Kulanu: Synagogues In Action Against Antisemitism

Many Kulanu congregations form working groups (or use existing groups like a social action or advocacy committee) to create and implement two initiatives on fighting antisemitism and hate. One initiative directly engages an audience of your choosing within your synagogue community; the other initiative engages audiences beyond your congregation such as local non-profits, schools, libraries, faith communities, neighborhood groups or advocacy organizations. Both types of initiatives focus on advocacy, community engagement and/or education.

We recommend Kulanu congregations participate in virtual kick off and end-of-program year appreciation programs and attend Kulanu webinars. Additionally, congregations participate virtually in Community of Practice meetings with a smaller group of congregations to share ideas and efforts.  

However congregations choose to engage with the program, being in the Kulanu Network ensures your community leaders will gain access to connections, tools and resources on addressing antisemitism when you want them. Kulanu is a self-paced and self-directed program, knowing every congregation determines what works best for them.  

Against the backdrop of rising hate, Kulanu is a way for your congregation to take a productive and effective stand against antisemitism and all forms of hate. Through participating in Kulanu, you will connect with members of your congregation and build effective and powerful bridges within your local community.

In addition to built-in support and resources from ADL experts, Kulanu provides ongoing opportunities to connect with other synagogues who care about fighting hate to exchange best practices and workshop potential issues, as well as develop a network of involved, passionate congregations.

Each year ADL acknowledges synagogues that participate in the program with a special “Kulanu” designation, distinguishing them as communities activating their commitment to and leadership in fighting antisemitism and hate.

As a self-directed program that is customizable to the pace your congregation chooses, the time commitment varies depending on your goals and the size and scope of the initiatives your congregation may want to take on. We recommend working groups hold monthly or bi-monthly meetings to ensure there is time to plan a clear pathway to success. The majority of congregations continue in the Kulanu Network after their first year given the exclusive access to timely briefings, ongoing learning and newly developed resources, as well as connections to other congregations engaging in this work. 

There are no fees to participate in Kulanu, making it easy for communities of any size to participate and benefit from the exclusive briefings, learning and networking opportunities and resources. initiatives congregations develop as part of Kulanu range in size and scope so they can be tailored to your congregation’s budget.

Congregations of any denomination and movement, or of no affiliation, are welcome to apply. This includes synagogues, temples, chavurot and minyanim. Additionally, since the programs, meetings and content are online, synagogues in any location have equal access to the Kulanu program’s resources, experts, networking and support. We are pleased to partner with USCJ and the URJ, who share invaluable insight and assistance with their participating congregations.

All Kulanu materials are available through a digital portal, an online platform that organizes key ADL resources including webinar recordings, reading materials and Kulanu initiative ideas created by other congregations in the network. The portal also offers virtual discussion boards to communicate with other congregations in the program.

Kulanu offers regular networking opportunities with other congregations in the Kulanu network. Additionally, the Kulanu Team answers congregations’ questions about the program and can offer advice about a congregation’s Kulanu efforts during monthly Office Hour sessions.

Over the eight-month program year, Kulanu offers several virtual sessions each month. Typically we recommend a representative attend one of several sessions we offer each month. Your working group members can decide which sessions they want to attend based on what will be additive to your efforts.  Some of the exclusive sessions Kulanu holds during the program year include:

• a virtual kick off;  
• webinars and briefings featuring ADL experts;
• affinity sessions based on congregation size or interests to connect and share ideas with others in the Kulanu Network;
• Community of Practice meetings with Kulanu congregations in your ADL region;  
• office hours with the Kulanu staff for troubleshooting and insight; and
• a virtual end-of-program year appreciation.

To receive full benefit of Kulanu, we encourage as many working group members as possible to attend the kickoff and closing celebrations. Many congregations encourage different representatives to attend the webinars and regional Community of Practice meetings. Many of the Kulanu webinars are recorded.

Additional virtual offerings including exclusive briefings from ADL experts may be added during the year, either for Kulanu working group members or for Kulanu congregations to invite their full membership to attend. 

While the 8-month timeline of a program year helps working groups stay on track toward their goals, we recognize that not every congregation will have the opportunity to create or implement initiatives – especially in just one program year. Synagogues are encouraged to stay in the Kulanu Network regardless,  given the valuable access to ADL resources, learning and general support through the Kulanu Program. 

The work to eradicate antisemitism and all other forms of hate doesn’t end with your congregation’s completion of your Kulanu initiatives – rather, this is the beginning of your active, ongoing commitment to fighting hate in partnership with ADL. Your congregation will have the opportunity to continue participating in the Kulanu Network. You will be able to deepen your work in the fight against antisemitism and hate given the exclusive access to timely briefings, ongoing learning and newly developed resources, as well as connections to other congregations engaging in this work.

Absolutely. Please fill out this Calendly link to schedule time to meet with a Kulanu team member about applying: https://calendly.com/kulanu-adl/30min.