ABCs of Jewish Communal Life

The ABCs of Jewish communal life
Combining material prepared by Jeremy Burton and by Rabbi Jill Jacobs

Revised for the Jewish FundS for Justice
© Jeremy Burton, Rabbi Jill Jacobs & Jewish FundS for Justice 2006 1
Table of contents
A working definition of the organized Jewish community 3

The Conference of Presidents 4
The Defense organizations—ADL, AJCommittee, AJCongress 6
The Jewish Council of Public Affairs 8
The Movements 9
The United Jewish Communities (aka: The Federation system) 12
American Zionism 14
World Zionist Congress 15
The key Israel groups 16
Jewish Washington 17
Other organizations of note 18
The Foundation world 20
The Jewish Social Justice world 21
Addendum: Israeli Parties 30
What is the “Organized Jewish Community” or “Mainstream Jewish Communal System?”
Written by Jeremy Burton
A working definition: Those organizations that participate in the primary “consensus” bodies of the
national Jewish community (Specifically the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish
Organizations and to a lesser extent the Jewish Council for Public Affairs). By participating in the
consensus, these individual organizations agree - to one degree or another - to regularly set aside
personal ideology and distinct values to come together and speak as one common Jewish voice on
matters of broad communal interest – in particular in defense of Israel and of Jewish communities
around the world. Through this process they effectively value alignment with the concept of “The
Community” above the importance of individual organizations.
Accounting for overlaps in membership, it is estimated that these 60 odd organizations, together with
their affiliates (e.g. brotherhoods, rabbinic & cantorial associations), sub-groups (e.g. individual
federations within the UJC umbrella), local chapters and member synagogues collectively represent at
best ½ of all self-identified Jews in the United States.
By this generous estimate, nearly half of all Jews in this country are not members of (even under the
most generous definition) or participants in the “mainstream Jewish community.”
The “Conference of Presidents” of Major American Jewish Organizations
National umbrella of Jewish organizations, funded through membership dues and grants from a small
number of major philanthropists. The Conference of Presidents speaks as the consensus voice of the
Jewish communal system on matters of Israel and Foreign Affairs and in defense of Jewish communities
around the world.
In their own words: The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the
voice of organized American Jewry -- the proven, effective advocate on issues of vital international
and national concern. Representing 52 national Jewish organizations from across the political and
religious spectrum, the Conference provides a forum for deliberations of American Jewish leadership
and a central address for key American, Israeli and other world leaders to consult on issues of critical
concern to the Jewish community.
Major issue: Israel & International Jewish Communities’ Security
Membership:
Defense & Community Relations
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

American Jewish Committee (AJC or AJCommittee)
American Jewish Congress (AJC or AJCongress)
Jewish Council on Public Affairs (JCPA)
Religious Movements
Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR)
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF)
National Council of Young Israel (NCYI)
Rabbinical Assembly (RA)
Rabbinical Council of America (RCA)
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU)
“United Synagogue” of Conservative Judaism
Women of Reform Judaism
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism
Social Service/Philanthropic
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (The Joint)
American Obschestvo Remeslenovoi zemledelcheskovo Trouda, Federation (ORT)
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
National Conference for Soviet Jewry (NCSJ)
* United Jewish Appeal (UJA)
United Jewish Communities (UJC)
Women’s Am ORT
Educational/Cultural/Fraternal
American Gathering/Federation of Jewish Holocaust Survivors
American Sefardi Federation
Bnai Brith International
Jewish Community Centers Assoc (JCCA)
Jewish Labor Committee (JLC)
Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV)
Jewish Women International (JWI)
National Conference of Jewish Women (NCJW)
Workmen’s Circle
Israel/Zionist
American Friends of Likud
America-Israel Friendship League (AIFL)
America-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
American Zionist Movement (AZM)
Americans for Peace Now (APN)
AMIT Women
Assoc. of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA)
Bnai Zion
Committee for Accuracy in Mid-East Reporting (CAMERA)
Development Corp for Israel/ “Israel Bonds”
Emunah of America
Friends of Israel Defense Forces (Friends of IDF)
Labor Zionist Alliance
Hadassah
Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA)
Jewish National Fund (JNF)
Mercaz USA
Zionist Org of the Conservative Movement
Na’amat USA
National Comm. for Labor Israel
Religious Zionists of America
Women’s International Zionist Org (WIZO)
Women’s League for Israel
World Zionist Executive USA
Zionist Organization of America (ZOA)
9 Adjunct Members of the Conference of Presidents
Cantor’s Assembly, Israel Humanitarian Foundation (Histadrut), Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel,
Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Poale Agudath Israel, American Friends of Rambam Medical
Center, Amer. Committee for the Weizman Institute of Science, America-Israel Chamber of Commerce,
Hillel: the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
The “Defense” Establishment
ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE (ADL)
Founded in 1913. Best known of the 3, largely through the media work of its president – Abraham
Foxman. Perceived as politically “centrist,” with a liberal bent on some issues. Main area of expertise
is on hate crimes, anti-Semitism & tolerance education along with Holocaust education.
Major issues:
Anti-Semitism
Racism/hate crimes
Major activities:
Maintaining database on bias crimes

Education about anti-Semitism/racism
Research on hate crimes and anti-Semitism
Providing information on hate crimes, potential terrorism, etc. to law enforcement
officials
In their own words: The immediate object of the League is to stop, by appeals to reason and
conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate
purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust
and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE (AJC OR AJCOMMITTEE)
Founded in 1906 by New York German Jews. Oldest of the 3, “centrist/elite Liberal” in its politics.
Very well funded with expertise in research & publication on communal issues. Heavy active
membership within the elite establishment of American Jews.
Major issues:
Israel
Anti-semitism
Inter-religious affairs
Major activities:
Dialogue/relationships with other religious groups (mostly among high level players)
Studies on Jewish attitudes/issues
Publishing Commentary magazine
In their own words: Our Mission :

