SEPT. 8, 2008

SOURCE GUIDE
Judaism: a guide to U.S. experts and organizations

Judaism is among the world’s oldest religions, emerging in the Middle East more than 4,000 years ago. Like most world religions, it is not frozen in form but is constantly affected by the times in which its followers live.

Today, Jews in America and elsewhere are redefining what it means to be Jewish and the ways this ancient religion is practiced. Among the recent developments in contemporary Judaism are the rise of independent, lay-led worship, prayer and fellowship groups; a growing push for “green” synagogues; a demand to expand kosher certification to include social justice standards as well as food cleanliness; the expansion of roles for women in the synagogue and beyond; and the further organization and visibility of previously marginalized groups, such as homosexual Orthodox Jews.

With the approach of the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana (which starts this year at sundown Sept. 29) and Yom Kippur (which begins at sundown Oct. 8), contemporary American Judaism offers a wellspring of story ideas beyond the typical explanatory holiday story. This source guide provides a starting point for exploring the issues and a resource for researching stories throughout the year.

How to use this guide

This guide focuses on Judaism in America, as most of our subscribers cover religion on the local or national level.

Extensive efforts have been made to include sources from all the main branches, as well as a chorus of voices representing different viewpoints. More than 300 organizations, institutions and experts are featured, on topics ranging from genealogy to politics to mysticism. Some people and groups can be found in more than one category.

People who believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah but who maintain a Jewish identity — usually called Messianic Jews — are not included in this guide.  Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Jewish groups generally consider Messianic Jews to be evangelical Christians.  Journalists should avoid grouping Messianic Jews with mainstream Jews in stories or listings. For more information, see “Jews for Jesus” in the Religion Newswriters online stylebook.

If you would like to be added to this source guide or request a change in the information, please email judaism@religionlink.org. If you are seeking a change in the wording of your listing, please state the reason. ReligionLink reserves the right to decide which listings to include.

• For organizations, include the name, mission, Web site and a contact name with phone number and email. Also include any specific areas of interest and expertise.
• For individuals, include name, title, organization, city and state, Web site, areas of expertise, phone number and email.

Major issues

ISRAEL
Concern over the state of Israel – its protection and sovereignty – continues to be a major issue among American Jews. But as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues with no end in sight, American Jews have become less unified on the issue. A growing number, disheartened by Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians, are taking the Middle Eastern nation to task for abuses its own people once suffered, like ghettoization. The issue threatens to divide many Jewish congregations, communities and families as younger Jews, sometimes with little or no connection to Israel, raise questions about U.S. support and involvement there.

WHO IS A JEW?
According to traditional interpretations of Jewish law, only a person born to a Jewish mother is a Jew. But today, other factors of identity come into play. Only the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist branches recognize converts, or “Jews by choice,” as Jews, while all Orthodox groups do not. Further complicating the issue are advances in treating infertility. What is the status of a baby created from a donor egg from a non-Jewish donor but carried to term by a Jewish woman? Of a baby created by eggs from a Jewish donor but carried to term by a non-Jewish surrogate mother? Of a non-Jewish baby adopted by a Jewish family? What of Africans who trace their heritage back to “lost tribes” of Jews? As the number of people who identify as Jews declines, definitions of “who is a Jew” will grow in urgency.

JEWISH-CHRISTIAN RELATIONS
Interfaith dialogue among these two groups, at least in the U.S., is very strong. The apology by Pope John Paul II for the silence of the Catholic Church during World War II and the statement by Pope Benedict XVI absolving Jews in the death of Jesus have done much to salve old wounds. But there are still some hurdles. Many Jews are put off by Zionist Christians, those who work for a strong Israel because they believe it is necessary for the heralding in of the end times, a period of upheaval before the eventual return of Christ. More are offended by Christian missionaries who seek to convert Jews to Christianity, another ingredient for the end times. Jews have been organizing their own groups to combat the missionaries and educate Zionist Christians.

JEWISH-MUSLIM RELATIONS
Tension between Jews and Muslims extends back to the seventh century, when Jewish tribes in Medina, Arabia, rejected the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Tensions were heightened with the creation of Israel in 1948 and worsened under the Second Intifada. But since 9/11, there has been an increase in dialogue between Jews and Muslims as more try to look past their current political differences, especially with regard to Israel, and focus on their shared historical background. Some involved in the exchange say Jews can help Muslims navigate the prejudices and stereotypes of a post-9/11 world, and others hope that the dialogue will eventually facilitate peace in the Middle East. On Sept. 3, 2008, Hebrew College hosted an event titled “The Future of Jewish-Muslim Relations.” Also this year, the Jewish Publication Society released An Introduction to Islam for Jews by Rabbi Reuven Firestone. MyJewishLearning.com has an entry by Ira Rifkin on the history of Jewish-Muslim relations.

INTRA-JEWISH RELATIONS
In addition to the expected differences between the branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist), there are smaller, but still very deep, divisions. Most center on the question of how strictly to interpret Jewish law, or Halakhah. But there are also divisions between religious and secular Jews. Some religious Jews ask, is a Jew without religion still a Jew? Is he or she somehow less of a Jew than a religious Jew? Many both within and outside of Judaism believe that until Jews can find more harmony and tolerance within their own community, they will be reduced in power and influence.

INDEPENDENT GROUPS
According to the 2007 National Spiritual Communities Study, the last decade has seen the rapid growth of independent minyanim, or prayer groups, and independent havurot, or circles of fellowship. (Traditionally, a minyan is a quorum of 10 Jews, usually men, needed to perform some religious duties.) In some ways, these groups are like the independent house churches and worship groups of the emergent church movement in Christian circles. They are often lay-led and have no denominational affiliation. Questions have arisen as to how they will affect American Judaism. Should they be welcomed as a form of revitalizing and renewing Jewish identity among young, post-denominational Jews who feel uncomfortable or disconnected in a synagogue atmosphere, where singles sometimes say they feel neglected in favor of families? Or should they be a concern because many are not led by ordained rabbis trained in Jewish law and theology? Regardless, scholars agree they are transforming the way young Jews approach their faith and identify with their religion and culture.

