NJ State Assemblymen Peter Barnes, III, and Patrick Diegnan, JR., Express Appreciation for Community Forum at OU Advocacy-NJ Votes Initiative Legislative Breakfast

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Josh Pruzansky May 24, 2013                                   … Continued

Nonprofit Security Grant Application Released

An appropriation of $10M has been allocated to the NSGP to assist in security. Nonprofits are eligible to receive up to $75,000 for target hardening, such as building fences or installing cameras or anti-ram bollards. Accessing the Grant To access … Continued

Orthodox Union Congratulates Newly-Elected And First Jewish Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti

Today, the leadership of the Union of the Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU) congratulated newly-elected Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti, who is the first Jewish mayor of that city. As a candidate, Mayor Garcetti participated in a candidates’ … Continued

Orthodox Union, RCA And Bishops Conference Collaborate Efforts To Enact Tax Credit Bill

Representatives of the Orthodox Union, the Rabbinical Council of America, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops met yesterday for their semi-annual meeting to discuss issues affecting the Jewish and Catholic communities … Continued

Broad State Coalition Advocates for Educational Tax Credit Scholarships

For Immediate Release: Contact: Jesse Hervitz Orthodox Union 917-510-3726   On Tuesday, leaders of the Orthodox Jewish community, the executive board of the Texas Association of Nonpublic Schools (TANS), Hispanic Baptist and Evangelical clergy and leaders of the Catholic community … Continued

Orthodox Union Welcomes Senate Introduction Of Legislation To Support Energy Efficiency Of Nonprofit Buildings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nathan Diament April 15, 2013 202-513-6484 Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization representing nearly 1,000 synagogues across North America – applauded United States Senators Amy … Continued

Your Immediate Action Needed to Support the Security of Our Synagogues and Schools

This past Wednesday, the President’s Budget Request for the 2014 Fiscal Year was released, and it proposed no funding of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Since the efforts of the OU/IPA and our coalition partners creating it seven years ago, … Continued

OU and Texas Orthodox Jewish Community Testify in Support of Texas Tax Credit Scholarship Legislation

Senate Committee Approves Bill, House Bill Still Waiting Approval On April 9, 2013, Jesse Hervitz, Associate Director of Political Affairs for the Orthodox Union, testified to two Texas legislative committees in support of tax credit scholarship legislation. He was joined … Continued

Obama/Lew Propose Hit on Charities…Again

This week, The White House is rolling out President Obama’s proposed federal budget for the next fiscal year. Today, Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew is presented it, through testimony, to the U.S. House’s Committee on Ways & Means. Among … Continued

“Unofficial” Comment on Religious Liberty & Obamacare’s Mandate

The debate over Obama Administration regulations implementing a mandate that employers provide certain types of women’s health services, free of charge, as part of their health insurance plans – and how this mandate applies to religious institutions and their employees … Continued

Orthodox Union Expresses Support for Federal Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence

Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization– expressed its support for federal legislation to prevent gun violence. Nathan Diament, UOJCA executive director for public policy, issued the following statement ahead of this week’s … Continued

OU-Teach NYS Initiative Applauds New York Legislature for Increasing CAP and MSR Funding for NYS Private Schools

New advocacy initiative successfully advocates for increased funding for every NY Jewish day school. Today, the OU-Teach NYS Initiative applauded the New York State legislature for increasing state funding for private schools by $14 million for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. This funding … Continued

OU Commends Congress For Passing Bill to Protect Community Security Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2013 Contact: Nathan Diament 202-513-6484 Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – commended the U.S. Senate for its passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) … Continued

Letter to the Forward: FEMA Fairness Is Right Policy

The following letter was published in the March 8th edition of The Forward. To the Editor: It is unfortunate that the “additional insight that time allows” could not bring The Forward to support what nary a single major Jewish organization … Continued

OU Welcomes New U.S. Dept. of Ed. Effort to Better Serve Our Schools

The OU/IPA has engaged with senior Obama Administration officials to secure new practices by the U.S. Department of Education that will better deliver federally funded education services to eligible students in Jewish day schools and other nonpublic schools. Nathan Diament, … Continued

Florida Jewish Leadership Coalition Lobbies for Expanded School Choice

This week, the Orthodox Union co-sponsored the inaugural Florida Jewish Leadership Coalition for School Choice (JLCSC) mission to Tallahassee. The JLCSC was founded by leadership from the North Miami Beach community and is closely affiliated with the Florida Federation for … Continued

Mazal Tov Melissa

Nathan Diament, Executive Director of Public Policy for the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – issued the following statement in reaction to this morning’s announcement that President Obama has appointed … Continued

