The Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, the central body of 800 Jewish communities in the United States and Canada, today announced the launching of a study of national Jewish cultural programs. The announcement was made by Herbert R. Abeles, president of the organization.
The CJFWF will seek to establish an inventory of existing cultural programs, evaluate the impact of these programs, analyze sources and adequacy of financing to achieve their objectives, uncover unmet needs, and evaluate the outlook for realization of existing priorities. The Council hopes to utilize the material as the basis for sound planning for the future.
Cost of the study has been met by special grants from foundations and individual gifts. The study will concentrate on four major areas: research, libraries, and archives, Jewish scholarship and publications. It will also probe into creative Jewish expression and channels of information on Jewish affairs. It will bring together plans and priorities of cultural agencies and examine the possibilities of realizing those plans. It will also analyze the fund raising resources of the agencies, appraise the availability of leadership and list unmet needs in the field.
Council leaders hope to complete the study within a year and to find answers to such questions as: What cultural activities should receive priority? What organizations are in a position to develop various cultural activities? What significant programs are lacking and how can they be initiated? What are the possibilities for strengthening, planning and coordination? Which projects should be supported by federations and welfare funds, totally or partially, and which should be supported by other means?
Sidney Z Vincent, assistant director of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland, has been appointed professional consultant of the study. He will conduct the study on a part-time leave from the Cleveland Federation. The study will be carried out under the guidance of a special committee, with Julian Freeman of Indianapolis, former president of the Council, as chairman, and Arthur Gelber of Toronto as vice-chairman; and with the assistance of a Technical Advisory Committee with Dr. Judah Shapiro, national director of Hillel Foundations, as chairman.
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