irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2023
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $4.76MPUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF AGUDATH ISRAEL'S PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES IS TO ENSURE THAT THE RELIGIOUS RIGHTS OF ORTHODOX JEWS ARE PROTECTED. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH A MYRIAD OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE ONGOING MONITORING OF THE MEDIA AS IT AFFECTS THE ORTHODOX COMMUNITY, INTERACTING WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL JEWISH AND NON-JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS, PUBLICATION OF ARTICLES AND BRIEFS WHICH ADDRESS TIMELY CONCERNS,INTERACTING WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICALS ON ALL LEVELS ON ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF JEWISH SACRED CUSTOMS AND THE SAFEGUARDING OF TORAH VALUES.
- #2 $2.19MCOMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES: A MYRIAD OF ACTIVITIES BENEFITING THOUSANDS FROM THE YOUNG TO THE SENIOR ARE CONDUCTED. THESE INCLUDE RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS, HOMEOWNER COUNSELING SERVICES, SOCIAL ACTIVIES FOR HOMEBOUND AND HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN, MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR TROUBLED TEENS, PARENT COACHING AND SUPPORT SERVICES, MEDIATION OF DISPUTES, AND SENIOR CITIZENS AND NURSING HOME VISITATIONS.
named programs · 13 · from sources
What they call their work
Agudah Convention
Annual national gathering featuring religious, educational, and communal programming for the Orthodox community.
Agudah Legal
Offers legal assistance and advocacy on issues affecting the Orthodox community, including religious liberty and education rights.
Chayim Aruchim: End of Life Services
Provides guidance and support for end-of-life issues in accordance with Jewish law.
Conference of Shul Rabbanim
Network of synagogue rabbis that fosters collaboration and addresses communal religious needs.
Daf Yomi Commission
Oversees the international Daf Yomi program, promoting daily Talmud study among Jewish communities.
Employment and Training Divisions
Offers job training and placement services to community members.
Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah
Senior rabbinic leadership body that provides spiritual guidance and oversight for Agudath Israel's activities and broader community issues.
SBCO: Affordable Housing
Develops and manages affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families in the Orthodox community.
Senior Citizens Programs
Provides services and support for elderly members of the community.
Special Needs
Supports individuals with special needs and their families through resources and programming.
The Siyum
Organizes large-scale celebrations marking the completion of Talmudic study cycles, including the global Siyum HaShas.
Yahalom
Provides support and resources for single adults in the Orthodox community.
Zahav
Senior Citizens Resource and Referral Center offering information and assistance to older adults.
activities · 18 groups
What they do
-
Israel and Jewish Heritage Educational Travel 1 activity
- Advocates for online safety and removal of hate speechCollaborates with state officials, such as the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, to combat online hate and promote digital safety for the Jewish community.
-
-
Organizational Governance & Leadership Development 1 activity
- Convenes leadership bodies for communal guidanceRegularly convenes rabbinic and communal leadership to shape organizational direction and provide guidance on issues affecting the Jewish community, including cultural changes and spiritual development.
-
-
Workforce Readiness Training 1 activity
- Offers employment and training servicesDelivers classroom training, career counseling, job placement, and professional networking in a culturally sensitive environment through PCS and COPE divisions, including programs in software development, real estate, business, and accounting with pathways to degrees and professional certification.
-
-
Senior Congregate Centers 1 activity
- Offers programs for senior citizensOperates Zahav, a resource and referral center for senior citizens, though no active programs are currently listed.
-
-
Youth Development and Support Services 1 activity
- Offers youth services for boys and girlsProvides gender-specific programming for youth, including the Yahalom program for at-risk youth and other structured services for boys and girls separately.
-
-
Jewish Youth Summer Camps 1 activity
- Operates summer campsRuns Agudah-affiliated summer camps that participate in the USDA Summer Food Service Program.
