RSS Strengthening Synagogues

Action: The Biennial as Change Agent

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Julie Schwartz. How Reform synagogues turned their Biennial experience into lasting change: re-energizing congregants, increasing membership, engaging youth, involving young families, reviving a caring community, and more. Summer 2013.

Holidays: Streaming into the New Year

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Mary Ann Sternberg. Sick with bronchitis, the author decided to stream Rosh Hashanah services at three different congregations, including KK Bene Israel / Rockdale Temple in Cincinnati and Central Synagogue in NYC. She describes her experiences and offers streaming tips for temples. Summer 2013.

Map: Visiting Your Family

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

An RJ-ARZA collaboration. A guide to all 40 IMPJ congregations, with worship and contact information and a color-coded Visitors Map of every community. Part of RJ Insiders Guide to Israel Travel. Summer 2013.

Reinventing the Synagogue

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

interview with Allison Fine. A temple president and co-author of The Networked Nonprofit discusses why synagogues need a new networked model, one of community rooted in conversation, to nourish the feeling of matter-ness. Summer 2013.

What Works: Helping Israeli Soldiers Heal

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

No byline. Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple in New Brunswick, New Jersey became the 1st Reform synagogue in the U.S. to host a Peace of Mind group, helping a unit of 16 Israeli soldiers work through their traumatic experiences. Summer 2013.

What Works: A Shiva Registry for Mourning Families

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

No byline. A free shiva registry service started by Sharon Rosen can streamline shiva arrangements for congregations and individuals, and strengthen congregational community. Spring 2013.

Action: Smart Strategies for Facility Savings

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Julie Schwartz. Reform congregations of different sizes have enacted greening initiatives, re-conceptualized their energy usage, and developed space-sharing arrangements with other denominations, all resulting in significant cost reductions. Heres how to follow their example. Spring 2013.

Debatable: Should Our Seminary Admit Students with Non-Jewish Partners?

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Kirzane (yes) and Brandon Bernstein (no). Two HUC-JIR rabbinical students debate this issue. Spring 2013.

Interfaith Interaction: Reimagining Muslim-Jewish Relations

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

a conversation with Sarah Bassin. The executive director of the L.A.-based organization NewGround discusses trends in Muslim-Jewish relations as well as tested, effective ways to build interfaith relationships. Spring 2013.

Action: Involving Families with Young Children

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Barbara Pash. How congregations can successfully engage young families. Profiles model congregations of different sizes and presents experts tips for success. Winter 2012.

Bar(chu) Hopping

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Josh Nelson. We want prayer experiences in and of the momentones without an alternative agenda or expectation of our doing or giving. Part of Cover Story: Forum for the Future, in which six 20s and 30s say what they need to find their home in the Jewish community. Winter 2012.

Chairman's Perspective: Pursuing Justice

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen M. Sacks. The URJs Just Congregations program assists congregations and individuals in fulfilling their commitment to social justice. Heres how. Winter 2012.

Dear Reader: History & Herstory

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Rick Jacobs. The URJ president champions justice and fairness for women, focusing on two current issues: healthcare in the military and equal pay within the workforce. Winter 2012.

Knowing Thy Community

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

David Gerber. Jewish young adults want to be around others who share their passions. Part of Cover Story: Forum for the Future, in which six 20s and 30s say what they need to find their home in the Jewish community. Winter 2012.

Pitching to Parents

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sarah Lefton. As parents of a 3-year-old, there isnt a place where my husband and I can learn in a serious way at the same time. Part of Cover Story: Forum for the Future, in which six 20s and 30s say what they need to find their home in the Jewish community. Winter 2012.

Reviving the Tribe

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rebecca Missel. How many times can a young person go to synagogue alone and be ignored by the leadership before he/she decides to give up? Part of Cover Story: Forum for the Future, in which six 20s and 30s say what they need to find their home in the Jewish community. Winter 2012.

The Sacred Circle of Sisterhood

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

a conversation with Dolores Kosberg Wilkenfeld, Lynn Magid Lazar, and Dara Amram. Three Women of Reform Judaism of different generations offer insider perspectives on the power and promise of Sisterhood (first NFTS, now WRJ) in its first 100 years. Winter 2012.

