Tikun Olam Program
What is Tikun Olam?
Tikun Olam is the vehicle through which money is contributed to Tzedakah by United
Synagogue Youth. We recognize the value of the individual of giving Tzedakah, and we
realize the importance of helping others. One major way that this is done in the world
today is through financial assistance.
Who benefits?
The limited financial resources of Tikun Olam ("Building a Better World") allow
that only Jewish causes be included on the approved list of Tzedakot. If a chapter
wishes to allocate funds to a local non-Jewish Tzedakah, it must write the Central
Office for approval. The list of approved Tzedakot includes hospitals, orphanages,
and social service organizations, and also Tzedakot that provide for the development
of individual Jewish communities worldwide. Tikun Olam also benefits the growth
and success of the Conservative Movement in North America and Israel, through
the support of the Jewish Theological Seminary and Noam Masorti, our sister
organization in Israel.
Support for Programs in Israel and Scholarship Assistance
Our commitment to Conservative Movement's programs in Israel and USY summer and
long-term programs is obvious and essential because they serve each chapter and region
directly. The programs in Israel provide many of the future teaches and rabbis to
guide our communities. Scholarships to USYers participating on USY summer and long
term programs are beneficial because of the special spirit and enthusiasm that develop
during these trips. One look into the eyes of a recent Wheelnik or Pilgrim will
convince anyone of the importance of these programs. For these reasons, Tikun Olam is
structured to provide 30% of its funds to the Conservative Movement Programs in Israel
(as well as covering the operating expenses of the program and educational materials
about Tzedakah) while another 30% is returned to regions to provide scholarships
for USYers participating in summer and long-term programs.
USYers Raise and Allocate All Fund
Basic to the Jewish concept of Tzedakah is the direct participation of every
individual. Therefore, our chapters and regions do not contribute what is "left
over" in their treasury for Tikun Olam; instead they plan specific events and drives
in which their members actively raise money. Therefore, each chapter and region
individually decides which Tzedakot the remaining 40% of this contribution will
assist.
Tikun Olam is the Exclusive Tzedakah Fund for USY
In order to assist the Tzedakot that we support, Tikun Olam collects its funds
centrally. By donating our contribution in one lump sum, we allow our Tzedakot
to plan special programs meeting their major needs, whereas small contributions
only allow these charities to pay for operating expenses. Most importantly,
since the Tikun Olam program was created and is run by USYers, all Tzedakah
is contributed through Tikun Olam.
To Clarify
The Tikun Olam money is allocated as follows:
- 30% - Scholarships for USY programs
- 30% - Tikun Olam Budget and Conservative Movement Programs in Israel
- 40% - Chapters/Regions Allocate
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