Seminary Leadership Project alumnus Rabbi Aaron Finkelstein was ordained by Yeshivat Chovevei Torah last spring. Rabbi Finkelstein founded the Prospect Heights Shul, the only Modern Orthodox synagogue between Flatbush and the Lower East Side. According to a 2002 UJA-Federation study, this area is home to over 25,000 Jews. There are many Jewish cultural organizations and other synagogues in that area, largely led by Chabad rabbis, but no Modern Orthodox synagogues. So far, the Prospect Heights Shul is a synagogue without a home. Service locations each week are announced on the synagogue’s website and facebook group. Currently, the synagogue is searching for a permanent home where members can fill their spiritual needs, which include a combination of Jewish law and social action. Click here to read the full story at the Jewish Week.
Finding a Shul a Home
Making Schools Better in New Bedford
Last spring, JOIN alumni Dan Lesser and Liz Aeschlimann’s work with the United Interfaith Action (UIA) to agitate, inspire, and develop leadership in New Bedford was met with success. The UIA proposed that New Bedford restructure the school system by creating small, autonomous schools throughout the district to battle low graduation and high dropout rates. Under the UIA’s plan, the autonomous schools would still be unionized and part of the district, though principals and teachers would control budget and hiring. Meeting with over 600 parents, teachers, and students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mayor Lang and School Superintendent Francis along with School Committee said they would support the plan.
A vote in December provided the mechanism for the introduction of small autonomous schools into the city as soon as September 2013.
David Schwartz on VH1
Fellowship alum and current board member David Schwartz has organized The Real Food Challenge to push college campuses to make more ethical and sustainable choices when it comes to purchaising food. Recently, David was a finalist on VH1’s Do Something Awards. See David and RFC profiled on VH1’s Do Something!
Get More: TV Shows, Full Episode Video, Reality TV Shows
Countdown to a New Vision
We are proud to announce a groundbreaking effort by the Jewish Organizing Initiative in collaboration with the Jewish Funds for Justice/ Progressive Jewish Alliance to expand our work to the national level and introduce exciting program expansions across the country. We will build hundreds of top quality Jewish organizers in lay and professional positions inside and outside of the Jewish community, transforming and strengthening individuals and institutions as they work for a more just society. As a part of this process, we will be announcing a new name, our new national board, and a new website. Check back for more information on our first ever national gathering in April 2012. Click here for any questions or to get email updates.
Join us for Stories of Transformation: Siyyum/Graduation
Join us to honor the work of Fellowship participants and learn more about our groundbreaking plans for the future. Let’s celebrate!
Siyyum/Graduation
Monday evening, June 27th from 6-8:30pm Read more »
