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]
PurposeReligious
HeadquartersNew York City
Location
  • 3080 Broadway,
    New York, NY 10027
Coordinates
Region served
North America
Chief Executive Officer (Interim)
Leslie Lichter
International President
Ned Gladstein
AffiliationsConservative Judaism
Revenue (2017)
$16,547,400
Expenses (2017)$11,869,563
Endowment$8,711,127
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]

The name of the organization was changed to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in 1991.[4]

Role and description

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has 572 affiliated congregations as of 2017.[5]

Programs

USCJ sponsors the following programs:[6]

  • 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. 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.
  5. USCJ Consolidated Financial Statements' and Auditor's Report for 30 June 2017.
  6. Young & Young Adult Programs. United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
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