

USCJ Website
Our newly designed, state-of-the-art website offers timely material arranged in easy-to-follow thematic categories. Featuring user-friendly devices such as drill- down menus and "one-click-to-content," the site has information and resources for the congregant, the lay leader, and the synagogue professional. Learn more about a particular holiday, check candle lighting times, find information on kashrut and Shabbat observance, read our "News-in-Brief," access resources for synagogue or youth programming, get ideas for a D'var Torah or find a Conservative synagogue or a Schechter school. Visit us at www.uscj.org and discover the resources and information available on-line. For information contact the Department of Public Affairs, ext. 2601, or e-mail: info@uscj.org.