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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions What is The Network of Jewish Renewal Communities (NJRC)? Who runs the NJRC? Who's on the NJRC Steering Committee? NJRC steering committee members:
Regional Representatives:
What is the purpose of the NJRC? The Network of Jewish Renewal Communities, like any network, is a set of intentional connections. Its purpose is to facilitate the flow of information and resources among its members in order to maximize their individual and collective creativity and address their needs for connection and support. These needs clearly exist for Jewish Renewal communities and groups, who often feel isolated and uncertain as they attempt to create new organizational structures, spiritual practices, and approaches to community action, education, and congregational life. How Is the NJRC funded? With the exception of a few small grants for specific Network projects (like the 1998 NJRC Education Conference), the Network of Jewish Renewal Communities is funded solely through donations and the annual membership dues paid by each of its communities. Who can join the NJRC? The Network of Jewish Renewal Communities is a network of havurot, not individuals. So, NJRC membership is limited to groups. Some of our communities hold dual affliation (i.e., Reconstructionist and Jewish Renewal) or exist as a minyan/chevra within a larger Reform, Conservative, or Reconstructionist congregation When a group joins the Network, they sign a formal brit indicating their acceptance of and adherence to the principles detailed in the NJRC Statement of Principles. How does our group get membership Information? To receive the New Community Packet we send prospective members, contact Rhonda Mason at Rhondmason@aol.com or visit Join the Network. So, what are the NJRC communities like? (taken primarily from our 2001 Survey; 20 out of 52 communities responding) How big? Of the communities responding, six were small, with less than fifty members, five had between 50 and 100 members, and four had between 100 and 150. Six had more than 150 members. Our largest community is in Oakland. How led? Four of the communities support full time rabbis, while five support their rabbi half time. Half are led by lay leadership. The others use part time rabbis or student rabbis to supplement their lay leadership. How many? The Jewish Renewal movement is growing. The NJRC started in 1990 with a handful of communities. Eleven years later, there are over 52. However, some of our communities are more than twenty years old; the oldest was established in 1974. Any educational programming? Many communities have educational programs for their children, ranging from child-oriented holiday and Shabbat services to more formal Hebrew School and Religious Education programs. Additionally, many communities have some form of adult education in place. What services are offered? Most communities have at least monthly Shabbat services. Many also have services or programs for the holidays, as well as social gatherings and classes/workshops on topics of interest. For information on the specific services each community offers, please contact the community directly. NJRC Directory of Communities
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