-
-
Structured Jewish Text Study Programs 1 activity
- Organizes Torah-focused educational projectsCoordinates large-scale Torah study initiatives linked to the Kenisiah Gedolah, a major communal gathering.
-
-
Professional Certification and Continuing Education 1 activity
- Organizes legal professionals for advocacy and educationMobilizes attorneys for legislative advocacy, amicus brief drafting, and hosts Continuing Legal Education (CLE) workshops and halacha conferences that offer professional credits.
-
-
Jewish Textual and Educational Publishing 1 activity
- Produces and distributes religious and educational publicationsCreates and shares publications on Jewish law, philosophy, and tradition for the general public, including the publication of a sefer on the laws of the Three Weeks and Tisha B'Av.
-
-
Jewish Community Poverty Relief 1 activity
- Provides affordable housing servicesOffers housing assistance and support to members of the Orthodox Jewish community in need.
-
-
General Community Direct Support Services 1 activity
- Provides constituent servicesOffers direct support to individuals and families in the Jewish community, addressing personal, religious, and communal needs.
-
-
Jewish and Hindu Funeral Rites Support 1 activity
- Provides end-of-life servicesOffers religious and logistical support for Jewish burial and mourning practices in accordance with tradition.
-
-
Pro Bono Legal Representation and Support 1 activity
- Provides legal servicesOffers direct legal representation through pro bono or reduced-rate attorneys and provides legal counsel to communities, particularly in matters involving religious rights and zoning disputes.
-
-
Jewish Leadership Development 1 activity
- Provides rabbinic leadership support and convenes rabbinic conferencesOffers guidance and inspiration to over 350 synagogue rabbis through conferences, lectures, and events, including the annual Midwest Rabbanim conference.
-
-
Autism and Neurodiversity Family Support Services 1 activity
- Provides services for individuals with special needsOffers tailored support and programming for individuals with disabilities within the Orthodox Jewish community.
-
-
Small Business Technical Assistance 1 activity
- Provides small business consulting servicesOffers guidance and support to small businesses within the Orthodox Jewish community.
-
-
Jewish Religious Institution Support 1 activity
- Provides support services for yeshivasOffers logistical, administrative, and advocacy support to yeshivas to ensure their effective operation and compliance with communal and legal standards.
-
-
Uncategorized 2 activities
- Advocates for religious rights and communal interests in legislation and policyEngages in state and federal advocacy, including testimony before government bodies, lobbying for education and security funding, and opposing legislation perceived as harmful to religious practice, such as Massachusetts H.2984.
- Files amicus briefs and engages in litigation to protect religious freedomsSubmits legal briefs in support of religious rights, including before the U.S. Supreme Court, and participates in ongoing litigation over alleged violations of RLUIPA, such as in Jackson Township, New Jersey.
-
financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$24.60M
Contributions & grants$12.40M50%
Program service revenue$12.03M49%
Investment income$167K1%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$28.67M
Program expenses75%
Admin / overhead17%
Fundraising8%
Salaries & benefits$11.72M
Grants paid out$1.55M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$26.17M
Cash$945K
Investments$5.69M
Liabilities$12.93M
Net assets$13.25M
Liquid reserves2.8 mo
6 years on record · 2018–2023 · YoY revenue -22.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 10
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| YITZCHOK EHRMAN | COO | 40 | $408K |
| MOSHE DANZGER | CFO | 40 | $335K |
| DAVID ZWIEBEL | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | 50 | $323K |
| NAFTALI MILLER | CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER | 40 | $311K |
| AD MOTZEN | NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF GOVT AFFAIRS | 40 | $279K |
| SHIMON NEWMARK | DIRECTOR CAMP DIVISION | 40 | $254K |
| SHOLOM SCHOCHET | EDUCATOR | 10 | $248K |
| AVI SCHNALL | DIRECTOR OF FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS | 40 | $240K |
| ABBA COHEN | VP FOR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS | 40 | $234K |
| LABISH BECKER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 45 | $174K |
board members · 15
- ABRAHAM BIDERMAN — TRUSTEE
- AVI SCHRON — TRUSTEE
- BARRY LEBOVITZ — TRUSTEE
- BINYOMIN BERGER — TRUSTEE
- CHAIM KUPERWASSER — TRUSTEE
- CHAIM LESHKOWITZ — TRUSTEE
- CHASKEL BENNETT — TRUSTEE
- DAVID GROSS — TRUSTEE
- DAVID L DIAMOND — TRUSTEE
- DAVID SINGER — TRUSTEE
- DOV FISHOFF — TRUSTEE
- DOVID SCHARF — TRUSTEE
- DOVID SCHNELL — TRUSTEE
- ELI RUBIN — TRUSTEE
- ELLIOT BRECHER — TRUSTEE
relationships · 24
Who they work with
- Agudah Convention Partner — Annual convention organized by Agudath Israel of America
- Agudah Legal LLC Network — Legal network associated with Agudath Israel of America for attorneys and law students
- COPE Institute Partner — Employment and training division offering career preparation and degree pathways.
