The Jewish Outreach Institute (JOI) is an independent, national, trans-denominational organization reaching out to unaffiliated and intermarried families, and helping the organized Jewish community better welcome them in.
Since 1987, JOI has created innovative programs (see below), conducted groundbreaking research, and served as a national training institution for Jewish communal professionals and volunteer leaders.
We have travelled from Maine to Miami, Vancouver to Van Nuys, and many communities in between to share our vision of a more meaningful, accessible, and inclusive Jewish community. JOI’s advocacy efforts include books, op-eds in both the Jewish and secular press, and public presentations and training seminars. We invite you to find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and read our Daily Blog to stay up to date on efforts toward creating a more welcoming and inclusive North American Jewish community, particularly for intermarried families. And feel free to contact us if we can help you find an entryway into the community, or help your Jewish community better engage all those who would participate.
Big Tent Judaism takes its lead from the values and vision of our Biblical forbearers Abraham and Sarah's tent, which was open on four sides to welcome all who approach. Individuals and organizations that practice a Big Tent Judaism seek to engage, support and advocate for all those who would cast their lot with the Jewish people, regardless of prior knowledge or background.
The Big Tent Judaism Coalition is a group of Jewish communal institutions who strive to create an inclusive and welcoming Jewish community, and who are willing to work toward the following GOALS through partnership, communication, and advocacy:
- Connect individuals and households not currently engaging with the organized Jewish community to local institutions that will be welcoming toward them through inclusive and meaningful programs;
- Provide professionals and lay leaders at Jewish institutions the skills and sensitivities needed to become more inclusive and welcoming.