Soviet Jewish Integration

The Synagogue Council of Massachusetts provides Russian-Hebrew-English books, pamphlets and religious resources to congregations, enhancing New American participation in synagogue and home celebrations. SCM has developed a Bicultural Leadership Training and Grant Program which was launched in 1999. This program enables congregations to receive technical and financial assistance from the Synagogue Council to foster bicultural leadership for the 21st century. SCM serves as a clearinghouse of resources and opportunities for New Americans to live Jewishly in our midst.

The New American program has been guided in its work by the New American Advisory Committee (NAAC), which is quickly becoming an active pool of Russian-speaking volunteers supporting the Synagogue Council's outreach efforts. Among the initiatives being developed by the committee is the dissemination to every congregation in Massachusetts of a tri-lingual Bimah Card, the continuation of last year's successful grant/training program, the establishment of a Shabbat dinner & service pilot program, and the continued sponsorship of holiday and educational projects, including a Purim Celebration to be held on Sunday, March 19 (location to be announced) and a Young Adult Shabbat Dinner and Program to be held on Friday, May 12 at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley. Word of the Bimah Card -- making it possible for Russian-speaking Jews to recite the Torah blessings with their native language transliteration -- has spread nationally! The Rabbinical Council of America has asked for the Synagogue Council's assistance in making these cards available to their extensive membership -- Orthodox rabbis throughout North America.

The New American program is made possible by generous grants from CJP and the George & Beatrice Sherman Family Charitable Trust.