All the major branches of Judaism have similar organizational structures. There are congregation-serving bodies, clergy and professional organizations, and seminaries. All the congregation-serving organizations offer a full range of administrative, congregational, youth, women’s, and men’s services and programs. As Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Orthodox institutions are organized along similar lines, a congregation finding something attractive in, say, the administrators’ group of another movement can first inquire within its own movement. Many programs and services are replicated from one movement to another.

The relationships between congregations and organizations and between organizations inter- or intra-movement are tempered by history and contemporary leadership styles. Different perceptions as to the efficacy of individual organizations exist. Nevertheless, this is the place to start for a movement-affiliated congregation seeking help. The four traditional movements also have publishing arms, communal outreach programs, and scholarly libraries. Renewal Judaism is growing in its organizational structure as well. Any one of the movement organizational Web sites can link users to others within the same movement.

This part of the guide is arranged by movement, with a section for Renewal Judaism at the end. Each movement’s central organization is listed first, followed by other organizations in alphabetical order. Much additional information on each organization can be gained by visiting its Web site.

These organizations could also be listed under the Congregational Resource Guide categories of Administration, Building Issues, Congregational Vitality, Leadership, and Worship. The best of their specific programs or publications are noted by CRG category. Particularly new or useful services to congregations are highlighted by inclusion of a separate name or phone number.