K ARASICK DEPARTMENT OF SYNAGOGUE INITIATIVES
STRENGTHENING SYNAGOGUES With the mission of enhancing and supporting synagogue life, the OU Pepa and Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue Initiatives supports the largest network of Orthodox synagogues across North America. The centrality of the synagogue to the Jewish people and its impact on Jewish life is paramount, and for many, the synagogue is the portal of entry into their Judaism. The synagogue, or shul, is the place where we encounter and connect with Hashem, each other, and ourselves.
400+ daily calls to the Tehillim line, totaling 222,464 since 2020
303+
proposals from shuls in 34 states submitted to the “Back to Shul” Challenge Grant, $1.7M funds requested
$100K
synagogue challenge grant for innovative ideas to invigorate and stimulate congregants to re-embrace synagogue life 34
PROVIDING CHIZUK What began in 2020 as a response to COVID-19, the OU Daily Tehillim and Chizuk call evolved into a powerful and popular tool for individuals throughout the world to learn Torah and pray together. Whether in response to terror attacks in Israel, natural disasters in America, or simply to connect with other Jews, the Tehillim call continues today with over 400 callers daily from North America, Israel, and Europe.
Grant winner Congregation Darchei Noam brought 3rd to 8th grade girls to shul to learn new skills that would be used for a joint chessed project.