What Works: Engaging Young Professionals & New Parents

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

no byline. Highlights The Open Tent program established by Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach, which is engaging three different demographics: young professionals 25-45, expectant parents, and new parents. Winter 2012.

What Works: Honoring a Rabbi

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Gail Aspinwall. Temple Judea in Tarzana, California presents a loving tribute to surprised Rabbi Donald Goor. Winter 2012.

Feature Story: The Key to Keeping Members

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Ryan E. Smith. Proven strategies to retain adult membership in your synagogue based on other URJ congregational models and expert advice. Includes URJ resources. Fall 2012.

Reforming Judaism: Voices from the People, Part II

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

RJ magazine readers throughout North America discuss breaking down denominational barriers, re-envisioning our Movements name, standing for something timeless, and shaping the Reform future. Fall 2012 web exclusive.

Synagogue: Selecting a Rabbi via Community Organizing

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jeffrey Govendo. Applying community-organizing methodology to the rabbi search at Congregation Bnai Shalom, Westborough, Massachusetts. Fall 2012.

Catalyst for Change

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

interview with Rabbi Rick Jacobs. The Union for Reform Judaisms new president reflects on his formative experiences, the lessons he has learned about personal and synagogue transformation, his vision for the future of the URJ and the Reform Movement, and his determination to surmount the monumental challenges on the road ahead. Summer 2012.

Feature Story: How To Build Community on Shabbat

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Ryan E. Smith. Congregations innovative approaches to strengthening member involvement on the Day of Rest. Summer 2012.

Synagogue: Strengthening Community with Social Media

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Lisa Colton. Five ways your congregation can use social media to engage members and potential members. Summer 2012.

What Works: A Torah Class That Lasts

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

No byline. The adult-ed Torah study class at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook, New York is still going strong after 23 years. Summer 2012.

Action: Rabbi & President: The Path to Partnership

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Ryan E. Smith. Rabbis, lay leaders, and consultants reflect on how to foster a sacred partnership grounded in respect, cooperation, and purpose. Spring 2012.

Debatable: May Non-Jews Recite Any Blessing from the Bimah?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Elliot Strom (yes) and Arnold Gluck (no). Two congregational rabbis debate this issue. Spring 2012.

What Works: A Labyrinth Changes Lives

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

No byline. How a labyrinth that began as an Eagle Scout project has become an integral part of the spiritual life of Congregation Kol Ami in Flower Mound, Texas. Spring 2012.

Action: Leader Readiness Training

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ryan E. Smith. Advice from Reform congregations, URJ consultants, and other experts on how to identify, cultivate, and train the volunteers of today and tomorrow. Winter 2011.

Debatable: Is the Traditional Dues Model Still Viable?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Mark Jacobson, Judy Buckman. Two temple executive directors present differing perspectives on this issue based on such concerns as sound business principles and the very mention of dues leaving a negative impression. Winter 2011.

Haze Over Harmony

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

James Rudin. Why have mainline Protestant leadersour social justice and religious coalition partnersconsistently made common cause with the Palestinians, often ignoring Israeli perspectives on the conflict? How can we strengthen our relationships with Protestant churches? Winter 2011.

Meet Our Temple

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

How Bnai Israel Synagogue Don Abraham Jewish Cultural Center, Rochester, Minnesota is providing hospitality for Jewish residents and patients from all over the world who come for treatment to the Mayo Clinic. Winter 2011. PDF.

Reforming Judaism: Voices from the People, Part 1

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

What Reform Judaism readers say about how to boost synagogue membership, ensure our economic vitality, and secure the Reform Jewish future in North America. Grassroots responses to the crucial congregational issues of our times. Covers such issues as accessibility and inclusion, being a caring community, finances, temple management, membership, transformation, and welcoming. Winter 2011.

Small Congregations: An End PlanOn Your Terms

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jane L. Levere. The URJ is partnering with the Jewish Community Legacy Project to help congregations that may be nearing the end of their lifecycle determine what would best happen to their building, Torah scrolls, and more. Winter 2011.

What Works: Changing Lives in Charlotte

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The rewards of Temple Beth El in Charlotte having partnered with eight Jewish agencies on the Shalom Park campus to launch the Shalom Park Freedom School, offering intensive literacy education to 50 low-income summer campers in a summer camp environment.

