OU Offers Grants for Back-to-Shul Initiatives By JLNJ Staff | April 22, 2021 (Courtesy of OU) One of the most profound ways the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Jewish community over the past year was the initial closure of and the subsequent limitations on synagogues. Now, as more congregants have been vaccinated and individual state regulations on indoor public gatherings have eased, the Orthodox Union (OU), the nation’s oldest and largest umbrella organization for the North American Orthodox Jewish community, is launching a new $100,000 challenge grant. The grant is designed to support congregations that create innovative programs and services to invigorate synagogues and stimulate congregants to again embrace synagogue life.