KEEPING KOSHER AS SOCIAL JUSTICE
The most conservative Jews (Orthodox and Conservative) adhere to strict dietary laws, known as kashrut. Most have to do with the ritual slaughtering of animals. But a recent movement has taken hold, especially within the Conservative branch, to make kosher standards include requirements for decent pay, good working conditions, compassionate treatment of animals and adherence to government environmental standards. The movement, known as Hekhsher Tzedek, which means “certificate of righteousness,” got a boost from recent controversies over labor treatment at kosher meatpacking facilities in Iowa. It is spearheaded by Rabbi Morris Allen of Minnesota, who is asking pulpit rabbis to preach on the subject during the High Holy Days.

NEVER AGAIN
How will the Jewish community and the rest of the world impart the historic and cultural lessons of the Holocaust as the eyewitnesses and the survivors die? Who will speak for the survivors after they are gone? How will the Jewish community and others combat Holocaust deniers in the future? Meanwhile, a growing number of Jews are speaking out against genocide in Darfur and around the world in the belief that they, perhaps more than any other people, are called by their faith and history to do so.

THE NEXT GENERATION
Every religious and ethnic minority struggles with how to pass on cultural and religious knowledge and heritage to succeeding generations, and Jews are no different. The question among Jewish educators is what is the best means of transfer – religious day schools, after-school programs, synagogue instruction, summer camps or trips to Israel?

HOMOSEXUALITY AND JUDAISM
Like many other religious groups, Jews struggle with the roles that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people should play in their faith. The Reform branch has ordained gay and lesbian rabbis since 1990 and allowed same-sex unions since 2000, while the Conservative branch accepted both in 2006. Reconstructionist Judaism has ordained gay and lesbian rabbis since 1985, and in 2007 it elected its first openly gay president in Rabbi Toba Spitzer. Orthodox Judaism does not recognize homosexuality as a lifestyle in line with Jewish law. Meanwhile, Jewish LGBT people continue to organize and pressure the different branches of Judaism for acceptance. ReligiousTolerance.org maintains a page on the policies and teachings of each branch about homosexuality.

JEWS WITH DISABILITIES
Many Jews with disabilities believe that they are not always fully included in the worship service, life-cycle events and synagogue life of their communities. They have begun to organize to speak for themselves, to educate their fellow Jews and to claim a place in the synagogue and beyond. In 2007 in Minneapolis, some parents claimed their children were denied access to religious school and synagogue programs, leading to community-wide reform. Yesodot, an advocacy organization for Jewish children and young adults in the Boston area who have disabilities, maintains a page linking to the official policies of the different branches of Judaism about Jews with disabilities or other special needs.

Branches and movements

Orthodox

Orthodox Judaism is considered the oldest form of the religion. In general, it is characterized by a more literal and stringent adherence to Halakhah, or Jewish religious law, than other branches. But there is a spectrum of Orthodoxy, with the Haredi on the far right and the so-called Modern Orthodox on the left. The Haredi (the word is Hebrew and means “to tremble in awe before God”) are sometimes called the Hasidim or the “ultra-Orthodox,” though they consider the latter term derogatory. The Modern Orthodox movement attempts to adapt – up to a point – Halakhah to the demands of contemporary society.
• Chabad-Lubavitch is one of the largest Hasidic groups within the Orthodox branch of Judaism. It is based in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, and its followers are students of a line of seven rabbis, the last of which was Rebbe Menachem Schneerson, who died in 1994. Outside of New York and Israel, Chabad is primarily known for the international network of “Chabad Houses” it runs in places large (Paris, Prague, Pittsburgh) and small (Big Sky, Mont.; Fairbanks, Ala.; Rogers, Ark.), where Chabad rabbis and their wives work to reconnect Jews to their faith traditions and roots. The Web site has a state-by-state list of Chabad houses in the U.S. Contact via Web site.
• The Orthodox Union is the educational and outreach arm of Orthodox Judaism. It is generally considered a Modern Orthodox organization. Among its main concerns is helping Jews keep kosher and strengthening their traditional rituals, practices and holiday observances. The OU maintains a page of affiliated synagogues. Stephen Savitsky is president. Contact via Nathan Diament, OU Institute for Public Affairs, 202-513-6484, ipadc@ou.org.
• The Rabbinical Council of America is an organization of Orthodox rabbis, most of whom are Modern Orthodox. Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg is president. It is based in New York City. Contact 212-807-9000, shlomo@rabbis.org.
• The Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, or the Agudath Harabonim, is an association of Haredi rabbis. It was once a part of the Orthodox Union but split away in 1901. The association does not have a Web site.

Conservative

Conservative Judaism arose out of Germany in the mid-19th century and took root in America. It is a blend of the traditional practice with the progressive, centered on the idea that Jewish law – Halakhah – is binding but must evolve to meet the times.
• The North American Association of Synagogue Executives is the professional organization of synagogue executives in Judaism’s Conservative branch. Harry Hauser is executive director. Contact 631-732-9461, office@naase.org.
• The Rabbinical Assembly is an international association of Conservative rabbis. It maintains a directory of Conservative synagogues in North America and Mexico. Rabbi Alvin Berkun is president. Contact 212-280-6000.
• The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is an association of 760 Conservative congregations and 1.5 million members in North America. Rabbi Jerome Epstein is executive vice president. Contact 212-533-7800, epstein@uscj.org.

Reform

Reform Judaism, developed in the United States in the mid-19th century, is founded on the belief that Judaism must respond and change with the times. It was the first branch of Judaism to ordain women as rabbis and cantors and today welcomes Jews of all sexual orientations and lifestyles, as well as converts to Judaism. It also recognizes children of interfaith families as Jews, regardless of which parent is Jewish, so long as the child is raised as a Jew.
• The Central Conference of American Rabbis consists of Reform rabbis. Peter S. Knobel is president. Contact 212-972-3636, info@ccarnet.org.
• The National Association of Temple Administrators is the professional organization for administrators, managers and executives of Reform synagogues. Edward M. Alpert is president. Contact 847-835-4800, ealpert@amshalom.com.
• The Union for Reform Judaism claims 1.5 million individual members in more than 900 synagogues. It maintains a directory of congregations and a directory of summer camps. Rabbi Eric Yoffie is president. Contact 212-650-4150, presurj@urj.org.

Reconstructionist

Reconstructionist Judaism is the newest branch of Judaism, developed in America as an offshoot of Conservative Judaism in the mid-20^th century. It is built upon a more naturalistic idea of God – one who is not personal – and on the belief that Jewish law is subordinate to secular, contemporary morality.
• The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation calls itself the umbrella organization of progressive Jewish congregations and counts more than 100 congregations with 16,000 member households. It maintains a state-by-state directory of member congregations. Carl Sheingold is executive vice president. Contact 215-885-5601 ext. 21, CSheingold@jrf.org.