What Works: The Wandering Jews of Astoria

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The exponential growth of a pluralistic minyan primarily serving 20s and 30s in Astoria, New York which was created by two HUC-JIR rabbinical studentsand what congregations can learn from their initiative.

Action: A Vision for Our Synagogue

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. Congregational stories of how a process of strategic visioning (in which a congregation works together to define what is unique and beloved about it, articulate its core Jewish values/hopes, and imagines a new future) can become a means of engaging the entire community in building and bonding, allow for better congregational decision-making, and offer members were entrees into active synagogue life; also includes how-to advice by URJ consultants & other experts. Fall 2011.

Debatable: Should Clergy Be Able to Officiate for Non-Members?

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

YES by Liz Hirsch, NO by Randi Jaffe. In this debate, one synagogue executive director finds that this practice boosts membership; the other believes that offering free services may doom the synagogue as an institution. Fall 2011.

What Your Oneg Says About You

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sue Fishkoff. Explains how an oneg can make or break a congregations recruitment efforts, oneg history, different systems to differentiate and welcome newcomers to the congregation, and more. Includes a sidebar guide to breaking the ice, 8 Ways To Greet a Stranger in Synagogue, by Marcia Nichols. Fall 2011.

A Temple Divided Can Still Stand Together

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A symposium with Shirley Gordon, Judi Ratner, Peter Rubinstein, David Wolfman. Time-tested advice on handling three fictional congregational conflict scenarios, with an emphasis on how to include the entire congregation in the process. Includes "10 Ways To Cool Down Hot Meetings." Summer 2011.

A Temple Divided Can Still Stand Together

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A symposium with Shirley Gordon, Judi Ratner, Peter Rubinstein, David Wolfman. Most serious conflicts within the synagogue are preventable, say our experts. They offer time-tested advice on handling three fictional congregational conflict scenarios. Includes "10 Ways To Cool Down Hot Meetings." Summer 2011.

A Temple Divided Can Still Stand Together

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A symposium with Shirley Gordon, Judi Ratner, Peter Rubinstein, David Wolfman. Time-tested advice on handling three fictional congregational conflict scenarios, including when a beloved senior rabbi is retiring and the associate has applied for the position, dividing the congregation. Summer 2011.

A Temple Divided Can Still Stand Together

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A symposium with Shirley Gordon, Judi Ratner, Peter Rubinstein, David Wolfman. Time-tested advice on handling three fictional congregational conflict scenarios, including when a temple board decides to merge with a larger congregation because of financial difficulties. Summer 2011.

Courting New Members

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Annette Powers. Successful congregational strategies to recruit prospective members and to engage new ones in temple life. Includes URJ resources. Summer 2011.

How Rut Became Ruth

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sarah Newmark. How the new rabbi of a Bremerton, Washington synagogue turned a challenge—the religious school students' not knowing the real meaning of their Hebrew names and not having connections to them—into a Congregation Wide Naming Project. Summer 2011.

What Works: A Rosh Hashanah Service for Special Needs

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

How Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City created a special Rosh Hashanah service that was greatly valued by Jews with special needs and their families; includes tips. Summer 2011.

What Works: When a Synagogue Emulates Woodstock

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Every two years, Congregation M'kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, New Jersey puts on an all-day, community-wide outdoor party called the M'korstock Festival of Music, Arts & Shalom. Summer 2011.

And She Shall Be a Blessing

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Melanie Goldish. The story of how Debbie Friedman supported the author's young son Travis, who was being treated for cancer, and Travis' brother too. Part of Tribute: Music Legend Debbie Friedman. Spring 2011.

Debatable: Should We Require Dress Codes for a Shabbat Aliyah?

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Don Levey: Yes / Rich Blumenthal: No. Debate between two Reform congregants. Spring 2011.

Not More Than My Place; Not Less Than My Space

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Laura Geller. How do I balance the desire to be acknowledged while making space for others to shine? Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Productivity vs. Procreation

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Juliana Schnur. How do I balance my work - where I'm a valued member of the team - with what it takes to meet the right man? Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Secrets of a Song Prophet

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Alane S. Katzew. Debbie Friedman's four masterful skills that allowed her to transform a group of strangers into a sacred community. Part of Tribute: Music Legend Debbie Friedman. Spring 2011.

