Religious Action Center - Irving J. Fain Social Action Awards

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Active commitment to social justice is a hallmark of Reform Judaism. That commitment inspires Reform congregations across North America to pursue a wide range of activities designed to l'taken et ha'olam, to mend the world. The Fain Awards were established in 1983 to honor those congregations and URJ camps whose work in the area of social justice proves exemplary.

Applications available in Fall 2012.

2011 Fain Award Brochure (PDF)

2011 Fain Award Winners

Backpack Buddies
Congregation Mickve Israel, Savannah, GA
Building Sustainable Futures: School Partnership
Touro Synagogue, New Orleans, LA
English as a Second Language Tutoring Program
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, Rye, NY
Food Justice and Sustainability Program
KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation, Chicago, IL
Hunger & Homeless Coalition
Congregation Beth Yam, Hilton Head Island, SC
Jewish Troops Program
Temple Israel, Columbus, GA
Multi-Generational Jewish-Muslim Dialogue
Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, Chappaqua, NY
Preserving our Planet
Congregation Beth HaTephila, Asheville, NC
Responsibly Recycling Electronic Waste
Temple Emanu-El, San Jose, CA
Share a Shabbat
Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, Croton on Hudson, NY
Sinai Schools Initiative
Chicago Sinai Congregation, Chicago, IL
Take and Eat
Congregation Beth Israel, North Adams, MA
Teens Making a World of Difference
Temple Emanuel, Greensboro, NC
Tekiah: Social Justice Organizing Initiative
Temple Shir Tikva, Wayland, MA
Temple Emanuel Environmental Movement (TEEM)
Temple Emanuel, Winston-Salem, NC
TRT Cares
Temple Rodeph Torah, Marlboro, NJ
Women's Storybook Project
Temple Beth Shalom, Austin, TX

2011 Fain Award Honorable Mentions

Congregational Director of Advocacy & Tikkun Olam Projects

Central Reform Congregation, St. Louis, MO

Empowering the Girls of Kenya through Education

Holy Blossom Temple, Toronto, Ontario

Environmental Expo

Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego, CA

Gan Tikvah - Garden of Hope

Temple Shalom of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, NJ

Garden of Justice

University Synagogue, Los Angeles, CA

Hope for Haiti: A Community Benefit Concert

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, Elkins Park, PA

Instilling a Culture of Social Action in Religious School

Temple Adath B'nai Israel, Evansville, IN

Application and Award Information

Application Checklist

Prepare the information on this checklist prior to completing your online application.

Criteria & Application Process

The Fain Awards seek to recognize outstanding and innovative social action work carried out by URJ congregations.

History of the Fain Awards and Past Winners

Active commitment to social justice is a hallmark of the Reform Jewish community. This commitment has inspired congregations to develop programs that help "l'taken olam," mend the world.

FAQs

Commonly asked questions about the Fain Award process and application.

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2009 Irving J. Fain Social Action Award Brochure