AKRON, Ohio — The Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah has announced the launch of a new competition “to identify and recognize programs that help individuals and organizations access and apply Jewish wisdom in ways that enable them to live better lives and shape a better world.” Two first prizes of $18,000 will be awarded, recognizing one program of national or international scope and one program that operates locally or regionally. Two additional programs in each category will be selected for “honorable mention,” and will receive $6,000 each. The Awards will be presented in November 2016 at a ceremony in New York.

“The great challenge we face as a community today is how to make Jewish life meaningful to Jews on a day-to-day basis,” adds Dr. Jonathan Woocher, Foundation president. “Jewish wisdom addresses so many areas important to individuals and families today – from personal spiritual growth, to effective parenting, to how to live sustainably, to how to create a more just and peaceful world.  Our goal in inaugurating this Prize is not just to recognize exemplary programs that currently exist, but to stimulate new efforts to enrich people’s lives by applying Jewish wisdom across many spheres of activity.”

Non-profit organizations are invited to submit entries online at www.lippmankanferprize.org before August 15. Programs in any area of Jewish life where Jewish teaching and practice are being used to help participants live better lives and shape a better world are eligible to for the prize. Applicants will be judged holistically on a variety of criteria that can be found on the prize website.