Singing Our Souls

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Freelander. Reflections on Debbie Friedman's influence in the Reform Movement. Part of Tribute: Music Legend Debbie Friedman. Spring 2011.

Successful Synagogue Fundraising Strategies

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. Time-tested techniques to maximize temple fundraising campaigns. Includes congregational best practices and advice from a variety of synagogue fundraising consultants. Spring 2011.

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives. A Synagogue Story Filmed for Posterity

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For its 150-year anniversary, Congregation B'nai Israel created the film "L'Dor V'Dor - From Generation to Generation" to memorialize the temple's rich history and tell the story of its survival. Spring 2011.

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives. Mitzvah Quilts

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Temple Israel, Ottawa volunteers are making baby quilts for families in Israel affected by terrorism. Spring 2011.

What Works: Ideas and Initiatives. Legacy of Love

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Miriam and David Solomon and seven other Jews were left without a Reform congregation in Helena, Arkansas, so the Solomons' son Lafe had the High Holy Day services of Temple Sinai in Washington, D.C. filmed and shown in their living room. Spring 2011.

Young Minds

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A symposium. Twelve Jewish day school students - Jonathan Bleiberg, Sterling Dixon, Alex Garnick, Bari Gold, Rebecca Greenberg, Benjamin Lee, Max Lewis, Madeline Press, Samantha Shinder, Mariel Tivoli, Jacob Tommey, and Jack Zucker - share their personal perspectives on heroism, human flaws, God, social justice, technology, and more - largely informed by the Reform Jewish day school experience. Spring 2011.

Rabbinic Transition

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Deborah Prinz. How engaging a trained interim rabbi can smooth out the successor/emeritus dynamic, shifting the congregation's attention away from what was to what can be. Summer 2010.

Encouraging Conversion

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman & Vicki Farhi. How Reform congregations are successfully engaging potential Jews-by-choice. Winter 2010.

Choosing Judaism: Organic Conversion

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Ken Chasen. A rabbi's personal story of creating the conversion conditions to meet the potential convert's "moment." Winter 2010.

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Guardian angel for homeless couples; hydrate a child & save a life; "turkey train"; retirees' mitzvah corps; mitzvah matchmaker. Winter 2010.

Debatable: Should Temples Hold Separate Events to Welcome LGBT Jews?

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Andrew Ramer (yes) and Morrie Hartman (no). How one lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender event changed a congregation; and how one man felt isolated in being reached out to because of sexual orientation rather than his Jewishness. Fall 2010.

What Works: An Artful Partnership

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University have teamed up to transform TTTI's historic synagogue and museum facility into the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center at The Temple-Tifereth Israel. Part of What Works: Ideas & Initiatives column. Fall 2010.

Action: How To Draw in Generation Y

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. What Reform congregations and others have learned about engaging 20- and 30-something Jews.

Action: How to Draw in Generation Y

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. What Reform congregations and others have learned about engaging 20- and 30-something Jews. Fall 2010.

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Temple Sinai in Washington, DC has reinvigorated its religious school experience, the students learning quicker and better, through giving choices in timing of religious school and smaller classes. Part of "What Works: Ideas & Initiatives" column. Fall 2010.

Wilderness Awakening

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A conversation with Rabbis Mike Comins, Kevin Kleinman, Jamie Korngold, and Owen Gottlieb. Our biblical ancestors first experienced God in the wilderness. What did they know that we need to rediscover? Fall 2010.

Funding: Unlikely Dollars, Unfettered Dreams

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Debby Waldman. How Reform congregations turned national and local grants into innovative temple programming; includes grant resources. Summer 2010.

Helpline: Facility Efficiency

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Advice from URJ architectural expert Judith Erger on how to remain in an outdated synagogue building and still save funds. Summer 2010.

Synagogue: A Katrina Love Story

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Robert H. Loewy. Out of the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe, a Reform and an Orthodox congregation forged a loving relationship. Summer 2010.

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Three model congregational programs: an ongoing group of non-Jewish spouses, "Three Evenings with the Rabbi" for non-Jewish spouses, a group of mothers not born Jewish who are raising their children as Jews. Part of "What Works: Innovative Interfaith Initiatives." Summer 2010.

