FAQ — Jewish Reconnection Network

Question 1

What is Jewish Reconnection Network?

Accepted Answer

Jewish Reconnection Network (JRN) is a pre-launch nonprofit building a mobile app and website that connects unaffiliated Jewish Americans with synagogues, rabbis, and Jewish community — on their own terms, without pressure or judgment.

Question 2

Who is JRN for?

Accepted Answer

JRN is for the estimated six million Jewish Americans who identify as Jewish but have no current connection to a synagogue or organized Jewish community. We also serve Jews who are affiliated but looking for a better fit, interfaith families navigating Jewish life, and anyone curious about Judaism.

Question 3

Is JRN affiliated with any denomination?

Accepted Answer

No. JRN is non-denominational and proudly serves Jews across the full spectrum — Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Renewal, and non-denominational. We believe every path to Jewish life is valid.

Question 4

When will the platform launch?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is complete nationwide functionality by Purim of 5787 (2027).

Question 5

What will the JRN app and website do?

Accepted Answer

JRN will offer a searchable synagogue directory (filterable by denomination, location, and community style), a rabbi connection service for life cycle events and spiritual guidance, a community event calendar, and personalized onboarding to help users find their Jewish path.

Question 6

Will JRN be free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. JRN will be free for all users. Our mission is to remove barriers to Jewish connection, not create new ones. The platform is funded by philanthropic support from our founding donors.

Question 7

Do I need to be a synagogue member to use JRN?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. JRN is specifically designed for people who are not synagogue members. You can find a synagogue, connect with a rabbi, and access community resources without any membership or prior affiliation.

Question 8

How does the rabbi connection service work?

Accepted Answer

You submit a request describing your occasion or need (bar/bat mitzvah, wedding, funeral, conversion, spiritual guidance, etc.) and your denomination preference. Our team matches you with a rabbi who fits your needs, and we facilitate the introduction. There is no fee for the matching service.

Question 9

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jewish Reconnection Network is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You will receive a donation receipt for your records.

Question 10

What are the founding donor tiers?

Accepted Answer

We offer three founding donor levels: Visionary ($10,000+), Builder ($2,500), and Supporter ($500). Each tier comes with recognition, impact reporting, and benefits. Any amount is welcome — use the custom amount option on the donation form.

Question 11

How will my donation be used?

Accepted Answer

Founding donor gifts fund platform development, synagogue and rabbi onboarding, and our launch in the first three metro areas. We publish quarterly impact reports to all donors so you can see exactly how your gift is making a difference.

Question 12

Can organizations or foundations give?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We welcome institutional gifts from foundations, federations, and corporate donors. Please contact us directly at the email below to discuss a gift at the organizational level.

Question 13

How can my synagogue be listed on JRN?

Accepted Answer

We are currently onboarding founding synagogue partners. If you represent a synagogue and want to be listed on the platform at launch, please contact us through the form on this page or email us directly. There is no cost to be listed.

Question 14

How can I join the rabbi network?

Accepted Answer

Rabbis interested in joining the JRN rabbi connection network can reach out through our contact form. We welcome rabbis of all denominations who are open to working with unaffiliated Jews and interfaith families.

Question 15

Is there a cost for synagogues or rabbis to participate?

Accepted Answer

No. Participation in the JRN platform is free for synagogues and rabbis. Our mission is to connect people with community — we will never charge the communities and clergy who make that possible.

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