• To safeguard the welfare and security of Jews in the United States, in Israel, and throughout the world.
• To strengthen the basic principles of pluralism around the world, as the best defense against anti-Semitism and
other forms of bigotry.
• To enhance the quality of American Jewish life by helping to ensure Jewish continuity and deepen ties between
American and Israeli Jews.
AMERICAN JEWISH CONGRESS (AJCONGRESS)
Founded in 1918 by Eastern European Jews as a liberal reaction to the AJCommittee. Once the great
“liberal” bastion of the organized Jewish community, AJCOngress has recently taken on a more
conservative pro -Israel, anti-Arab & “fear of global antisemitism” agenda in recent years. Still known
for First Amendment litigation and is a respected player in the Supreme Court Bar. Because of
AJCongress’s shift to the right, more left leaning chapters have split off to form the Progressive
Jewish Alliance (CA) and the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (Boston).
Major issues:
Religious liberty
Anti-semitism
Israel
Reproductive choice
Major activities:
Legislative action
High-level meetings
Publishing Judaism journal
In their own words:
AJCongress has its mission to:
• protect fundamental constitutional freedoms and American democratic institutions, particularly

the civil and religious rights and liberties of all Americans and the separation of church and
state;
• advance the security and prosperity of the State of Israel and its democratic institutions, and
to support Israel's search for peaceful relations with its neighbors in the region;
• advance social and economic justice, women's equality, and human rights at home and abroad;
• remain vigilant against anti-Semitism, racism, and other forms of bigotry, and to celebrate
cultural diversity and promote unity in American life; and
• invigorate and enhance Jewish religious, institutional, communal and cultural life at home and
abroad, and seek creative ways to express Jewish identity, ethics and values.
Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA)
National umbrella of Jewish organizations who speak as the consensus voice of Jewish communal system,
particularly on issues of domestic affairs and federal public policy. JCPA member organizations consist of
local community relations councils (CRCs) as well as 13 national member organizations.
13 national members (organizations with a domestic policy agenda and grassroots membership)
American Jewish Committee (AJCommittee) National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)

American Jewish Congress (AJCongress) Union of Reform Judaism (URJ)
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of
B’nai B'rith America (OU)
Hadassah United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Jewish Labor Committee (JLC) Women's American ORT
Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Women's League for Conservative Judaism
123 local community relations councils (CRCs)

7 are independent of their local federation (including New York) though almost all receive primary
funding through federations. They serve as local umbrellas for chapters of most or all Conference and
JCPA national agencies to do lobbying/advocacy on the state and local level and do intergroup
relations.
Major issues:
JCPA covers a range of domestic and international issues, including Israel, poverty, health care,
immigration, the environment, education, and religious liberties.
Major activities:
• Yearly plenum (usually in February) at which member organizations pass resolutions on issues
• Mobilization of local CRCs around specific issues
In their own words:
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) serves as the representative voice of the organized
American Jewish community in addressing the mandate of the Jewish community relations field. The
mandate is expressed in two, interrelated goals:
1. to safeguard the rights of Jews here, in Israel, and around the world; and, in order to
accomplish that,
2. to protect, preserve, and promote a just American society, one that is democratic and
pluralistic.
The Movements
Each of the four major movements of Judaism has three North American branches:
Academic/seminary
Rabbinic
Congregational (includes youth groups and often camps)
Some movements also have other affiliated institutions. These are indicated below.
AFFILIATION
Approximately 1 million Jewish households (about 57% of Jews) are affiliated with a synagogue. Of
these:
Between 39% and 41% affiliate with a Reform synagogue

Between 33% and 41% affiliate with a Conservative synagogue
Between 18% and 22% affiliate with an Orthodox synagogue
About 2% affiliate with a Reconstructionist synagogue
(The range of percentages reflects the differing findings of various studies)
Of Jews as a whole (regardless of synagogue affiliation):
30% identify as Reform

24% identify as Conservative
8% identify as Orthodox
1% identify as Reconstructionist
REFORM
Academic—Hebrew Union College (campuses in LA, Cincinatti, New York, Jerusalem)