Mission to Albany Advocates for Increased Aid to Jewish Schools

Albany, NY – On Wednesday, March 6th, the Orthodox Union’s Teach NYS Initiative along with the UJA-Federation of New York led a coalition of schools on an advocacy mission to Albany to  urge State legislators and the Governor’s office to … Continued

OU Applauds Texas Introduction of the Texas Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program

For Immediate Release Contact: Jesse Hervitz – hervitzj@ou.org Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, commended Texas Senate Education Chairman Dan Patrick and Dallas Senator Ken Paxton for introducing … Continued

Texas Jewish Leaders Advocate for Education in Austin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1, 2013 Contact: Stephen Steiner Director of Public Relations 212.613.8318; steiners@ou.org On Monday, February 25th, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America—the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization—and the Texas OU Community Advocacy Network (OU … Continued

Video: Congress Debates HR 592, OU-Led Legislation on Hurricane Sandy Relief

Watch highlights from Congress’ debate over OU-led legislation to ensure synagogues and other houses of worship, damaged in Hurricane Sandy, receive their fair share of federal aid.

Chag Sameach

IPA Leads Teen Lobbying Mission to Sacramento

The Orthodox Union’s Institute for Public Affairs, (IPA) and Oakland-based East Bay NCSY recently selected nineteen leaders to participate in its new “Teen Advocacy Program (TAP),” an intensive six-week educational program to gain critical organization, presentation and leadership skills for … Continued

OU Applauds House of Representatives on Passage of FEMA Relief Legislation for Synagogues and Other Houses of Worship

February 13, 2013 For Immediate Release Contact: Stephen Steiner (212.613.8318; steiners@ou.org) Director of Public Relations Spearheaded by the Orthodox Union, this legislation will provide millions in relief to over 200 synagogues and other houses of worship damaged in Hurricane Sandy … Continued

Action Alert: Demand Congress Pass FEMA Relief Legislation For Our Synagogues

Help provide aid to over 200 synagogues (and other houses of worship) damaged in Hurricane Sandy and ensure that future aid is provided to our communities in the event of another natural disaster. This legislation will translate into millions of … Continued

OU Welcomes Obama Administration Proposed Revisions to Contraceptives Mandate

ORTHODOX UNION WELCOMES OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED REVISIONS TO AFFORDABLE CARE ACT’S “CONTRACEPTIVES MANDATE” Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America — the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization — welcomed the Obama Administration’s release of revised regulations for … Continued

OU-Teach NYS Partnership Testifies to Joint Legislative Committee on Nonpublic School Funding

Contact: Maury Litwack Director of State Political Affairs and Outreach (917) 385-7964 January 29, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Today, Jeff Leb, political director for the Orthodox Union’s Teach NYS Partnership, testified in Albany before a joint legislative committee on key … Continued

Orthodox Union Commends President Obama’s Plan To Improve School Safety; White House Confirms Availability For All Schools

  For Immediate Release: January 17, 2013 Contact: Nathan Diament, 202-513-6494 Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization — commended the President’s plan for new measures to reduce gun violence and increase … Continued

Orthodox Union Announces Creation of Partnership between OU, Teach NYS and NY Jewish Day Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: MAURY LITWACK (917) 385-7964 January 14, 2013 A new partnership between the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, Teach-NYS and a group of New York’s Jewish day schools representing over 5,000 students will consolidate community resources, conserve … Continued

Orthodox Union Commends Congress For Passage Of Sandy Relief Bill; Continues Effort With Key Members To Secure Fair Treatment Of Damaged Houses Of Worship

For Immediate Release – January 15, 2013 Contact: Nathan Diament – 202-513-6484 Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – commended the House of Representatives for its passage Tuesday evening … Continued

Mazal Tov Jack Lew

For Release – Thursday, January 10, 2013 Contact – Nathan Diament, 202-513-6494 ORTHODOX UNION WISHES “MAZAL TOV” TO JACK LEW ON NOMINATION TO BE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s … Continued

Action Alert

  On Thursday, December 27, the U.S. Senate is expected to resume consideration of legislation to fund the federal response to Hurricane Sandy’s devastation in the Northeast.   Since the storm’s inception, the OU/IPA and our coalition partners have been … Continued

CivicCare Los Angeles Mayoral Debate January 3,2013

Emergency Preparedness Resources

The leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America expresses its profound sorrow over the senseless violence perpetrated against innocent children and adults in their Newtown, Connecticut schoolhouse. We offer our deepest sympathy to the families and the … Continued

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Senator Dan Patrick Introduce School Choice Legislation for Texas

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2012   Today, Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and incoming Senate Education Committee Chairman jointly announced their support for corporate tax credit scholarships as an integral part of their overall education plan for the … Continued

Orthodox Union Expresses Condolences On Passing Of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye

The leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America issued the following statement upon learning of the death of Senator Inouye: “The leadership of the Orthodox Union expresses its condolences upon the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye of … Continued

