United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) is the major congregational organization of Conservative Judaism in North America, and the largest Conservative Jewish communal body in the world. USCJ closely works with the Rabbinical Assembly, the international body of Conservative rabbis. It coordinates and assists the activities of its member communities on all levels.

For the British Orthodox synagogue association, see United Synagogue.
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
AbbreviationUSCJ
FormationFebruary 23, 1913 (1913-02-23)[1]
FounderRabbi Dr. Solomon Schechter[2]
13-1659707[3]
Legal status501(c)(3) religious organization[3]
PurposeTo strengthen kehillot; to ensure there are thriving centers of Jewish practice across North America, Israel, and beyond that celebrate both tradition and contemporary life; to demonstrate what an authentic and dynamic Judaism looks like, inspire people to be a part of it, and advance its critical role in the world.[4]
Headquarters3080 Broadway,
New York, New York, U.S.
Coordinates40.7507488°N 73.9710554°W / 40.7507488; -73.9710554
Region served
North America
Members
562 affiliated congregations[5]
Rabbi Jacob Bluementhal[6]
Andy Schaer[6]
AffiliationsConservative Judaism
Revenue (2022)
$12,404,867[5]
Expenses (2022)$12,214,528[5]
Websitewww.uscj.org
Formerly called
United Synagogue of America

History

Representatives of twenty-two Jewish congregations in North America met at the Jewish Theological Seminary on 23 February 1913.[1] The representatives formed the United Synagogue of America to develop and perpetuate Conservative Judaism.[1][2] The group elected Rabbi Dr. Solomon Schechter the first president.[1]

At its executive council's April 1913 meeting, the organization's purpose was defined as loyalty to the Torah; to promote observance of Shabbat and Jewish dietary laws; to preserve Israel's past and promote its restoration; to maintain traditional Jewish prayer in Hebrew; to promote traditional Judaism in the home; and to encourage the establishment of Jewish religious schools whose instruction includes the study of the Hebrew language and its literature as a bond that unites Jewish people worldwide.[7]

The name of the organization was changed to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in 1991.[8]

Role and description

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has 572 affiliated congregations as of 2017.[9]

Programs

USCJ sponsors the following programs:[10]

  • United Synagogue Youth (USY) is the youth movement of USCJ. The organization's mission is to empower Jewish youth to develop friendships, leadership skills, a sense of belonging to the Jewish People, a deep engagement with and love for Israel, and a commitment to inspired Jewish living through meaningful and fun experiences based on the ideology of Conservative Judaism.
  • Nativ is USCJ's academic gap year program in Israel for in-bound college freshmen.
  • The Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem is USCJ's learning community in Israel.

See also

References
  1. "Jewish Synagogues Unite". The New York Times, 24 February 1913. p. 6.
  2. "USCJ History". United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
  3. "United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism". Exempt Organizations Select Check. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  4. "About". United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. August 2021.
  5. "Consolidated Financial Statements, June 30, 2022 and 2021". The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Affiliate. November 28, 2022.
  6. "Executive Team". United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  7. "The United Synagogue of America". The Jewish Voice. April 18, 1913. p. 3.
  8. Menken, Yaakov (2005). The Everything Torah Book: All You Need To Understand The Basics Of Jewish Law And The Five Books Of The Old Testament (2nd ed.). Avon, Massachusetts, United States: Adams Media. p. 177. ISBN 978-1593373252.
  9. USCJ Consolidated Financial Statements' and Auditor's Report for 30 June 2017.
  10. Young & Young Adult Programs. United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
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