Rabbinic—Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR)
Congregational—Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
Youth movement—National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY)
Camps—approximately a dozen URJ camps, all with different names
Women of Reform Judaism—women’s programming/fundraising
Commission on Social Action—synagogue social action resources
Advocacy--Religious Action Center (RAC)*--legislative advocacy/resources to synagogues
(closely tied with Commission on Social Action)
Other--ARZA--Israel education/advocacy, advocacy for Reform Judaism & other progressive movements
in Israel
Publications—Reform Judaism (member magazine), CCAR Journal (semi-academic journal), HUC Annual
(academic journal)
CONSERVATIVE
Academic—The Jewish Theological Seminary (New York), the University of Judaism (LA)
Rabbinic—The Rabbinical Assembly (RA)
Congregational—United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ)
Youth movement—United Synagogue Youth (USY)
Camps—Camp Ramah (several)
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism—women’s programming/fundraising
Other--Mercaz USA*--Israel education/advocacy, advocacy for Conservative Judaism & other
progressive movements in Israel
Publications—United Synagogue Review (member magazine), Conservative Judaism (semi-academic
journal)
RECONSTRUCTIONIST
Academic—The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (Philadelphia)
Rabbinic—The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Assembly (RRA)
Congregational—The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF)
Youth movement – Noar Hadash
Camps—Camp JRF
Publications—Reconstructionism Today (membership magazine), The Reconstructionist (semi-
academic journal)
MAINSTREAM ORTHODOX
Academic—Yeshiva University (New York)
Rabbinic—The Rabbinic Council of America (RCA)
Congregational—The Orthodox Union (OU)
Youth movement—National Council of Synagogue Youth (NCSY)
Camps—various (not a central system)
Advocacy—Institute for Public Affairs
Other—Large kashrut operation: The OU gives kosher certification U to many products.
Publications—Jewish Action (OU membership magazine)
SLIGHTLY OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM OF ORTHODOXY
Academic—Yeshivat Chovevei Torah (New York)—a more somewhat liberal Orthodox rabbinical school;
the RCA is currently considering whether to accept graduates, though some graduates already
serve OU congregations.
Organizations-- Two key organizations on the left of modern Orthodoxy are the recently demised Edah
and the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA). Both sponsor regional events &
conferences and speakers’ bureaus. Edah published a journal that focused on contemporary
legal issues; JOFA advocates for greater inclusion of women in Orthodox institutions.
National Council of Young Israel—Network of synagogues and rabbis who tend to be somewhat to
the right of mainstream. Many Young Israel synagogues are also affiliated with the OU and
many Young Israel rabbis are also part of the RCA.
OTHER
Haredi/Right-wing Orthodox
Language note: This group is often called “ultra-Orthodox” or “black hat.” The preferred term is
“Haredi” which derives from the Hebrew word meaning “trembling.” This group contains numerous
divisions, but for the purpose of simplicity, we will approach the group as a collective.
Academic—various yeshivot (seminaries), including significant ones in Brooklyn; Lakewood,

NJ; Baltimore; Jerusalem; and B’nai Brak
Rabbinic—Agudas haRabonim
Congregational—Agudas Israel (aka “the Agudah”)
Publications—Jewish Observer, Jewish Press
Note: The Agudah can be a powerful lobbying force on issues of concern to Haredi Jews.
Chabad/Lubavitch
Academic—various yeshivot, many in Crown Heights and in Israel
Shelichot (emissaries) of this movement are the ones who run Chabad houses on campus and who
you see doing outreach on the streets.
Renewal
Academic—Aleph Semicha program (not a school, but a decentralized program)
Rabbinic—Ohalah
Congregational—Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal
Humanistic
Academic—International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism
Congregational—Society for Humanistic Judaism
The United Jewish Communities
Umbrella of 156 local Jewish Federations & 400 “independent” communities in the United States and
Canada. Funded through federation dues. Provides services to individual federations and coordinates
planning & funding of national agencies through its “National Funding Councils.”
UJC is the result of the consolidation of the United Jewish Appeal (annual campaign), the Council of
Jewish Federations (umbrella of federations) & United Israel Appeal (Israel funding stream of the annual
campaign) into one agency.
The General Assembly or “GA” is the annual November conference and business meeting of UJC.
NOTABLE INTERNATIONALLY FUNDED AGENCIES:
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (The Joint or JDC) – Providing relief & services to Jews
outside North America
Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) – Responsible for immigration and absorption in Israel and for Jewish
Zionist education on behalf of the global Jewish community.
IMPORTANT OFFICES WITHIN UJC:
4 “Pillars” – Israel & Overseas, Jewish Renaissance & Renewal, Human Services, Campaign & Resource
Development
Washington Action Office (also runs the Human Service Pillar)
Young Leadership Division
Women’s Division (includes the Lions of Judah)
Planned Giving & Endowment Department
The Federation Structure
Jewish United Jewish Communities

International giving
Council $ (UJC) through the Joint
on Public $ Distribution Committee
Affairs
(JCPA) $ National
organizations/projects
$ including Hillel, JCPA, Jewish
Education Service of North
Local Federations Israel giving, America (JESNA), Jewish
(such as UJA-NY, and through Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA),
the Federations of LA & Agency for Israel Jewish Community Center
Member organizations
Philadelphia) (JAFI/ Sochnut) Association and others
American Jewish Committee
American Jewish Congress $
Anti-Defamation League
B’nai B'rith
$ Funding to local
Hadassah
Jewish Labor Committee programs, incl. social
Jewish War Veterans service programs (Jewish
National Council of Jewish
Subsidiary & secular), synagogues,
Women
Local Jewish organizations/projects/agencies schools, hospitals, nursing
Union for Reform Judaism
Union of Orthodox Jewish Community Relations (such as Jewish Family & homes, etc.
Congregations of America Councils (CRCs) Children’s services)
United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism
Women's American ORT
Women's League for
Conservative Judaism Key:
• US funding/relationships are in
shaded boxes
• Arrows with $ indicate funding
relationship
• Lines w/o $ indicate oversight
© Jeremy Burton, Rabbi Jill Jacobs & Jewish FundS for Justice 2006 relationship
13
American Zionism
The American Zionist Movement (AZM) is an umbrella for 16 organizations (as of 2003) covering the
political and religious spectrum of Zionism in the Jewish community (though not exclusive of other
Zionist members of the Conference), most of whom participate in the Conference of Presidents:

AMIT (Orthodox Women)
Arza (Reform)
Bnai Zion (fraternal)
Emunah (Orthodox Women)
Mercaz (Conservative)
Meretz USA
Na’amat (Womens Labor)
Religious Zionists of America (Orthodox)
Zionist Organization of America (rightist)
Zionist Student Movement
The individual organizations (and others) run tickets for election to the:
The World Zionist Congress - Known as 'The Parliament of The Jewish People'- the premiere
democratic gathering of Jews from throughout the world. It gives delegates the chance to discuss, debate
and decide on policies that will impact the Jewish people's future. As the legislature of the World Zionist
Organization (WZO), the Congress elects the WZO's officers and decides on issues affecting Jews
worldwide. The WZO is the parent organization and through the Congress elects part of the governing
board of the Jewish Agency For Israel (JAFI) which in turn administers global Jewish funding for
immigration, absorption and Zionist education (the other part of the governing board represents the
Israeli people and is based on party representation in Israel’s Knesset).
The Congress first met in Basel, Switzerland under Theodore Herzl's leadership in 1897. Delegates
adopted the 'Basel Program,' which laid out the concept of a Jewish homeland in Eretz Yisrael. Since
then, the Congress has met 32 times - annually at first, and more recently, every four or five years.
2006 World Zionist Congress American Election Results
In order of seats won (# of seats) & some key slate leaders:
Association of Reform Zionists (55) – Rabbis Eric Yoffie, David Ellenson, David Saperstein
Religious Zionist Alliance (Orthodox Movement) (35) – Rabbis Norman Lamm, Gedalia Schwartz,
Yosef Blau,
Mercaz USA (Conservative Movement) (32) – Rabbis Ismar Schorsh, Jerome Epstein, Bradley Artson
Zionist Organization of America (5) - Mort Klein, Ken Bialkin
Hatikva (Progressive) (5) - Ruth Messinger, Theodore Bikel, Leibel Fein
Likud (3) - Jack Dweck
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (2) - Daniel Cederbaum, Carl Sheingold
Green Zionist Alliance (2) - Michael Cohen, Arthur Waskow
Herut (Jabotinskyites) (2)
Dor Zion (2) - Marlene Post
Russian American Jews for Israel (1)
American Zionist Coalition (1) - Ronald Lauder (Shoshana Cardin was #2)
The key Israel groups
The best known and most powerful Israel group in the country is AIPAC, which lobbies for “pro-Israel”
policy. (AIPAC is also one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the country) Officially, AIPAC
supports the current Israeli government, whatever that government’s political leanings may be. In
reality, AIPAC has tended to be less supportive of more leftist governments (such as the Rabin
administration).
In addition to AIPAC, the following are some of the key Israel-related groups in the United States:
LEFT-LEANING
New Israel Fund

The largest and best-known of the left-leaning groups, NIF gives grants to organizations in Israel
that promote tolerance or religious pluralism, and that fight poverty and support civil liberties
Americans for Peace Now/Shalom Achshav

Brit Tzedek v’Shalom
Arza (Reform Movement)
Israel Policy Forum—Mostly a think tank
Meretz USA
Na’amat Women
RIGHT-LEANING

AMIT (Orthodox Women)
FAR LEFT
Jews Against The Occupation

Jewish Voice for Peace
FAR RIGHT
Amcha—Coalition for Jewish Concerns (Avi Weiss’s group)

Zionist Organization of America
Jewish Defense League
OTHER
CAMERA (media watchdog, generally perceived as being fairly right-wing

Mercaz (Conservative Movement; focuses mostly on religious pluralism in Israel)
Hadassah (Women’s organization; supports social service in Israel)
Jewish Washington
Many organizations have their own action/lobby offices in Washington with different views, agendas and
concerns. Almost all of the JCPA’s national agencies and some of the Zionist and non-mainstream
denominations also have full time lobbyists. What follows is a map of how the umbrellas divide primary
responsibility for consensus based advocacy along with other “notable” operations.
ON ISRAEL & OVERSEAS ISSUES:
White House, the Administration & foreign governments/embassies – Conference of Presidents

Congress – AIPAC
Other communities (e.g. labor, blacks, Hispanics etc…) and mobilization of Jewish grassroots – JCPA
ON DOMESTIC POLICY – JCPA
NOTABLE OPERATIONS ON “PARTICULAR” AGENDAS – RESPECTED IN THEIR NICHES

Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) – Orthodox, right leaning, general social policy
Religious Action Center (RAC) – Reform, “the face” of progressive faith Judaism in DC liberal general
policy
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) – Emerging player on global humanitarian agenda, working
closely with RAC, progressive evangelicals
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) – liberal, judiciary appointments watch
American Jewish Congress – center/liberal first amendment work, leaning right inside the White House
ally on Israel/Iraq
Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) – hard right, Israel
Israel Policy Forum (IPF) – mainstream liberal, Israel peace process, influence fluctuates as
administration prioritizes peace process
Hadassah – mainstream liberal, women’s health and genetic research policy
Chabad of Capitol Hill (Lubavitch) – Congressional celebrations of holidays, also Hill staff lunch &
learns
Other Organizations of Note
COMMUNITY
Hillel—Sponsors Jewish campus groups on hundreds of campuses in the US and around the world
Jewish Community Center Association—umbrella body for local JCCs
EDUCATION/ACADEMIA/THINK TANKS
Association for Jewish Studies (AJS)—organization of Jewish studies professors

Center for Jewish History – NY based archives and resource center; combines YU museum, American
Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, and YIVO
Institute.
Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) – Membership organization of Jewish
educators
JESNA—Network of Jewish educators; support and funding for educational projects
Jewish Women's Archive—web based archive and research organization focused on Jewish women’s
history
Koret Jewish Book Awards – sponsored by Koret Foundation
National Center for Leadership & Learning (CLAL) – New York based think tank & leadership
development founded by Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg
MEDIA/WEB
The Forward—Independent national weekly

