Report on the Institute's Activities
REPORT OF THE INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH IDEAS AND IDEALS, JUNE 18, 2009
The Institute opened in October 2007.
Mission: To foster an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism.
Implementation:
***OUR WEBSITE: jewishideas.org
An impressive array of articles by distinguished authors
Over 4,000 visits per month
Development of new interactive features
***OUR JOURNAL: Conversations
Four issues already published, next issue due in September
Distributed to thousands of readers
Articles by outstanding authors, scholars, men and women, older and younger
***OUR UNIVERSITY NETWORK
A service to Jewish students seeking a modern Orthodox voice
Publications sent to students, at no charge
Online discussion group for students
Private/email consultations on issues of concern to the students
***ANGEL FOR SHABBAT
A weekly column on the Parasha of the Week
Emailed to nearly 1200 readers
Distributed and reprinted worldwide
***INTERNATIONAL RABBINIC FELLOWSHIP
New association of Modern Orthodox Rabbis, worldwide membership
Three national conferences, four regional conferences
Ongoing committees and organizational meetings
***PROGRAMS
Brunch/Lecture Programs at Shearith Israel
Issues: Social Justice; Conversion; Role of Women; Modern Orthodoxy
Scholar in Residence and Lectureships in various communities
***PUBLICATIONS
Online Store offering publications of interest
Promotion and distribution of existing books
Publishing/co-publishing new books
***ONGOING CONSULTATIONS
Hundreds of individuals have turned to the Institute for guidance
Email and personal consultations on halakhic, philosophic, moral issues
Advice to local community leaders on ways to advance Modern Orthodoxy
***BUILDING COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
On Agunah Issue: Promoting the Center for Women’s Justice; Mavoi Satum
On Conversion Issue: Working with Beit Morasha; Ne’emanei Torah vaAvoda
Other Issues/Groups: Abarbanel Foundation, Rabbanei Tzohar, Uri L’Tzedek
***FOR THE FUTURE
Strengthen the programs that are already in place
Significantly expand the University Network
Expand our publications list
Sponsor programs in communities nation-wide
Develop materials/programs for Jewish day schools
Develop cooperative projects with like-minded organizations
Work with International Rabbinic Fellowship on a new Beth Din
Develop a meaningful and effective media and public relations program
***OUR MEMBERSHIP/SUPPORT BASE
We currently have nearly 1000 members/contributors/book purchasers
Our goal is to reach at least 5000 members/supporters within the next 3 years
Most members are in the United States, but we also have members in Israel, England, Italy, Holland, Turkey, Australia, Colombia, Brazil, Canada, and other countries.
CONTRIBUTION OPPORTUNITIES
The following contribution opportunities support the work of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. Contributions may be made in honor or in memory of loved ones, and will be appropriately acknowledged in our publications and website.
$100,000 Sponsorship of major projects of the Institute e.g. Publication Fund, University Network, National Programs, Website Development, Media and Public Relations
$50,000 Sponsorship of the Articles section of the website, jewishideas.org, for one year
$25,000 Sponsorship of the publication and/or distribution of one book
$15,000 Sponsorship of one issue of Conversations
$10,000 Sponsorship of the “Angel for Shabbat” or other website column for one year
$5,000 Sponsorship of an Institute program e.g. brunch/lecture/symposium
$2,500 General support of an Institute program
$1,000 General support of the Institute
Contributions/memberships can be paid online at jewishideas.org; or by mailing your check to the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, 8 West 70th Street, New York, NY 10023. THANK YOU.