- City of University Heights Government — Opposing party in the legal case concerning religious gatherings in the home
- Combined Jewish Philanthropies Partner — Former employer of staff member and collaborating organization in Jewish communal initiatives.
- Conference of Shul Rabbanim Partner — Network of synagogue rabbis affiliated with Agudath Israel of America
- Daf Yomi Commission Partner — Organization promoting daily Talmud study, under Agudath Israel of America
- Florida House of Representatives Government — Engaged through advocacy and legislative interaction, as indicated by gallery images and news items
- Florida Senate Government — Engaged through formal participation, including delivering an opening prayer
- Jewish Community Relations Council Partner — Former employer of staff member and collaborating organization in government affairs advocacy.
- Ki Heim Chayeinu Partner — Torah education and outreach initiative
- Masmidei HaSiyum Partner — Program encouraging participation in the Siyum HaShas celebration
- Midwest Council of Synagogue Rabbonim Partner — Collaborates with Agudath Israel to release religious publications and host regional rabbinic events.
- Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Partner — Religious leadership council associated with Agudath Israel of America
- Moriah Senior Center Partner — Partner organization linked for senior services
- New Jersey Attorney General’s office Government — Collaborated to remove hateful speech from online platforms.
- New Jersey State Government Government — Engages with state budget processes to advocate for funding for nonpublic school security and child care assistance.
- Office of Governor Ron DeSantis Government — Interacted with regarding education budget and policy matters
- Professional Career Services (PCS) Partner — Employment and training division providing software development training and job placement.
- State of Connecticut Attorney General's Office Government — Connecticut Office met with Attorney General Susan Bysiewicz to discuss safety and security issues impacting the Jewish community.
- The Siyum Partner — Organization responsible for large-scale Torah celebration events
- USDA Government — Participates in the USDA Summer Food Service Program.
- United States Department of Justice Government — Filed parallel lawsuits in the litigation against Jackson Township over RLUIPA violations.
- Yahalom Partner — Program providing support for at-risk youth
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Culturally Grounded Workforce and Community Integrationmethodology: culturally-sensitive workforce integrationBy providing career training and placement that respects religious observance, the organization supports sustainable workforce entry for individuals emerging from religious study, because maintaining religious continuity is essential to successful and dignified integration into professional life.
- Integrated Advocacy Through Religious and Government Engagementmethodology: legislative_engagement, community_advocacyBy combining direct legislative engagement with faith-based community outreach, the organization advances policy goals in education, religious liberty, and social services because dual channels of religious leadership and governmental advocacy amplify community representation and policy influence.
- Torah-Centered Communal Governancemethodology: rabbinic_council_governanceBy anchoring decision-making in a council of rabbinic authorities, the organization ensures communal guidance is consistent with Torah tradition, thereby strengthening religious continuity and institutional legitimacy because collective rabbinic wisdom is seen as essential to authentic Jewish communal life.