Renewal

Jewish Renewal is a progressive movement within Judaism that seeks to revitalize traditional Judaism by infusing it with mystical and meditative practices drawn from Hasidic Judaism and other mystical sources.
• Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal is an umbrella organization of Jewish groups dedicated to religious renewal of Judaism. It maintains a directory of affiliate communities. The main offices are in Philadelphia. Contact 215-247-9700.
• Ohalah is associated with Aleph and is designed to link Renewal rabbis and cantors with members of the Jewish community. It is based in Las Vegas. Rabbi Yocheved Mintz is president. Contact gkmintz@aol.com.

Demographic data

• The American Jewish Identity Survey has data from 2001 on the number of American Jewish adults broken down by means of identification – by choice, by birth, etc.
• The American Jewish Yearbook offers information and analysis about the American Jewish community, Jewish demography, Jewish history and Jewish life worldwide from 1899 to 2007. It is produced by the American Jewish Committee.
• The Association for the Social Scientific Study of Jewry describes itself as “a cross-disciplinary organization of individuals whose research concerns the Jewish people throughout the world.” The association is a valuable resource for experts and the latest research.
• The Association of Religion Data Archives has data on the number of Jewish clergy, congregations and members in the U.S. from 1931 through 1990.
• The Jewish Virtual Library is an online Jewish encyclopedia. Its Vital Statistics section has an exhaustive list of current statistics and comparative data.
• The National Jewish Population Survey is a representative survey of the Jewish population in the United States sponsored by United Jewish Communities and the Jewish federation system. The last study was conducted in 2000-01.
• The 2007 National Spiritual Communities Study focused on the size and characteristics of the emergent Jewish spiritual communities. It was conducted by Mechon Hadar and the S3K Synagogue Studies Institute.
• The North American Jewish Data Bank is a repository of social scientific studies of the Jews of North America.
• The 2008 U.S. Religious Landscape Survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life includes information on Jewish affiliation by different denominations.

Useful Web sites

• Beliefnet, a multifaith religion Web site and online community, maintains a section on Judaism that includes news articles, essays, blogs, how-to’s, discussions and reviews.
• The Jewish Virtual Library is an online Jewish encyclopedia with 13,000 articles and 6,000 photographs on topics ranging from anti-Semitism to Zionism.
• Judaism 101 is a general clearinghouse of information about Judaism run by Tracey Rich, a Jewish layperson. It contains descriptions of the Jewish calendar, the Hebrew alphabet, holidays, life-cycle events, rituals, observances and much more.
• ReligiousTolerance.org has an extensive section on Jews and Judaism, including descriptions of recent controversies, including Christian Zionism, missionary efforts aimed at Jews and recent acts of anti-Semitism.
• Shamash, a project of Hebrew College Online, maintains a kosher database and information on Jewish books, the Holocaust and the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible. It includes links to all things Jewish on the Internet.
• A detailed timeline of the Jewish-American experience can be found on the Web site of the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History. The commission coordinated observances of the 350-year milestone, reached in 2004.

Institutions of higher education

UNIVERSITIES AND SEMINARIES
• The Academy for Jewish Religion is a rabbinical and cantorial school in Riverdale, N.Y., that serves all branches of Judaism. Ora Horn Prouser is executive vice president and dean. Contact 718-543-9360.
• The Academy for Jewish Religion, California, is a transdenominational rabbinical, cantorial and chaplaincy school in Los Angeles associated with the Hillel Center for Jewish Life on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. Rabbi Mel Gottlieb is president. Contact 310-824-1586.
• American Jewish University (formerly the University of Judaism and Brandeis-Bardin Institute) is a transdenominational school in Los Angeles, and AJU’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies ordains Conservative rabbis, both men and women. It maintains a page of issues and experts for journalists. Robert Wexler is AJU’s president. Contact 310-476-9777 ext. 200, rwexler@ajula.edu.
• Baltimore Hebrew University is a transdenominational university in Baltimore that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Jewish studies, Jewish education and Jewish communal service. David Ariel is the acting president. Contact 410-578-6900, dariel@bhu.edu.
• Brandeis University is a private, nonsectarian Jewish university in Waltham, Mass. It was founded in 1948 as a university for Jews rejected by Ivy League schools because of quotas. Jehuda Reinharz is president. Contact 781-736-3001.
• The Drisha Institute for Jewish Education is a school created for Jewish women who want to study advanced Hebrew texts. Rabbi David Silber is its founder and dean. It is in New York City. Contact 212-595-0307, dsilber@drisha.org.
• Gratz College is a transdenominational school in Melrose Park, Pa., that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. It also operates a Jewish Community High School. Jerry Kutnick is dean of academic affairs. Contact 215-635-7300 ext.137, jkutnick@gratz.edu.
• Hebrew College in Newton Centre, Mass., has programs in Jewish studies, Jewish education, transdenominational rabbinic ordination for both men and women, cantor education and Mekorot (Hebrew language and Jewish texts). It also maintains Prozdor, a Jewish high school. Rabbi Daniel Lehmann is the college’s president. Contact 617-559-8600.
• The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion trains rabbis, cantors, teachers and others in Reform Judaism at campuses in Cincinnati, New York City, Los Angeles and Jerusalem. It ordains both men and women. Rabbi David Ellenson is president. Contact 800-424-1336 ext. 2201, presoff@huc.edu.
• The Institute of Traditional Judaism – The Metivta is the educational arm of the Union of Traditional Judaism of Teaneck, N.J. The UTJ describes itself as “a trans-denominational education and outreach organization dedicated to promoting the principles of traditional Judaism.” The ITJ offers training for both men and women but ordains men only. Rabbi Ronald Price is dean. Contact 201-801-0707.
• The Jewish Theological Seminary is a collection of five schools, including a rabbinical school, in New York City. It ordains both men and women in the Conservative movement. A page for journalists lists faculty members by topic. Contact Sherry S. Kirschenbaum, director of media relations, 212-678-8953 (office), 973-650-6018 (cell), shkirschenbaum@jtsa.edu.
• The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pa., ordains rabbis in the Reconstructionist tradition of Judaism. It ordains both men and women. A page for journalists lists experts by topic. Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz is the president. Contact 215-576-0800 ext. 129, dehrenkrantz@rcc.edu.
• Spertus College is the transdenominational academic branch of the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in Chicago. It offers master’s and doctoral degrees in Jewish studies and Jewish education. Contact 312-322-1700.
• Yeshiva University in New York City is mainly associated with the Modern Orthodox movement. It maintains a guide to experts on the faculty. Richard M. Joel is president. Contact 212-960-5300, rjoel@yu.edu.

