Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is 100. Let’s celebrate!
On February 2 and/or February 3, 2024, we hope that our synagogues and partner agencies will create a Shabbat program honoring 100 years of our collective achievements. “Centennial Shabbat” aims to connect the entire Greater MetroWest community and partner communities in Israel through the development of experiences that are unique to individual institutions but universal in their goal — the building of community.
To facilitate this program, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, in partnership with the Jewish Community Foundation, will offer grants to create a celebration best suited for each organization. All grants will be reviewed by the Centennial Shabbat Program Committee November 16 – December 15, 2023. Acceptance notifications will be sent by December 18, 2023.
Please complete the application below by Wednesday, November 15 to be eligible for a Centennial Shabbat grant.
Questions? Contact Sarah Diamond, Manager of Synagogue Initiatives, at sdiamond@jfedgmw.org.
RegisterCentennial Shabbat Grant FAQs
What is Centennial Shabbat?
On February 2 and/or February 3, 2024, we hope that our synagogues and partner agencies will create a Shabbat program honoring 100 years of our collective achievements. “Centennial Shabbat” aims to connect the entire Greater MetroWest community and partner communities in Israel through the development of experiences that are unique to individual institutions but universal in their goal—the building of community.
How much money can we spend on our Shabbat program?
To facilitate this program, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, in partnership with the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest, will offer grants of up to $1000 to create a celebration best suited for each organization.
Who is providing the funding for Centennial Shabbat?
The funds were made possible by donors to the UJA Annual Campaign and gifts to the Jewish Community Foundation and signifies Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s commitment to the vibrancy of synagogues and the broader Jewish community.
What is a Synagogue / Partner Agency Ambassador?
A Synagogue / Partner Agency Lay Leader or Professional will be responsible for encouraging community members to attend the Centennial Shabbat event, helping to market the event, and will be available to represent the Synagogue / Partner Agency in two or three Zoom calls with Federation professionals about Centennial Shabbat.
What types of programs will qualify for the Centennial Shabbat grant?
We encourage you to create a Shabbat celebration that is unique to your community. You know your congregants, members, and constituents best. Some programs may include:
- Shabbat Dinner
- Special Synagogue Kiddush
- Tot Shabbat
- Family Shabbat
- Havdalah
- Speaker; Scholar-in-residence
- Challah Bake
- In-home get together
- Delivery of Shabbat treats with note about Centennial Shabbat
- Shabbat Nature Walk/Hike
Should we plan to have someone speak about the Federation’s Centennial at the program?
Yes. Synagogues and partner agencies participating in Centennial Shabbat should plan to have someone speak about Federation’s Centennial. Talking points will be provided. Federation can help find a lay leader or professional to speak at your event.
What is the Centennial Shabbat Grant Review process?
Please complete the application by Wednesday, November 15 to be eligible for a Centennial Shabbat grant.
All grants will be reviewed by the Centennial Shabbat Program Committee from November 16 – December 15, 2023. The Committee will look at the program content, funding requested and confirm that the program is aligned with the goals of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest’s Centennial Shabbat. If there are any questions, a Federation professional will reach out to you for clarification.
Acceptance notifications will be sent by December 18, 2023.
What marketing support will Federation provide?
Federation will provide:
- A digital marketing toolkit with easy-to-use materials for newsletters, social media posts, and emails.
- Centennial Shabbat signage for your program.
- Inclusion of your program on the Federation Centennial Shabbat webpage with an option for registration (when applicable.)
- An email promoting Centennial Shabbat programs across GMW to our subscriber list.
Does our program have to be open to the public?
Given our shared goal of being welcoming, events associated with Federation’s Centennial Shabbat should be open to the broader community when possible and appropriate. This could be an opportunity to attract new potential members or participants. Interested parties who are new to your congregation or agency will be asked to reach out to Sarah Diamond, Manager of Synagogue Initiatives, to register. She will share those names with you prior to Centennial Shabbat so you can prepare.
What type of follow-up evaluation will we need to provide?
You will receive an evaluation form prior that will request information about the execution of your plan, attendance, and anecdotes. The form will be due back by February 20, 2024.