A Joint Project of JCRC-NY and UJA-Federation
Friday-Saturday, June 5-6, 2026
Civic Engagement Shabbat is an initiative designed to build vital bridges between New York’s Jewish communities and our local leaders. We invite synagogues to host elected officials for a Shabbat of hospitality, underscoring our significant presence in the civic fabric of the city.
In this critical season, these gatherings provide an essential opportunity to both engage with our representatives and mobilize our neighbors and communities for the upcoming local primaries. By bringing together community leaders and voters, we emphasize that civic engagement is the most effective way to ensure our voice is heard at the ballot box.
To support these efforts, we’ll provide participating communities with comprehensive resources including elected officials to address their congregation, voter eligibility details, registration guidance, and effective Get Out The Vote (GOTV) strategies.
Participating communities will receive ready-to-use marketing materials, social media templates, and flexible talking points you can easily adapt to your own synagogue’s voice. We’ll also share best practices for encouraging civic participation in a nonpartisan way, guiding you on what nonprofits can and can’t do. And we’ll be with you at every turn, offering support along the way so you feel confident and equipped to inspire your community to participate and get more involved.
How Your Community Can Participate
We are looking for partner communities to host local elected officials, identified by JCRC-NY and UJA-Federation of NY. You have the flexibility to design a program that best fits your congregation:
- Shabbat Services: Welcome your guest to attend services or invite them to share remarks from the bimah.
- Community Wide Meal: Host a large Shabbat meal for your entire membership to meet their representative.
- Intimate Gathering: Arrange a smaller, focused dinner with your board or community leadership to discuss local issues.
Support and Resources
To ensure a successful and impactful experience, JCRC-NY and UJA-Federation provide the following support:
- VIP Placement: JCRC-NY will manage the logistics of securing and matching an elected official with your community
- Engagement Toolkit: Access to resources including "Shabbat 101" guides for guests, conversation starters, and primary election information
- Host Training: Optional briefing sessions on best practices for hosting civic leaders and managing protocol
Why It Matters
By opening our doors to elected officials, we foster the relationships necessary to advocate for our needs while demonstrating the vibrancy of Jewish life in New York. We also educate our communities on the importance of primary voting and other civic activities.
Join us in making our voices heard. To register your interest or learn more, please fill out the form below.