Action: The Art of Muslim-Jewish Dialogue

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jane Herman. What Reform congregations have learned about interacting personally with neighboring mosques and URJ resources to help. Summer 2010.

What Works: Netzwerking with Bunde

Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

How Temple Sinai youth groupers in Denver and Netzwerk students in Bunde, Germany developed and nurtured a longstanding relationship that continues to this day. Part of "What Works: Ideas & Initiatives." Spring 2010

Synagogue: Breaking the Color Barrier

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Susan Talve. To create an integrated, safe, and welcoming place for Jews of color, Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis, Missouri followed a similar model to the successful one they had implemented in reaching out to the GLBT community in the 1980s. Spring 2010.

Being a Caring Community

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Marilyn Hawkes. Reform congregations have created model caring communities which serve as extended families for congregants needing emotional, physical, and spiritual help. Here's how to follow their example. Spring 2010.

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Seven of eight Reform congregations in Atlanta joined in the city's first-ever joint Shabbat weekend of prayer and friendships. Part of "What Works: Ideas & Initiatives." Spring 2010.

What Works: Saving the Environment through Song

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A bar mitzvah project that blossomed into a global environmental project called KidEarth, which joins youngsters from around the world through song. Winter 2009.

A House of Prayer for All Children

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. How Reform congregations are providing Jewish enrichment to children with special needs; includes time-tested ways to offer them creative and fulfilling b'nai mitzvah ceremonies. Winter 2009.

Helpline: Saving $$

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Advice from URJ finance expert David Katowitz regarding saving money on office supplies and insurance premiums. Winter 2009.

Earthcare: An Ethical Culture Designed to Save Our Planet & Ourselves

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Interview. Four Kibbutz Lotan ecology experts explain why environmentalism is a Jewish imperative and how Reform Jews and congregations throughout North America can re-envision and transform our relationship with the earth. Winter 2009.

Education: Preventing Post B'nai Mitzvah Dropout-itis

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Rabbi Jan Katzew. To stem the high dropout rate post b'nai mitzvah, learn from the 7-10% of Reform religious schools that retain 80%+ of students through 12th grade, all of which have key factors in common. Winter 2009.

What Works: Ideas and Initiatives

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At Congregation Beth Or in Maple Glen, PA, congregants may reserve the Torah for one week-ark and all-which includes an evening of home Torah study on that week's portion led by the clergy. Part of "What Works: Ideas & Initiatives" column. Fall 2009.

Debatable: Should We Offer Free High Holy Day Tickets to Non-Members?

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Maxine Sukenik and Steve Friedman. A debate between two temple presidents, each of whose congregation has chosen a different path. Fall 2009.

Community Cures for Economic Blues

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. Since the economy began its freefall, Reform congregations and individuals are responding with compassionate to support people without jobs in their communities and beyond. Fall 2009.

Priceless Partnerships

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Marge Eisner. The ins and outs of sharing facilities, congregational mergers, consolidations, and other cost-saving options. Fall 2009.

Trendspotting: 'Til Eternity Do Us Part'

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Debby Waldman. An overview of Reform congregations that offer members a place for burial of non-Jewish as well as Jewish members; includes URJ resources on temple cemetery policies. Fall 2009.

Cyber Innovations

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. How cutting-edge technology is being used to develop innovative practices that enrich worship, enhance sacred space, educate, and build community within the synagogue and beyond. Features many congregational models. Summer 2009

Cyber Judaism

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As part of an RJ magazine forum, five rabbis and three lay leaders share their perspectives on how the latest technologies are changing Jewish life in synagogues and homes. Summer 2009.

Helpline: Social Action Q&A

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

No byline. Answering the questions: Are congregations permitted to take positions on upcoming state ballot initiatives, and how can new Reform social action chairs best get started? Summer 2009.

Small Congregations: A Temple Revives in a Funeral Home

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Debby Waldman. How Temple Beth Ora in Edmonton has blossomed since it moved into a space shared by a Jewish funeral home. Summer 2009.

