The Orthodox Union’s OU Women’s Initiative has introduced a new challenge grant for women’s programming. The organization will be providing 10 organizations/programs with up to $3,600 each to create inventive women’s programming this year.
Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, director of the OU Women’s Initiative, said, “As we continue to embrace a new, ever-changing reality, the OU seeks to encourage thought and imagination to involve women in areas of chesed, learning and engagement at all stages of their lives.”
The OU Women’s Initiative collaborates with Orthodox communities around the world to address the spiritual, communal and educational needs of women, starting from when they are teenagers. It offers opportunities for women to learn Torah, become scholars-in-residence at synagogues, participate in mother/daughter weekly learning programs and be more actively involved in all aspects of synagogue life.
Programs include video series, where women can tune in to learn about different subjects like the Jewish holidays, courses and forums on women’s health and Nach Yomi, which features shiurim from women scholars. More than 1,000 women have completed the full Nach Yomi series, which held its first siyum to celebrate the end of the two-year learning cycle this past January. Events were held in Israel, New York and across the United States.
“As we continue to embrace a new, ever-changing reality, the OU seeks to encourage thought and imagination to involve women in areas of chesed, learning and engagement at all stages of their lives.” – Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman
According to Adeena Mayerfeld, program and operations manager for the OU Women’s Initiative, during the application process, applicants from synagogues and communities need to reflect on the effect the pandemic had on women’s engagement in Jewish communal life. They also need to reimagine women’s programming as well as community engagement and reconnect and reengage women through creative projects.
“By encouraging women to think creatively about how to reenergize their communities, the OU Women’s Initiative continues to support and engage women and communities across North America,” said Executive Vice President of the OU, Rabbi Moshe Hauer.
Applications for the grant are being accepted until February 25, and winners will be announced on March 31.
“The Challenge Grant is a vital next step in creating communal cohesiveness and shared vision in our ever-changing world,” said Moishe Bane, president of the OU. “With much faith and confidence, we are asking women to actively search for and create programs that foster spiritual growth and enthusiastic community involvement.”
To apply to the OU Women’s Initiative challenge grant, visit the website at ou.org/women/grant22-application.