Guilt and Pleasure—New, glossy and popular magazine by Reboot Network
Hadassah Magazine—the member magazine of Hadassah; the largest circulation Jewish magazine
Jewish Telegraphic Agency—The AP of the Jewish world
Moment—Independent bi-monthly magazine
Lilith—Jewish feminist magazine
Heeb—“hip”, unaffiliated, quarterly
Tikkun—Left-leaning bimonthly magazine
Commentary—Right-leaning bi-monthly magazine, published by AJCommittee
New Voices—Independent student magazine
Sh’ma—Monthly short bulletin/magazine featuring conversations on key topics
Local Jewish papers—Mostly run by local federations, though a (very) few are independent
New York Jewish Week—the largest circulation local paper. Though federation supported, the
Jewish Week has greater freedom and is more widely read than most Jewish weeklies
Movement magazines—Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox and Haredi movements all
publish their own magazines distributed to all affiliated members
Jewish Family & Life! Media (JFL) – Publisher of Sh’ma, Babaganewz and dozens of webzines
MyJewishLearning.com—the most comprehensive and pluralistic source for information about
Judaism
Jspot.com—the up-and-coming premier Jewish blog on domestic matters
Jewschool.com—one of the more popular Jewish blogs; news & commentary about Israel and the
Jewish world
Jewlicious.com—the best-read Jewish blog; news and culture
WOMEN
Jewish Women International - network and clearing house on domestic violence

Kolot - The Center for Jewish Women's and Gender Studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.
Ma’yan – Jewish womens’ learning and leadership, based at the Upper West Side JCC
National Council of Jewish Women—advocacy around issues such as reproductive choice; fairly
progressive
ARTS
Avoda--Objects of the Spirit, Jewish arts education

JDub Records—Producer of Jewish music
National Foundation for Jewish Culture –Grants and other support for Jewish arts/artists
StorahTelling – Performance group that features creative retellings of biblical/other Jewish stories
Lots of small independent groups promoting and creating Jewish art, music, performance, etc. are
emerging by the minute.
ENVIRONMENT
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) – the best established Jewish environmental
group; works closely with JCPA and local JCRCs
Hazon—environmental bike ride, community supported agriculture, and environmental education
OTHER
Simon Wiesenthal Center – LA based “defense” group, focused on Holocaust and Christian relations
World Jewish Congress – Umbrella of global Jewish community relations associations
The “Public” Foundations (& some others)
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) – volunteer service and development in Latin America &
Africa
Bikkurim – Incubator foundation based at UJC/JESNA, in partnership with the Kaminer Foundation
Covenant Foundation – Project of JESNA & Crown Family focusing on Jewish education
Conversion foundations – Foundations endowed by the proceeds of sale of Jewish hospitals (e.g.
Pittsburgh Jewish Healthcare Foundation & Rose Community Foundation) generally focused on
regional healthcare & Jewish life
Foundation for Jewish Camping – established by the Bildners
Jewish Community Development Fund in Russia & Ukraine (JCDF) – housed at AJWS
Jewish FundS for Justice (JFSJ) – the result of the merger of JFJ and The Shefa Fund, committed to
creating a just, fair and compassionate America
Jewish women’s foundations – Foundations in over 20 cities, mostly with some formal connection to
their Federations, bringing together Jewish women to fund in partnership
Mazon – grants to feed the hungry and fight hunger in America
National Foundation for Jewish Culture (NFJC)
New Israel Fund (NIF) – social change and grassroots organizing in Israel (inside the “green line”)
Wexner Foundation – Jewish leadership development (Wexner Heritage for laypeople; Wexner
Graduate Fellowship for graduate students in Jewish fields; Wexner Israel Fellowship for mid-
level Israeli civil servants)
The Jewish social justice world
Note: The number of staff members for each organization is current as of June 2006 and is provided to give a
sense of the size of each organization. However, at most of these organizations, staff numbers tend to
fluctuate—the numbers here may already be off by a few.
I Local, membership-based organizations
JEWISH ALLIANCE FOR LAW AND SOCIAL ACTION (BOSTON)
The Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action is a new membership-based non-profit organization
based in Boston. We are dedicated to being a strong, progressive, inter-generational voice, inspired by
Jewish teachings and values, for social justice, civil rights, and civil liberties.
Founding date: 2001

Major activities: Educational events, legislative advocacy, public statements
Major issues: Civil liberties, judicial nominations, public education, health care, gay/lesbian rights
Staff: 2
Notes: JALSA resulted from a break between the Boston chapter of the American Jewish Congress and
the rightward-moving national organization. JALSA senior staff are lawyers who are primarily interested
in advocacy and policy.
JEWISH-CAMDEN PARTNERSHIP (SOUTH JERSEY)
The Jewish Camden Partnership brings together the South Jersey Jewish community with our
neighbors in Camden City to collaborate in building Camden’s economic, social and cultural
foundation. United in our work, our partnership is guided by the common pursuit of justice and the
desire to transform both communities.
Founding date: 2003

Major activities: Synagogue outreach/organizing, service projects, technical assistance to community
groups,
Major issues: Economic development, youth
Staff: 3
Notes: The Jewish-Camden partnership is a new, Cherry-Hill-based group that focuses on long-term
service relationships between members of Cherry Hill synagogues and community organizations in
Camden, NJ.
JEWISH COMMUNITY ACTION (MINNEAPOLIS, ST. PAUL)
Jewish Community Action's mission is to bring together Jewish people from diverse traditions and
perspectives to promote understanding and take action on social and economic justice issues in
Minnesota.
Founding date: 1995
Major activities: Member organizing, synagogue organizing, community investment, advocacy,
educational events
Major issues: Housing, racial justice, immigrant rights
Staff: 9
JCRC OF BOSTON (BOSTON)
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston is the representative voice of the
organized Jewish community. Rooted in Jewish values and informed by Jewish history, JCRC also
reflects the ideals of American democracy. Comprised of constituent organizations, the JCRC:
• serves as a catalyst for building a strong and vibrant Jewish community in Boston and around
the world;
• advocates for a safe, secure, democratic state of Israel;
• promotes an American society that is democratic, pluralistic and just.
Major activities: Synagogue organizing, legislative advocacy, youth organizing