JEWISH-STUDIES PROGRAMS
• The Academic Jewish Studies Internet Directory lists and provides links to university programs in Jewish studies in the United States.
• The Association for Jewish Studies is a professional organization that promotes Jewish studies in higher learning. It maintains a directory of universities and colleges with Jewish studies programs.

Jewish history

MAJOR MUSEUMS
• The National Museum of American Jewish History maintains a list of Jewish museums around the country and around the world.

HOLOCAUST MUSEUMS, GROUPS
• The Association of Holocaust Organizations works to advance programming, research and education about the Holocaust. Member organizations are posted on the Web site. William L. Shulman is president of the association’s board, as well as president of the Holocaust Resource Center and Archives at Queensborough Community College in Bayside, N.Y. Contact 516-582-4571.
• The Israel Science and Technology Homepage maintains a list of Holocaust museums throughout the world that includes 24 sites in the United States.
• The Holocaust Educational Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization founded by Holocaust survivors, their children and their friends to promote awareness of the Holocaust. The foundation sponsors teacher and faculty training, as well as educational programs for youth. It is based in Skokie, Ill. Contact 847-676-3700, hef3@aol.com.
• The Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research offers a directory of Holocaust education organizations that is searchable by state and country. The group is based in Berlin, Germany. Kathrin Meyer is the executive secretary. Contact info@holocaust-taskforce.org.
• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., commemorates those who died in the Holocaust and strives to confront bigotry and genocide throughout the world today. The museum’s Web site is described as the leading online authority on the Holocaust. Sara Bloomfield is director. Contact through Andrew Hollinger, media relations director, 202-488-6133, ahollinger@ushmm.org.
• The USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education documents the experiences of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses. It has taped more than 50,000 testimonies and produced films and classroom materials. Its mission is to “overcome prejudice, intolerance and bigotry – and the suffering they cause – through the educational use of the Foundation’s visual histories.” Kim Simon is director of programs and interim executive director of the institute, which is in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California. Contact at 213-740-6001.

NATIONAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES, ARCHIVES
• The American Jewish Historical Society is in the Center for Jewish History in New York City. It is a collection of American Jewish holdings from the 16^th century to the present. Daniel Kaplan is president. Contact 212-294-6160.
• The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives is the repository for more than 10 million pages documenting American Jewish history. The Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion houses the collection. Gary P. Zola is executive director. Contact 513-221-1875 ext. 3303, gzola@huc.edu.
• Links to a number of other institutions with American Jewish history collections are posted on the Web site of the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History.

STATE, REGIONAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
• The Arizona Jewish Historical Society is in Phoenix. Lawrence Bell is executive director. Contact 602-241-7870.
• The Indiana Jewish Historical Society is in Fort Wayne. Trent D. Pendley is president. Contact 260-459-6862.
• The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware in Wilmington chronicles the lives of that state’s Jews. Contact 302-655-6232.
• The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington is in Washington, D.C. Laura Cohen Apelbaum is executive director. Contact laura@jhsgw.org
• The Jewish Historical Society of Michigan is in West Bloomfield. Ellen Cole is co-president. Contact 248-432-5517.
• The Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina is in Charleston. Contact 843-953-3918.
• The Jewish Historical Society of Southern California chronicles the history and experience of Jewish life in and around Los Angeles and San Diego. Contact 323-761-8950.
• The Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest focuses on the history of Jews in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Katherine Tane is executive director. Contact 952-381-3363, ktane@jhsum.org.
• The New Mexico Jewish Historical Society is in the Albuquerque Jewish Community Center. Contact 505-348-4471.
• The Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society is part of the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver. It chronicles the history of Jews in the American West. Jeanne Abrams is director. Contact 303-871-3016, jabrams@du.edu.
• The Southern Jewish Historical Society is in Atlanta and details the life of Jews in the American South. Scott Langston is president. Contact via Catherine Kahn, info@jewishsouth.org.
• The Texas Jewish Historical Society is in Austin. Contact through the Web site.
• The Washington State Jewish Historical Society is in Seattle. Contact 206-774-2277.

GENEALOGY
• The Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute offers reference works, databases and workshops for researching family histories. The institute is in the Center for Jewish History in New York City. Contact 212-294-8318, gi@cjh.org.
• The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies provides links to dozens of U.S. genealogical groups. It also posts a list of primary contact people for many of the groups, along with their phone numbers and email addresses. Anne Feder Lee of Honolulu is president of the international group. Contact president@iajgs.org.
• JewishGen: The Home of Jewish Genealogy is a comprehensive Web site affiliated with the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City. JewishGen provides links to numerous resources, including a database of 400,000 surnames and towns, a Family Tree of the Jewish People that has nearly 4 million listings, and some local genealogical societies. Warren Blatt is managing director of the nonprofit site, which is run mainly by volunteers. Contact 646-437-4326.
• The blog Tracing the Tribe focuses on Jewish genealogy and was named one of the best Web sites for 2008 by Family Tree Magazine. Schelly Talalay Dardashti runs the blog. Contact tribeblog@jta.org.

