Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal

Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal (STAR) is a Jewish advocacy organization to support synagogues in the United States.[1]

Overview

It was founded in 2000 by businessman Edgar Bronfman, businessman Charles Schusterman, and investor Michael Steinhardt.[2][3] It is headquartered in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.[4] Lynn Schusterman, the co-founder's widow, is Chairwoman of the Board.[5]

The organization pledged to give $18 million the first year.[2] Participants in the inaugural summit in Chicago included Rabbi and author Shmuley Boteach, Professor Richard Joel, and Koret Foundation interim director Mel Mogulof.[2] They donate $500,000 to synagogues in the United States every year.[2]

In 2009, together with the Center for Jewish Policy Studies, it helped publish Synagogues in a Time of Change: Fragmentation and Diversity in Jewish Religious Movements by Zachary I. Heller.[6]

References
  1. Sidney Schwarz, Ruth Messinger, Judaism and Justice: The Jewish Passion to Repair the World, Jewish Lights Publishing, 2008, p. 180
  2. Julie Wiener, 'Will $18 million in grants catalyze synagogue revival?', in J. The Jewish News of Northern California, September 15, 2000
  3. Dana Evan Kaplan, Contemporary American Judaism: transformation and renewal, New York City: Columbia University Press, 2009, p. 371
  4. Star Synagogue Studies
  5. Jeffrey K. Salkin, A dream of Zion: American Jews reflect on why Israel matters to them, Woodstock, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2007, p. 95
  6. Zachary I. Heller, Synagogues in a Time of Change: Fragmentation and Diversity in Jewish Religious Movements, The Alban Institute, 2009, p. ix


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