Major issues: Economic development, education, Israel, health care, housing, seniors, etc.
Staff: 29
Note: Even though this is a CRC & part of a much larger structure, this particular CRC has done more
social justice work than most others & therefore tends to be included in lists of social justice groups
JEWISH COUNCIL ON URBAN AFFAIRS (CHICAGO)
The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs combats racism and anti-Semitism in partnership with Chicago’s
diverse communities.
Founding date: 1964

Major activities: Technical assistance to small community organizations, rabbinical student
fellowship, policy positions & statements, educational events
Major issues: Housing, workers’ issues,
Staff: 12
JEWS FOR RACIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE (NEW YORK)
Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) is a membership-based organization founded in 1990.
JFREJ was founded to fill the need for progressive Jewish leadership in confronting the growing racial
and ethnic tension and economic disparity within New York City. Utilizing community organizing,
political education and media advocacy, we educate ourselves and others in our effort to end all forms
of hatred and oppression. Our work provides a unique opportunity for Jews in New York to build a
Jewish identity with justice at its core
Founding date: 1990

Major activities: Member organizing, advocacy, educational events
Major issues: Immigrant rights, workers’ rights
Staff: 6
JEWS UNITED FOR JUSTICE (WASHINGTON, D.C.)

Jews United for Justice seeks to organize a visible Jewish presence and takes action for economic and social justice in the
Washington, DC area. JUFJ provides Jews with an opportunity to weave together Judaism and activism and creates a
community in which to explore and strengthen commitments to both.
Founding date: 1998

Major activities: Member organizing, synagogue outreach, advocacy, educational events
Major issues: Workers’ rights, living wage
Staff: 2
JEWS UNITED FOR JUSTICE (ST. LOUIS)
Founding date: 1999

Major activities: Synagogue outreach, educational events
Major issues: Education, workers’ rights
Staff: 1
Notes: JUJ has gone in and out of existence over the past few years. It seems currently to active.
KAVOD HOUSE (BOSTON)
The Kavod Jewish Social Justice House is an innovative project to create community for 20-30-something
Jews and connect them with social action opportunities. We're now part of the Moishe House family, a
national network of house-based communities run for young people by young people.
Founding date: 2005

Major activities: Shabbat dinners, educational events
Major issues:
Staff: 3-4 “house members”
PROGRESSIVE JEWISH ALLIANCE (CALIFORNIA, OFFICES IN LA AND BAY AREA)

Progressive Jewish Alliance (PJA) is a non-profit, non-denominational, inter-generational membership organization, acting
as a progressive voice in the Jewish community and a Jewish voice in the progressive movement.
Major activities: Member organizing, educational events, advocacy, mediation

Major issues: Workers’ rights, criminal justice, Muslim-Jewish relations, Israel,
Staff: 10
Notes: PJA is probably the most effective of the local Jewish social justice groups and has established
itself as a key force in both the Jewish and political communities in California. Like JALSA, PJA was
formed out of a break between the local chapter of the American Jewish Congress and the national
organization.
RODEF TZEDEK (SEATTLE)
Founding date: 2004 or 2005

Staff: 1
TEKIAH: A JEWISH CALL TO ACTION (BOSTON)
Tekiah is a membership organization that works on local issues of social, economic, and racial justice.
We provide an opportunity for young people to be leaders as we mobilize Greater Boston's Jewish
communities to effect systemic social change. Tekiah forges alliances and engages members through
community organizing and popular education.
Founding date: 1999

Major activities: Member organizing, educational events, advocacy
Major issues: Bilingual education, immigrant justice
Staff: 1
TIKKUN HA’IR (MILWAUKEE)
Tikkun Ha-Ir of Milwaukee provides volunteer, social action, and study opportunities for all Jews
regardless of affiliation. Activities integrate the study of Jewish texts with social action projects to
improve the civic life of Milwaukee and its people.
Founding date: 2000

Major activities: Volunteering, synagogue outreach, educational events
Major issues: Homelessness
Staff: 1
II Internship/training programs (primarily college or older)
AVODAH: THE JEWISH SERVICE CORPS (NEW YORK, D.C.)

AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps integrates work for social change, Jewish learning and community building. It provides
an opportunity for young Jews to live out and deepen their commitments to Jewish life and social change through a year
of work in low-income communities in New York City and Washington, D.C. After participants complete this intense one-
year program, the AVODAH Alumni Community supports and encourages alumni in their continued work for social change.
Founding date: 1998

Major activities: Year-long fellowship for thirty-three young (20-something) Jews to work in community
organizations in New York, D.C. & Chicago.
Major issues: NA
Staff: 11
JEWISH COALITION FOR SERVICE (NATIONAL, OFFICES IN NEW YORK)
The mission of the Jewish Coalition for Service is to inspire everyone in the Jewish community to
dedicate a part of their lives to full-time, hands-on volunteer service.
Founding date: 2003

Major activities: Umbrella organization for long-term service projects; linking people to service
opportunities; events for alumni of service projects (high school through adult)
Major issues: NA
Staff: 3
JEWISH ORGANIZING INITIATIVE (BOSTON)
The Jewish Organizing Initiative (JOI) offers young adults a chance to work for justice and create a
meaningful Jewish community that can support and sustain them in working for justice.
Founding date: 1998

Major activities: Year-long fellowship program that trains young (20-something) Jews to work as
organizers.
Major issues: NA
Staff: 3
IIII Youth
AREYVUT (MOSTLY NEW YORK, WITH OUTREACH TO SOME OTHER COMMUNITIES)

Started in September 2002, Areyvut reaches out to Jewish day schools and congregational schools, regardless of affiliation.
Cognizant that few schools maximize their resources to effectively promote the values of chesed, tzedakah and tikkun olam,
Areyvut offers a unique opportunity for schools to create innovative and meaningful programs to make these values a
reality for students and educators alike.
Founding date: 2002