Organizations, institutions

CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCACY
• The American Jewish Committee is a multipronged nonprofit that works to battle anti-Semitism, advocate for Israel, strengthen Jewish life and promote pluralism and democracy. It maintains a list of experts and a number of chapters throughout the United States. David A. Harris is executive director. Contact via Kenneth Bandler, 212-891-6771, bandlerk@ajc.org, or Michael Geller, 212-891-1385, gellerm@ajc.org.
• The Anti-Defamation League promotes and protects civil and human rights and religious freedom for all peoples and battles anti-Semitism. It also advocates for Israel. ADL’s Web site includes links to the regional offices. Abraham Foxman is the organization’s national director. Contact through the Web site.
• B’nai B’rith International is a humanitarian, human rights and advocacy group in existence since 1843. Its Center for Human Rights and Public Policy fights anti-Semitism worldwide and speaks out on domestic and international policy matters of concern to Jews. B’nai B’rith’s headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Links to regional and local branches in the U.S. are posted on the Web site. The president is Moishe Smith, a Canadian and the first non-U.S. citizen to hold the title. Contact 202-857-6553, president@bnaibrith.org.
• The Jewish Defense League fights genocide, defamation and anti-Semitism. It considers itself the most controversial of pro-Israel Jewish organizations and defends the actions of Dr. Baruch Goldstein and Rabbi Meir Kahane. It is based in Los Angeles. Contact 818-980-8535.
• Jewish Women International advocates for the rights of women and children, including victims of abuse, in the Jewish community. It has offices and chapters around the United States. Loribeth Weinstein is executive director. Contact 202-857-1380, lweinstein@jwi.org.
• Jewish World Watch fights genocide and other human rights violations through education, advocacy and refugee services. It’s based in Encino, Calif. Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis is founder and chairman. Contact 818-501-1836 or email through the Web site.
• Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa is a human rights advocacy organization that works on behalf of Jewish refugees from those areas. It is based in San Francisco, with branches in Boston and Seattle. Gina Waldman is chairperson. Contact 415-683-7803.
• The United Jewish Communities is an umbrella association for 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities in the U.S. It works for social justice and human rights. Its Web site includes a directory of member federations in North America.

DISABILITY ADVOCACY
• Empowering Jews With Disabilities works to give a voice to Jews with disabilities. It was founded by Marlee Kivens, who has spina bifida. It is based in Minnetonka, Minn. Contact kiven002@yahoo.com.
• Yachad: The National Jewish Council for Disabilities works on behalf of individuals who have disabilities. It has chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman is national director. Contact 212-613-8224, lichtmanj@ou.org.
• Yad HaChazakah: The Jewish Disability Empowerment Center helps Jews with visible and invisible disabilities stay engaged with their families and communities. The center, which is in New York City, offers coaching, mentoring and advocacy. Sharon Shapiro is director. Contact 212-284-6936, yad.hachazakah@gmail.com.

EDUCATIONAL
• The Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education is a transdenominational organization for Jewish educators in North America. Jeffrey Lasday is executive director. Contact 212-268-4210, jlasday@caje.org.
• The Holocaust Educational Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization founded by Holocaust survivors, their children and their friends to promote awareness of the Holocaust. It sponsors teacher and faculty training, as well as educational programs for youth. It is based in Skokie, Ill. Contact 847-676-3700, hef3@aol.com.
• The Jewish Community Day School Network works to advance and support Jewish day school education and educators. It encompasses 120 schools with 30,000 students and maintains a map and directory of member schools. Susan Weintrob is president. Contact 212-665-1320, info@ravsak.org.
• The Jewish Educators Assembly represents teachers and administrators in the Conservative movement. Edward Edelstein is executive director. Contact 516-569-2537, jewisheducators@aol.com.
• The National Association of Temple Educators works on behalf of Reform Jewish religious education. Rabbi Stanley Schickler is executive director. Contact 212-452-6510, nateoff@aol.com.
• The Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education works to enhance Jewish day school education in North America. The partnership posts an extensive list of organizations also dedicated to that cause. Rabbi Joshua Elkin is executive director. Contact 617-367-0001 or email through the Web site.
• The Progressive Association of Reform Day Schools includes professional educators and lay leaders. It promotes excellence in Reform Jewish day school education. Nancy Pryzant Picus is president. Contact 713-988-5343, npicus@shlenker.org.
• Torah Umesorah, the National Society for Hebrew Day Schools, is an Orthodox organization. Rabbi Dovid Nojowitz is national director. Contact 212-227-1000 ext. 4521, umesorah@aol.com. 

ENVIRONMENTAL
• ADAMAH: The Jewish Environmental Fellowship is a three-month program for young Jews that focuses on the care and preservation of the environment through organic farming and contemplative spiritual practices. It is a program of the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. Contact Shamu Sadeh, 860-824-3003, shamu@isabellafreedman.org.
• Canfei Nesharim works to educate the Orthodox community about preserving the environment. Evonne Marzouk is the organization’s founder. Contact evonne@canfeinesharim.org.
• The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life calls itself the leading Jewish environmental organization in the U.S. Many of its programs fight climate change and work to protect and restore the environment. Rabbi Steve Gutow is executive director. Contact 212-532-7436.
• Hazon works to promote a more environmentally friendly Jewish community in New York City. It sponsors environmental bike rides, hikes and food programs. Among its programs is Tuv Ha’Aretz, a network of community-supported agricultural communities of Jews. Nigel Savage is executive director. Contact 212-664-2332, Nigel@hazon.org.
• The Shalom Center focuses on planetary ecological dangers from its offices in Philadelphia. It is associated with the Jewish Renewal movement, and Rabbi Arthur Waskow is director. Contact 215-844-8494, awaskow@shalomctr.org.
• Teva Learning Center is a Jewish environmental education institute. It is nondenominational and provides educational service for participants from Jewish day schools, congregational schools, synagogues, camps and youth groups. Contact 212-807-6376.

HUMANITARIAN
• American Jewish World Service is an international organization that works to alleviate poverty, hunger and suffering throughout the developing world. Ruth Messinger is president. Contact via her executive assistant, Joanna Kabat, 212-792-2874, jkabat@ajws.org.
• B’nai B’rith International is a humanitarian, human rights and advocacy group in existence since 1843. Its headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Links to regional and local branches in the U.S. are posted on the Web site. The president is Moishe Smith, a Canadian and the first non-U.S. citizen to hold the title. Contact 202-857-6553, president@bnaibrith.org.
• The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society has worked since 1881 to provide rescue, resettlement and reunion services to Jews in need throughout the world and to other oppressed migrants. Its headquarters are in New York City. Gideon Aronoff is president and CEO. Contact through the communications office at 212-613-1350, roberta.elliott@hias.org.
• The Jewish Coalition for Service promotes volunteerism among Jews as a fulfillment of tikkun olam, the Jewish concept of “repairing the world.” Whitney Blom is executive director. Contact 212-870-2450, whitney@jewishservice.org
• The United Jewish Communities is an umbrella association for 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities in the U.S. It works for social justice and human rights. Its Web site includes a directory of member federations in North America.

