Jewish Portal of Teacher Education

Source: 2009-10 Synagogues Pilot

Canfei Nesharim is accepting applications from synagogues to join their 2009-10 Synagogues Pilot, the second phase of the Synagogue Pilot, to run Torah-based environmental programs in their communities. The participating synagogues will carry out a full year-long series of programs on the environment related to themes in the Jewish year, designed by Canfei Nesharim and implemented in seven synagogues around the US during this year's first phase of the pilot.

The second phase of the pilot will include:

• Conference calls scheduled strategically before key programs.
• Free resources (such as divrei Torah, program ideas, fact sheets, stickers/magnets and other small handouts) available to synagogue partners to promote Torah-environmental education in their community during the year; 
• Leadership and speaker training for lay leaders through a Leadership Shabbaton.

For communities to participate, Canfei Nesharim suggests the following signs of readiness:

• The synagogue should have a lay leader with the time and interest to organize this program during 2009-2010.
• The lay leader should be supported by at least two other members of the synagogue, forming a three-person “Torah-environment committee.”
• By July 15, the board and rabbi must be informed of the Torah-environment committee’s development and must give approval to participating in Canfei Nesharim’s Synagogues Pilot Program.
• Synagogues should be able to commit to running at least three Torah-environment activities for the synagogue membership during the year. These activities could include adult education, family programming, youth activities, and/or divrei Torah delivered from the pulpit.