Major activities: Consulting on youth service learning/youth philanthropy; b’nai mitzvah consults,
Major issues: Not issue-based
Staff: 2
B’NAI TZEDEK (BASED IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS WITH ≈ 25 AFFILIATE PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE)
The B'nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program is opening up new possibilities for how young people can
help create a more just society. As an innovative and powerful branch of Tzedakah, B'nai Tzedek is
redefining what it means to be a philanthropist - that one does not have to be wealthy to have a
personal and engaged relationship to life-long giving.
Major activities: Teen philanthropy

Staff: 1
JEWISH YOUTH FOR COMMUNITY ACTION (BAY AREA)

A Jewish leadership training program for young people who want to work for social change.
Participants in the program develop leadership skills, explore contemporary social issues and perform
community organizing and service. The three main structural components of the program are
Leadership Training Series, Weekend Retreats and Community Action.
Major activities: Training and organizing for teenagers

Major issues: Varied
Staff: 1
JEWISH YOUTH PHILANTHROPY INSTITUTE (DC)
The mission of the Jewish Youth Philanthropy Institute (JYPI) is to advance the development of youth
philanthropy and civic engagement in the Jewish community.
JYPI is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates youth programs for high
school age teens annually in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. JYPI also serves as a national
resource and a model by providing workshops, technical assistance and curricula materials to other
communities seeking to implement youth philanthropy initiatives and to the local synagogue
community.
Founding date: 2000

Major activities: Youth philanthropy, community service/service learning, grants for alumni
programming
Staff: 5
PANIM: THE INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH LEADERSHIP AND VALUES (WASHINGTON, D.C)
PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values is dedicated to the renewal of American Jewish
life through the integration of Jewish learning, values, and social responsibility.
Our flagship program Panim el Panim, our award-winning Jewish Civics Initiative and our innovative
Summer JAM (Judaism, Activism and Mitzvah work) summer program bring Jewish high school
students from across the Jewish religious and educational spectrum to Washington, D.C. to learn
about political activism and civic engagement in the context of Jewish values and principles.
Founding date: 1988

Major activities: Teaching youth about political activism
Staff: 15
SPARK PARTNERSHIP FOR SERVICE (BALTIMORE)
The mission of spark: Partnership for Service is to inspire a commitment to service as an ongoing part
of each person's life and an important expression of Jewish identity. spark works collaboratively with
other Jewish organizations in developing resources, curricular materials, trainings and workshops, and
programs to enhance and expand high quality Jewish community service. spark frequently uses a
service learning model to enhance Jewish community service programs.
Founding date: 2001

Major activities: Service learning, post-college community service fellowship, promotion of service
learning
Major issues: Elderly
Staff: 2
IV Advocacy/Grantmaking/multiple
AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE (NATIONAL, OFFICES IN NEW YORK, DC, SAN FRANCISCO, CHICAGO)
AJWS supports almost 270 grassroots organizations in the developing world and Russia and Ukraine
through grant making, technical assistance, emergency relief and advocacy. We also provide unique
international service opportunities for the Jewish community, enabling Jews to play an active role in
the process of meaningful social change. Last year we sent over 300 volunteers to the developing
world.
Founding date: 1985

Major activities: Grants to community-based organizations around the world, short and long-term
service projects for Jewish college students through adults, advocacy on international issues
Major issues: HIV/AIDS, Economic development, Education, Civil Society, Women’s Empowerment,
Sustainable Agriculture
Staff: 60+
JEWISH LABOR COMMITTEE (NATIONAL OFFICE IN NY; 10 REGIONAL OFFICES)
The Jewish Labor Committee is an independent secular organization that helps the Jewish community
and the trade union movement work together on important issues of shared interest and concern.
Major activities: Advocacy, Education

Major issues: Workers’ rights
Staff: 6
JEWISH FUNDS FOR JUSTICE (NATIONAL, OFFICES IN NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA & LA)
JFSJ is a national public operating foundation dedicated to creating a just, fair and compassionate
America. We do so through philanthropy and capital programs, a leadership institute, and
investments in base and alliance building.
Major activities: Grantmaking, TZEDEC Lending Program, Selah leadership program (a partnership),
Seminary public education program, Jewish education, congregation based community organizing and
donor-advised funding
Major issues: poverty & low income communities, immigrants, neighborhood revitalization, social justice
Staff: 30
MAZON: A JEWISH RESPONSE TO HUNGER (NATIONAL, OFFICES IN LA)
MAZON allocates donations from the Jewish community to prevent and alleviate hunger among people
of all faiths and backgrounds.
Founding date: 1985

Major activities: Grantmaking, education, synagogue outreach, advocacy
Major issues: hunger
Staff: 15
RABBIS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS NORTH AMERICA
Rabbis for Human Rights - North America was founded in 2002 by a group of American rabbis inspired
by the work of RHR in Israel. RHR-North America is a rabbinic organization dedicated to education,
advocacy, prayer, and action in support of human rights.
Founding date: 2002

Major activities: Education, advocacy, rabbinic outreach
Major issues: Israel, torture
Staff: 1 1/2
RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER OF REFORM JUDASIM
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) has been the hub of Jewish social justice and
legislative activity in the nation's capital for over 40 years. It has educated and mobilized the
American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns as an advocate in the Congress of the
United States on issues ranging from Israel and international religious freedom to economic justice
and civil rights, to international peace and religious liberty.
Founding date: 1961

Major activities: Legislative advocacy, education, synagogue outreach/assistance, post-college
fellowship program
Major issues: Everything
Staff: 20
THE SHALOM CENTER (NATIONAL, BASED IN PHILADELPHIA)
A network of American Jews who draw on Jewish tradition and spirituality to seek peace, pursue
justice, heal the earth, and build community.
Founding date: 1983