INTERFAITH RELATIONS
• The American Jewish Committee is a multipronged nonprofit with a long history of promoting pluralism and interreligious understanding. The organization maintains a list of experts and a number of chapters throughout the United States. David A. Harris is executive director. Contact via Kenneth Bandler, 212-891-6771, bandlerk@ajc.org, or Michael Geller, 212-891-1385, gellerm@ajc.org.
• The Center for Jewish-Muslim Relations facilitates dialogue between Jews and Muslims. It is based in Watertown, Mass. David Dolev and Aziz El-Madi are co-directors. Contact 617-279-3126, ddolev@jewishmuslim.org or aelmadi@jewishmuslim.org.
• Children of Abraham is a nonprofit that promotes relationships between Jewish and Muslim teenagers via the Internet. Ari Alexander and Gul Rukh Rahman are co-executive directors. Contact 212-375-2620, ari@childrenofabraham.org or gul@childrenofabraham.org.
• The Council of Centers on Jewish-Christian Relations is an association of institutes that work to foster mutual understanding between Jews and Christians. Members are listed on its Web site. Elena Procario Foley chairs the council’s board. Contact EProcariofoley@iona.edu.
• The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is observing the 25^th anniversary of its founding by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who serves as president. Contact through communications director Michael Stoltz, 312-641-8688, michael.stoltz@ifcj.org.
• The National Council of Synagogues includes representatives from the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. The council meets with other major faith groups, such as the National Council of Churches, to discuss issues and concerns. Rabbi Gilbert S. Rosenthal is the NCS executive director. Contact through the Rabbinical Assembly, 212-280-6000.

ISRAEL / PALESTINE
• Ameinu is a pro-Israel, Zionist organization based in New York City. It describes itself as progressive. Kenneth Bob is president. It maintains a list of chapters throughout the U.S. Contact 212-366-1194.
• The American Israel Public Affairs Committee was named by The New York Times as the most powerful pro-Israel advocacy group. AIPAC claims 100,000 members and is based in Washington, D.C. Josh Block is the official spokesman. Contact 202-997-4614 (cell), jblock@aipac.org. Members of the press can also contact AIPAC via press@aipac.org.
• The Association of Reform Zionists of America speaks on behalf of Israel for the Reform movement. Rabbi Robert J. Orkand is president. Contact president@arza.org.
• Brit Tzedek v’Shalom (Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace) is a group of American Jews dedicated to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Steve Masters is president. It is based in Chicago and maintains a list of chapters throughout the U.S. Contact 312-341-1205.
• The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is an umbrella association of 51 Jewish organizations that fosters support for Israel among politicians, Jews and the broader community. It is based in New York City. Contact 212-318-6111.
• The David Project Center for Jewish Leadership describes itself as an educational nonprofit that focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Founder Charles Jacobs, who recently left the center, was named one of the 50 most influential Jews by Forward in 2008. The center is based in Boston and has offices in New York and Israel. Anna Kolodner is executive director. Contact 617-428-0012.
• Encounter introduces emerging Jewish leaders to the issues of Palestine and its people. Rabbi Melissa Weintraub is its North American co-director. Contact 212-284-6776, melissa@encounterprograms.org.
• Hadassah is a volunteer women’s organization that works to strengthen Jewish identity by fostering ties to Israel. It maintains several regional offices. Among its programs is Young Judaea, which tries to build ties between young American Jews and Israel. Contact Ariav Amittay in public affairs, 212-303-8155, aamittay@hadassah.org.
• The Israel on Campus Coalition advocates for Israel on college campuses, monitoring for anti-Israel bias in media and in classes. David A. Harris is executive director. Contact via Web site form.
• The Jewish Council for Public Affairs is an umbrella organization that works to protect the rights of Jews everywhere and to advocate for Israel. It is based in New York City with offices in Washington, D.C. Contact 212-684-6950.
• Mercaz USA is the Zionist arm of the Conservative movement. It advocates for Israel and works to build ties between the Jewish diaspora and Israel. Stephen Wolnek is president. It is based in New York City. Contact 212-533-7800 ext. 2016.
• Neturei Karta is an anti-Zionist organization that opposes the existence of the state of Israel because its members believe that a sovereign Israel is contrary to Jewish law. Rabbi Dovid Weiss is associate director and is based in Monsey, N.Y. Contact via Web site form.
• StandWithUs is a pro-Israel advocacy group founded by Roz Rothstein, named one of the 50 most influential Jews by Forward in 2008. The organization maintains chapters by region as well as a youth branch, StandWithUs Campus, with several regional offices. Contact 310-836-6140, info@standwithus.org.

LGBT
• The Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation is a program of the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion that works to educate students – the next generation of Jewish leadership – about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and how to include them in organized Judaism. It maintains a list of synagogues that welcome and affirm LGBT people. The institute is in Los Angeles, and Joel Kushner is director. Contact jkushner@huc.edu.
• Jewish Mosaic: The National Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity is based in Denver and works with Jewish congregations of all branches to welcome LGBT people. Its links page connects to LGBT groups, including local welcoming and affirming congregations, books, blogs and advocacy groups. Gregg Drinkwater is executive director. Contact via the Web site.
• Orthodykes is a support and advocacy organization for lesbian Orthodox Jews with groups in New York City, Israel and on the Internet. Contact orthodykes@starways.net.
• The World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Jews is an umbrella organization of 50 groups around the world that advocate for rights for LGBT people. The membership list includes links to local groups in the U.S. Howard Solomon is president. Contact president@glbtjews.org.

