Who Is JOI?
The Jewish Outreach Institute (JOI) is a national, independent, nondenominational organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive Jewish community for intermarried families and unengaged Jews, by working to transform existing institutions and by creating new programs where necessary. |
How is JOI's "Outreach" Strategy Unique?
At JOI, "outreach" means going to where the people are, both physically and metaphysically, rather than waiting for them to come to us. JOI brings programming to familiar and comfortable public spaces such as malls, bookstores, and supermarkets. We train Jewish communal professionals to recognize that each individual or household is on a unique Jewish journey. We must find out from them what it is they want, need, and are interested in adding to their lives. |
What is JOI's goal?
JOI believes that ultimately Jewish "community" and "peoplehood" are what helps insure Jewish "continuity." JOI seeks to increase the size of the actively involved Jewish community through: innovative programs of outreach; advocacy for a more inclusive community: research on intermarriage and the effectiveness of outreach; and training of Jewish professionals to better welcome newcomers. |
Our Successes So Far
During the past five years, JOI has partnered with local Jewish agencies in more than 20 communities to draw over 100,000 participants into Jewish programs and activities. Half of these people were not previously involved in Jewish life and about half were from intermarried households. JOI has also partnered with over 50 local and national organizations to offer intensive professional training in outreach to over 700 Jewish communal professionals, and informal outreach education and advocacy to an additional 1,220 Jewish professionals. |
About JOI