Major activities: Education, advocacy
Major issues: Globalization, environment, workers’ rights, Israel
Staff: 2
TIKKUN NETWORK (NATIONAL, OFFICES IN BAY AREA)
We are an international community of people of many faiths calling for social justice and political
freedom in the context of new structures of work, caring communities, and democratic social and
economic arrangements. We seek to influence public discourse in order to inspire compassion,
generosity, non-violence and recognition of the spiritual dimensions of life.
Founding date:
Major activities: Education, advocacy
Major issues: Globalization, Israel, corporate responsibility, media
Staff: 3-4
ADDENDUM: Israel – Knowing Your Parties
All these parties are represented in the current (‘06) Knesset (Parliament). There are additional minor
parties which failed to qualify for the current Knesset but continue to be active.
Key: (# of seats)
* - Some of the parties have an “American Friends” association that is part of the communal system
The Governing Coalition
Kadima (Forward) (28) * - Coalition leader, new center party of PM Ehud Olmert
Labour-Meimad (Ha-Avoda) (20) * - the traditional ashkenzai dominated union left in coalition with
the progressive Orthodox party
Gil (Age) (7) - the famous come from nowhere pensioners party
Shas (Shomrei torah HaSefardim) (13) – haredi party for Jews from Arab countries
The Opposition - Zionist
Yisrael Beytanu (Israel our Home) (12) – right wing Russian, has been in Likud coalitions
Likud (Consolidation) (11) * – the old governing right coalition
Meretz-Yachad (Vigor-Together) (4) * – the social & economic Justice & Peace left, has been in
Labour led coalitions
National Union-National Religious Party (Ihud HaLeumi & Mafdal)(9) – coalition of pro-settler
nationalist and orthodox Zionist, both on former coalitions
The Opposition - “Non-Zionist”

United Torah Judaism (Yahadut Hatorah) (6) – coalition of haredi and Hasidic parties, in past
coalitions
United Arab List (Ra’am) (4) – the Islamic movement of Israeli Arabs
Chadash (Democratic Front for Peace & Equality) (3) - the Israeli Communist Party, ideologically
non-ethnic, was in government in early years of Statehood
Balad (National Democratic Assembly (3) - progressive national party for the Palestinian citizens of
Israel

ABCs of Jewish Communal Life

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ABCs of Jewish Communal Life

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The ABCs of Jewish communal life

Combining material prepared by Jeremy Burton and by Rabbi Jill Jacobs

A working definition of the organized Jewish community 3

Major issue: Israel & International Jewish Communities’ Security

Defense & Community Relations

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

9 Adjunct Members of the Conference of Presidents

ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE (ADL)

 Maintaining database on bias crimes

AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE (AJC OR AJCOMMITTEE)

In their own words: Our Mission :

AMERICAN JEWISH CONGRESS (AJCONGRESS)

 Publishing Judaism journal

In their own words:

AJCongress has its mission to:

• protect fundamental constitutional freedoms and American democratic institutions, particularly

American Jewish Committee (AJCommittee) National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)

123 local community relations councils (CRCs)

In their own words:

Between 39% and 41% affiliate with a Reform synagogue

(The range of percentages reflects the differing findings of various studies)

Of Jews as a whole (regardless of synagogue affiliation):

30% identify as Reform

Academic—Hebrew Union College (campuses in LA, Cincinatti, New York, Jerusalem)

Publications—Jewish Action (OU membership magazine)

SLIGHTLY OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM OF ORTHODOXY

Academic—various yeshivot (seminaries), including significant ones in Brooklyn; Lakewood,

NOTABLE INTERNATIONALLY FUNDED AGENCIES:

IMPORTANT OFFICES WITHIN UJC:

Jewish United Jewish Communities

American Friends of Likud

In order of seats won (# of seats) & some key slate leaders:

Zionist Organization of America (5) - Mort Klein, Ken Bialkin

Hatikva (Progressive) (5) - Ruth Messinger, Theodore Bikel, Leibel Fein

Likud (3) - Jack Dweck

Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (2) - Daniel Cederbaum, Carl Sheingold

Green Zionist Alliance (2) - Michael Cohen, Arthur Waskow

Herut (Jabotinskyites) (2)

Dor Zion (2) - Marlene Post

Russian American Jews for Israel (1)

New Israel Fund

Americans for Peace Now/Shalom Achshav

American Friends of Likud

Jews Against The Occupation

Amcha—Coalition for Jewish Concerns (Avi Weiss’s group)

CAMERA (media watchdog, generally perceived as being fairly right-wing

ON ISRAEL & OVERSEAS ISSUES:

White House, the Administration & foreign governments/embassies – Conference of Presidents

ON DOMESTIC POLICY – JCPA

NOTABLE OPERATIONS ON “PARTICULAR” AGENDAS – RESPECTED IN THEIR NICHES

Association for Jewish Studies (AJS)—organization of Jewish studies professors

The Forward—Independent national weekly

Jewish Women International - network and clearing house on domestic violence

Avoda--Objects of the Spirit, Jewish arts education

Hazon—environmental bike ride, community supported agriculture, and environmental education

I Local, membership-based organizations

JEWISH ALLIANCE FOR LAW AND SOCIAL ACTION (BOSTON)

Founding date: 2001

JEWISH-CAMDEN PARTNERSHIP (SOUTH JERSEY)

Founding date: 2003

JEWISH COMMUNITY ACTION (MINNEAPOLIS, ST. PAUL)

JCRC OF BOSTON (BOSTON)

Major activities: Synagogue organizing, legislative advocacy, youth organizing

Maintaining database on bias crimes

Publishing Judaism journal