POLITICAL ADVOCACY
• The American Israel Public Affairs Committee was named by The New York Times as the most powerful pro-Israel advocacy group. AIPAC claims 100,000 members and is based in Washington, D.C. Josh Block is the official spokesman. Contact 202-997-4614 (cell), jblock@aipac.org. Members of the press can also contact AIPAC via press@aipac.org.
• The American Jewish Committee is a multipronged nonprofit that works to battle anti-Semitism, advocate for Israel, strengthen Jewish life and promote pluralism and democracy. It maintains a list of experts and a number of chapters throughout the United States. David A. Harris is executive director. Contact via Kenneth Bandler, 212-891-6771, bandlerk@ajc.org, or Michael Geller, 212-891-1385, gellerm@ajc.org.
• The American Jewish Congress works on multiple goals, including advocacy for Israel, women’s empowerment, energy independence, religious freedom and erasing anti-Semitism. Richard Gordon is president. Contact 212-879-4500, president@sjcongress.org.
• B’nai B’rith International is a humanitarian, human rights and advocacy group in existence since 1843. Its Center for Human Rights and Public Policy fights anti-Semitism worldwide and speaks out on domestic and international policy matters of concern to Jews. B’nai B’rith’s headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Links to regional and local branches in the U.S. are posted on the Web site. The president is Moishe Smith, a Canadian and the first non-U.S. citizen to hold the title. Contact 202-857-6553, president@bnaibrith.org.
• The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is an umbrella association of 51 Jewish organizations that fosters support for Israel among politicians, Jews and the broader community. It is based in New York City. Contact 212-318-6111.
• The Institute for Public Affairs is the part of the Orthodox Union that advocates for public policy of interest to mainstream Orthodox Judaism. It has 1,000 member congregations. Mark Bane is chairman. Contact 212-613-8123 in New York City or 202-513-6484 in Washington, D.C.
• The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is the political activism arm of the Union for Reform Judaism. It is active in 60 different issues, from affirmative action to women’s health. Rabbi David Saperstein is director and chief counsel. Contact 202-387-2800.

RELIGIOUS / CULTURAL
• Beta Israel of North America promotes and preserves Ethiopian Jewish history and culture. Beejhy Barhany is director. Contact 212-284-6942, info@binacf.org.
• CLAL, the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, is a think tank dedicated to training Jewish leaders and enhancing spiritual and civic involvement in American life. Rabbi Irwin Kula is president, and Rabbi Tsvi Blanchard is director of organizational development. Blanchard has written about what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century. Contact Kula at ikula@clal.org or through Ruth Bregman at 212-779-3300 ext. 116. Contact Blanchard at tblanchard@clal.org.
• Edah is an organization of Modern Orthodox Jews who seek greater openness to the world than does traditional Orthodox Judaism. Edah was founded in 1997 and ceased formal operations in 2006, but its Web site continues to post useful contacts and information, including a lengthy list of speakers/experts and a library.
• Footsteps helps members of the ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic communities who wish to leave them make the transition to mainstream Jewish life. Its founder and director is Malkie Schwartz. Contact 212-284-6775, mschwartz@footstepsorg.org.
• The Foundation for Jewish Culture provides grants, awards and other opportunities to individual artists and scholars who it believes will advance Jewish culture and community. Elise M. Bernhardt is the president and CEO. Contact 212-629-0500 ext. 210, ebernhardt@jewishculture.org.
• Gateways is a nonprofit organization that works to fight assimilation by connecting Jews to Jewish life, religion and culture. It is based in Monsey, N.Y. Its founder and director is Rabbi Mordechai Suchard. Contact 845-352-0393 ext. 104.
• The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Miss., works to bring educational and rabbinic services to isolated Jews and Jewish communities in a 12-state Southern region. Macy B. Hart is president. Contact 601-362-6357, hart@isjl.org.
• The Institute for Jewish Spirituality uses Torah study, prayer, mindfulness meditation, yoga and spiritual direction and retreats to nurture deeper spirituality among rabbis, cantors and lay people. It is based in New York City but now has a Northern California branch. Rabbi Rachel Cowan, a Reform rabbi, is its executive director in New York. Contact 212-774-3608, rachel@ijs-online.org. Rabbi Margie Jacobs heads the Northern California branch, in El Cerrito, Calif. Contact 510-528-1836, Margie@ijs-online.org.
• JDub Records is a nonprofit organization that puts together music and cultural events that promote cross-cultural dialogue between Jews and others. Aaron Bisman is president, CEO and co-founder. Contact 212-998-4112, Aaron@jdubrecords.org.
• Jews for Judaism is an international organization that aims to help Jews strengthen their heritage and counter attempts to convert Jews to other religions. It has branches in several cities, including Baltimore and Los Angeles. Contact the appropriate center via the contact information on the Web site.
• Limmud NY works to promote Jewish learning and cultural celebration through an annual weekend of events in New York City. Ruthie Warshenbrot is its director. Contact 212-284-6968.
• Mechon Hadar works to revitalize community, prayer and study among young Jews. Rabbi Elie Kaunfer is director. Contact 212-284-6913, info@mechonhadar.org.
• The Milken Archive of American Jewish Music takes as its mission to record and document 350 years of American Jewish music, both religious and secular. Neil Levin is the artistic director. The archive has offices in New York City and Santa Monica, Calif. Contact 310-570-4800 (California) or 212-222-6487 (New York).
• The National Havurah Committee is an umbrella organization for havurot, Jewish circles of fellowship, study and prayer. It helps Jews of all denominations and no denomination establish havurot in their areas. It is based in Philadelphia. Contact 215-248-1335.
• Reboot is a nonprofit organization that seeks to “reboot” Jewish traditions, particularly for young people, through salons across the country, journals, books and films. It is based in New York City. Contact 212-931-0100.
• ReclaimingJudaism.org offers seminars and Web-based resources on the application of Jewish spiritual practice for spiritual seekers and teachers. Rabbi Goldie Milgram is its founder and executive director. She is the author of Reclaiming Judaism as a Spiritual Practice: Holy Days and Shabbat. Contact rebgoldiem@aol.com.
• Synagogue 3000 is an organization that both supports and studies Jewish synagogues of all denominations. It maintains a partial directory of independent minyanim and havurot. To find more of these communities, Google “independent” and “minyan” or “havurah” and your area. Ron Wolfson is its president. Contact 212-824-2277.

WOMEN’S
• Hadassah is a volunteer women’s organization that works to strengthen Jewish identity by fostering ties to Israel. It has programs focused on health, youth, the environment and education. It maintains several regional offices. Among its programs is Young Judaea, which tries to build ties between young American Jews and Israel. Contact Ariav Amittay in public affairs, 212-303-8155, aamittay@hadassah.org.
• Jewish Women International advocates for the rights of women and children, including victims of abuse, in the Jewish community. It has offices and chapters around the United States. Loribeth Weinstein is executive director. Contact 202-857-1380, lweinstein@jwi.org.
• The Jewish Women’s Archive works to chronicle the history of Jewish-American women. It is based in Brookline, Mass. It maintains on online archive, a blog and education guides and produces documentary films. Gail Twersky Reimer is executive director. Contact 617-232-2258.
• The National Council of Jewish Women is a faith-based nonprofit that works for women’s rights, reproductive freedom and child welfare through offices in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Israel. Nancy Ratzan is president. Contact 212-645-4048.
• Women of Reform Judaism represents more than 75,000 women in the Reform branch of Judaism, providing leadership training to its members as well as financial help for rabbinical students, youth programs and special projects. Its offices are in New York City. Shelley Lindauer is executive director. Contact 212-650-4050, slindauer@urj.org.
• The Women’s League for Conservative Judaism is the national organization of women members of Conservative synagogues. Its goals are to provide a voice for women in the Conservative movement and to strengthen the Jewish identities of its membership. Cory Schneider is president. Contact 212-870-1260, cschneider@wlcj.org.

