Introduction
The Jewish Life program, reflecting the values of the prophet Micah, promotes the ethics and practice of social justice (Tzedec) and loving kindness (Chesed) as central values underlying contemporary Jewish life. This includes attention to the ethical and spiritual dimensions of Jewish thought, worship, study and practice, with a related focus on effective strategies for activating these values by strengthening the capacity of the community to work effectively for social and economic justice, both in the United States and Israel.
GOAL
To extend the presence and influence of the values of tolerance, social justice (tzedec) loving kindness (chesed), mutual respect, and ethical behavior within the Jewish world both to enhance Jewish life and to assist in the promotion of a more just society
Objective 1:
To promote a leadership and organizational culture within key Jewish institutions that reflects these values.
Objective 2:
To promote a Jewish spirituality and practice that reflects these values.
Objective 3:
To promote these values by strengthening the capacity of Jews and the Jewish community to engage with major issues of social and economic justice and stewardship of the earth.
Objective 4:
To promote communication, understanding and partnerships between Jews and peoples of other faith traditions through programs that focus on shared values and common goals.
Revised Guidelines for the 2009 Funding Year
JEWISH LIFE AND VALUES PROGRAM
GOAL
To promote tzedek /social justice as a core Jewish value, integral to Jewish life and the creation of a more just, vibrant, and sustainable society.
Objective 1. JEWISH SOCIAL JUSTICE: To strengthen the leadership, capacity, and engagement of Jews, Jewish communities, and Jewish institutions to advance social and economic justice as a lived Jewish value.
Objective 2. INTERFAITH: To promote interfaith coalitions that address issues of social and economic justice and amplify a progressive religious voice.
Objective 3. ISRAEL: To advance a more just and vibrant Israel by empowering women as agents of social change; building a cross-sector, values-based environmental movement; * and supporting efforts in the United States to promote the peace process.
Priority will be given to initiatives that:
· Are national in scope;
· Have a field-building orientation; and
· Engage younger generations.
* Our grantmaking in Israel is done in collaboration with funding partners in Israel. All inquiries and applications for work empowering women should be sent directly to the New Israel Fund at P.O. Box 53410, Jerusalem 91534, Israel. Inquiries and applications for work building the environmental movement should be sent to the Green Environment Fund at 1 Marcus St., Jerusalem 92232, Israel. Those seeking support for efforts in the U.S. to advance the peace process should contact NCF directly
