Whippany, NJ, September 10, 2020 — Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ awarded grants of up to $12,000 to 22 area synagogue-based early childhood centers (ECCs) to help them prepare to safely re-open for the 2020-2021 school year. The grant funding, totaling $259,000, was approved by Federation’s COVID19 Emergency Response Team.
“In any given year, Federation provides on-going support for synagogues and early childhood centers through a variety of professional development, networking, and other programs,” said Federation CEO Dov Ben-Shimon. “However, during this most unusual and critical time, Federation is providing direct financial support to these vital institutions for the first time.”
The purpose of the grants is to lessen the financial pressure these schools face in order to make the necessary and costly changes needed to meet the state-mandated guidelines. Some of the added expenses include:
• increase teaching staff in order to reduce class size, provide an on-site nurse or social worker, and increase maintenance crew
• purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), additional cleaning supplies, and materials for new programming that with ensure the safety of the students and staff.
Jewish Federation recognizes that synagogues are the spiritual backbone of our community and essential partners in building vibrant Jewish life in Greater MetroWest. Early childhood centers serve an important role in many of the synagogues — they provide the basis for Jewish identity-building in young children and are often the first step in engaging families in the Jewish community. These programs are often an entry point for synagogue membership and a key element in the long-term financial health of the organization.
The impact of this grant program is far-reaching. Across the 22 schools, the anticipated number of children served is approximately 1,350.
“These monies will certainly help to offset the clear monetary burdens that will exist for the reopening of our school this fall,” said Joshua Greenbaum, Director of The Orchard Academy at Mountain Top School of Temple Har Shalom in Warren. “Federation is making it possible to continue providing critical child care and educational needs to families and children in our surrounding communities, all while ensuring the health and safety of students and staff remains our number one priority. We could not have asked for a better partner.”
Recipient ECCs include:
Temple Har Shalom, Warren
Congregation Ahavas Achim B’nai Jacob & David, West Orange
Congregation Shomrei Emunah, Montclair
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, South Orange
Temple Sinai, Summit
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Short Hills
Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael, Morristown
Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex, Caldwell
Temple B’nai Abraham, Livingston
Oheb Shalom Congregation, South Orange
Temple B’nai Or, Morristown
Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield
Synagogue of The Suburban Torah, Livingston
Temple Emanu-El, Westfield
Temple Ner Tamid, Montclair
Bris Avrohom, Hillside
Congregation Beth El, South Orange
Temple Beth Shalom, Livingston
Pine Brook Jewish Center, Montville
Congregation B’nai Israel, Millburn
Chabad Center of Northwest NJ, Rockaway
Congregation Ohr Shalom/Summit JCC, Summit
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ cares for people in need, builds Jewish life, and save the world, one person at a time, every day.
Media Contact: Lauren Leon (973) 929-3084; lleon@jfedgmw.org
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Headquarters: 901 Route 10 / P.O. Box 929 / Whippany, NJ 07981-0929 / Phone: (973) 929-3000 / Fax: (973) 884-7361
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