Celebrating Chanukah at The White House (and More)

  View The Video of Hanukkah At The White House Chanukah is an opportunity for wonderful celebrations in Jewish homes and communities.  It has also become a time in the United States in which elected officials host receptions to connect … Continued

OU Commends German Parliament Passage of Legislation Protecting Ritual Circumcision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nathan Diament 202-513-6484 December 12, 2012 Today, the Orthodox Union commended the German Parliament for approving a bill, which explicitly permits infant male circumcision. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority, 434 to 100, with 46 … Continued

How To Create A Kehillah Fund: White Paper of The Affordability Knowledge Center

  “Kehillah funds” are an approach used by some communities to tackle the challenge of Jewish day school affordability.  A newly published “white paper” offers school and community leaders information and analysis of existing Kehillah funds and a step-by-step guide for … Continued

OU Brings Torah To Shul Damaged By Sandy

 “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalms, 119:105, as quoted by Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb)             “Tonight we are celebrating the power of Torah.” (Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz)             “Every time we hold … Continued

OU Hosts Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks in DC

Chief Rabbi Sacks (pictured with OU IPA staff) addressed Washington area leaders at a luncheon hosted by the OU   OU Exec. Dir. for Public Policy Nathan Diament introduced Chief Rabbi Sacks to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor

OU Disappointed with Louisiana Court Ruling Against Voucher Program

OU Disappointed with LOUISIANA Court Ruling Against Voucher Program; Urges Governor Jindal to Find New Funding Source  Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America expressed its disappointment with a November 30 Louisiana State Court ruling that the state’s voucher program is unconstitutionally funded by … Continued

OU Commends Mississippi Gov. for Supporting Private School Choice

On behalf of the Orthodox Union, I want to commend Governor Bryant for including a school choice proposal in the education reforms he unveiled on November 30th. The Governor’s reform package included a $10 million tax credit scholarship program for … Continued

OU and RCA Disappointed In Passage of UN Resolution

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Orthodox Union voice their disappointment in passage of the resolution by the United Nations General Assembly upgrading the Palestinian Authority to a nonmember observer state. The RCA and OU view this unilateral … Continued

Religious Freedom

When an Orthodox Jewish woman working for a State Agency asked to leave early on winter Fridays to ensure that she can be home on time to observe the Sabbath, her request was denied, despite the fact that she offered … Continued

OU Holds Rally For Tuition Affordability in Houston, TX

Community Members Unite for Tuition Affordability Rally Sen. Dan Patrick addressing the crowd   On Thursday, November 15, the Orthodox Union held its first Rally for Tuition Affordability at the Robert M. Beren Academy in Houston, Texas.  Over three hundred … Continued

OU Hosts Legislative Breakfast to Bolster Grassroots Advocacy Efforts

On Tuesday, November 13, Jewish leaders from Pennsylvania attended a legislative breakfast featuring an address by Pennsylvania Education Secretary Ron Tomalis. The breakfast was sponsored by the Orthodox Union and took place at the Citron and Rose Restaurant in Lower … Continued

OU Advocacy Center Welcomes Zehava Birman

OU Advocacy welcomes Zehava Birman, OU Advocacy NY’s Associate Director of Field Operations. As part of the OU Teach NYS Grassroots Initiative, Zehava will be fostering and strengthening the relationship between the greater NY Jewish community and its local elected … Continued

NJVOTES Continues Campaign to Increase Voter Turnout

With the New Jersey State Primary Election just two weeks away, the Orthodox Union’s NJVOTES office is hard at work.  The key to increasing voter turnout is not simple, but after campaign analysis these past six months, NJVOTES staff believe … Continued

NJ State Sen. Robert Gordon Meets North Jersey Yeshiva Students

On April 22nd, the seventh graders at Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey (RYNJ) welcomed Senator Robert Gordon to their school and had the opportunity to speak with this influential legislator.  RYNJ administrators and lay leaders, with the support of the … Continued

Status Update: Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act ~ S.717

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) introduced the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act (S. 717). The Act will establish a new pilot program at the U.S. Department of Energy to provide financial grants to non-profit organizations to help … Continued

Q&A with Pennsylvania State Senator Rob Teplitz

Michelle Twersky, the OU’s Associate Regional Political Director, had the opportunity to sit down with State Senator Rob Teplitz and discuss his thoughts on education and Pennsylvania’s Tax Credit Programs. Sen. Teplitz was elected to the state Senate in November … Continued

OU Helps Deliver Scholarship Check to The Silver Academy

On Thursday, April 18 The Orthodox Union participated in a Check Presentation by the Bridge Educational Foundation and its donors, M&T Bank and Waste Management at the Silver Academy in Harrisburg, PA. Students attending The Silver Academy, and other Dauphin … Continued