End its funding for the bureau of jewish education

Combined Jewish Philanthropies, facing financial concerns as well as looking to streamline its programs, this week decided to end its funding for the Bureau of Jewish Education, knowing that the decision will likely mean the closing of the organization, which helps provide training, research, and curriculum development for Jewish educators. CJP provides most of the organization's funding -- $1.2 million of the bureau's $1.4 million budget -- and says most of the funding will now instead be used to directly support educational programs in synagogues and schools. The decision comes at a time when there is a lot of talk about consolidating Jewish community organizations, and when many Jewish federations are trimming spending because of the impacts of the recession and the Madoff scandal on resources. Here's the letter CJP President Barry Shrage sent out on Thursday: "I am writing to let you know about an important and difficult decision that was made today by the CJP Board regarding our funding of Jewish education in general and the Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) in particular. As you know, education is at the core of CJP's mission. Over the last 20 years, we have significantly increased funding and support for formal and informal Jewish education. We have worked with multiple partners to create new and innovative programs such as Me'ah and Ikkarim, Gateways Access to Jewish Education and The Jewish Camping Initiative. Even now, despite the economic challenges we all face, CJP is committed to Jewish education and our deep partnerships with synagogues, day schools and many other organizations, as outlined in our Strategic Plan.

for further information:www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2009/05/bureau_of_jewis.html