YOUTH
• The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization is an independent Jewish youth group for high school teenagers. It is no longer associated with B’nai B’rith, from which it split in 2002. Its focus is on developing future Jewish leaders and strengthening the Jewish identity of young Jews. It maintains a directory of chapters throughout North America. Matthew Grossman is executive director. Contact 202-857-6580, mgrossman@bbyo.org.
• The Foundation for Jewish Camp promotes the experience of overnight summer camp among young Jews as a means of building Jewish community and identity. It maintains a directory of Jewish camps across North America. Gerrald Silverman is president. Contact 646-278-4500, jerry@jewishcamping.org.
• Hillel International engages young Jewish students in Jewish life, culture and religion during their college careers. It maintains a state-by-state directory of regional and local Hillel centers. Wayne Firestone is president. Contact 202-449-6560, wfirestone@hillel.org.
• KOACH College Outreach is a project of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism that works to keep Jewish college students connected to their faith and culture while on campus. It maintains a list of colleges with a KOACH presence. Contact Rabbi Elyse Winick, associate director, 617- 244-5221, winick@uscj.org.
• The National Conference of Synagogue Youth is an organization of the Orthodox Union that focuses on connecting young Jews with their Jewish heritage, culture and religion. It has branches in 15 U.S. cities. Rabbi Steven Burg is the international director. Contact 212-613-8233, burg@ou.org.
• The National Ramah Commission oversees the network of Ramah camps around the world. Ramah camps are a project of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The commission maintains a list of U.S. Ramah camps. Contact 212-678-8881.
• The North American Federation of Temple Youth is a youth organization within the Union for Reform Judaism whose goal is to strengthen the identity of Reform Jewish youth and increase their synagogue participation. Zach Newburgh is president, and Rabbi Michael Mellen is interim director. Contact Mellen at 212-650-4074, mmellen@urj.org.
• Sigma Alpha Rho is an independent Jewish high school fraternity with chapters throughout the Northeast and Canada. It maintains a directory of chapters. Its top officer is Matt Bagell. Contact 609-330-6508, ser@sarfraternity.org.
• United Synagogue Youth is a project of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism that works to instill in Jewish youth a sense of Jewish ethics and values and a sense of Zionism. It maintains a regional directory. Jules Gutin is director. Contact 212-533-7800 ext. 2300, gutin@uscj.org.
• Young Judaea is a youth program run by Hadassah with programs to strengthen identity and experience in young Jews. Among its programs are summer camps and trips to Israel. Zach Goldstein is its top officer. Contact 212-303-8014, zgolden2@yahoo.com.

OTHER
• Bikkurim: An Incubator for New Jewish Ideas is an entrepreneurial organization that supports, develops and promotes new ideas in the Jewish community in North America. It has provided seed money and support to a range of groups, including those that encourage Jewish stewardship of the environment, promote Jewish heritage, produce Jewish music and engage in cross-cultural dialogue. Nina Bruder is executive director. Contact 212-284-6892, nbruder@bikkurim.org.
• The Center for Cultural Judaism is an organization of secular and nonreligious Jews who identify themselves as Jews through the Jewish culture. Contact Myrna Baron, executive director, 212-564-6711, myrna@culturaljudaism.org.
• The Jewish Peace Fellowship is a nondenominational Jewish organization in Nyack, N.Y., that works to be a voice of peace drawn from Jewish resources, like the Torah and the Talmud. It was begun in 1941 to defend the rights of conscientious objectors. Contact 845-358-4601 ext. 35.
• The Society for Humanistic Judaism celebrates Jewish culture while promoting humanistic, nontheistic values. The Web site provides links to member congregations and communities throughout the country. Bonnie Cousens is executive director of the group, which is based in Farmington Hills, Mich. Contact 248-478-7610.    

Selected Jewish media

• Commentary Magazine is a monthly neo-conservative magazine that focuses on politics and current events. John Podhoretz is editorial director. Contact 212-891-1394.
• Heeb calls itself “a take-no-prisoners zine for the plugged-in and preached-out.” Launched in 2001, the magazine covers politics, arts and culture and is marketed to young Jewish sophisticates. Joshua Neuman is editor and publisher. Contact josh@heebmagazine.com.
• Jewish Action is a print and online magazine of the Orthodox Union. Nechama Carmel is the editor. Contact 212-613-8146.
• The Jewish Daily Forward, commonly called The Forward, is the largest Jewish newspaper in the United States. It is no longer a daily but now appears weekly. Jane Eisner is editor. Contact 212-889-8200.
• Jewish Living Magazine is a bimonthly magazine aimed at Jews from the unaffiliated to the Modern Orthodox. Its goal is to help readers – mostly women with families – to more fully incorporate Jewish rituals, practices and traditions into their lifestyles. It launched in 2007. Daniel Zimerman is the creator, and Liza Schoenfein is editor and executive publisher. Contact 917-934-0600.
• The Jewish Week is a newspaper with five regional editions that cover the Jewish community in the New York City area and around the world. Gary Rosenblatt is editor and publisher. Contact 212-921-7822 ext. 215, gary@jewishweek.org.
• Lilith Magazine is a Jewish feminist magazine that covers politics, religion, art and culture. Susan Weidman Schneider is editor in chief and one of the founders of the publication. Contact 212-757-0818, susanws@lilith.org.
• Moment magazine focuses on Jewish life and culture in America. Nadine Epstein is editor. Contact editor@momentmag.com.
• Radical Torah is a blog that features progressive discussions of the weekly Torah portion and commentaries on other aspects of Jewish life, including rituals and holidays. Sarah Chandler is its interim editor in chief. Contact via the blog.