What Works: Personalizing the High Holy Days

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and Congregation Or Chadash in Damascus, MD are engaging congregants in discussing their stories as well as their hopes and dreams for the New Year. Summer 2009.

Partners in Power

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel David May. Reform congregants throughout America are engaged in a radical rethinking of social action-community organizing-using the same community organizing model that propelled President Barack Obama to victory. Spring 2009.

Action: Blueprints for Green Living

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. What we can learn from Reform Jews, Reform congregations, and the Union for Reform Judaism about sustaining the planet for future generations. Spring 2009.

In Search of the Synagogue Part IV: Two Distinctive Finds Change Our Conception of Jewish Art & History [3rd century C.E. - 7th century C.E.]

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Professor Lee I. Levine. Discusses two distinctive finds - the Dura Europos Synagogue in Syria and the Sardis Synagogue in today's Turkey - that have changed our view of Jewish art in antiquity. Winter 2008.

A New Spin in the Synagogue

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Andi Rosenthal. From "Vodka & Latkes" to "Chanuplex", the variety of Reform congregational programs that are shining a creative light on Chanukah. Winter 2008.

Action: Confronting the Healthcare Crisis

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Donald Cohen-Cutler. Community actions taken by Reform Jews and congregations to help the uninsured millions in America; includes URJ social action resources. Winter 2008.

Imaginative Erev Shabbat Services

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer. Evening programs of dancing and singing to Chasidic-style gospel sounds with lyrics and prayers projected on a large screen; Jewish indie movies; yoga; "Kids' Club"; intergenerational dinners; crafts; puppetry/storytelling service; and more innovative ways to celebrate Shabbat. Winter 2008.

What Works - Ideas & Initiatives

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The New Community Chevra Kaddisha, a burial society in Pittsburgh by and for the entire Jewish community. Winter 2008.

RSS Strengthening Synagogues

Action: The Biennial as Change Agent

Holidays: Streaming into the New Year

Map: Visiting Your Family

Reinventing the Synagogue

What Works: Helping Israeli Soldiers Heal

What Works: A Shiva Registry for Mourning Families

Action: Smart Strategies for Facility Savings

Debatable: Should Our Seminary Admit Students with Non-Jewish Partners?

Interfaith Interaction: Reimagining Muslim-Jewish Relations

Action: Involving Families with Young Children

Bar(chu) Hopping

Chairman's Perspective: Pursuing Justice

Dear Reader: History & Herstory

Knowing Thy Community

Pitching to Parents

Reviving the Tribe

The Sacred Circle of Sisterhood

What Works: Engaging Young Professionals & New Parents

What Works: Honoring a Rabbi

Feature Story: The Key to Keeping Members

Reforming Judaism: Voices from the People, Part II

Synagogue: Selecting a Rabbi via Community Organizing

Catalyst for Change

Feature Story: How To Build Community on Shabbat

Synagogue: Strengthening Community with Social Media

What Works: A Torah Class That Lasts

Action: Rabbi & President: The Path to Partnership

Debatable: May Non-Jews Recite Any Blessing from the Bimah?

What Works: A Labyrinth Changes Lives

Action: Leader Readiness Training

Debatable: Is the Traditional Dues Model Still Viable?

Haze Over Harmony

Meet Our Temple

Reforming Judaism: Voices from the People, Part 1

Small Congregations: An End PlanOn Your Terms

What Works: Changing Lives in Charlotte

What Works: The Wandering Jews of Astoria

Action: A Vision for Our Synagogue

Debatable: Should Clergy Be Able to Officiate for Non-Members?

What Your Oneg Says About You

A Temple Divided Can Still Stand Together

A Temple Divided Can Still Stand Together

A Temple Divided Can Still Stand Together

A Temple Divided Can Still Stand Together

Courting New Members

How Rut Became Ruth

What Works: A Rosh Hashanah Service for Special Needs

What Works: When a Synagogue Emulates Woodstock

And She Shall Be a Blessing

Debatable: Should We Require Dress Codes for a Shabbat Aliyah?

Not More Than My Place; Not Less Than My Space

Productivity vs. Procreation

Secrets of a Song Prophet

Singing Our Souls

Successful Synagogue Fundraising Strategies

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives. A Synagogue Story Filmed for Posterity

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives. Mitzvah Quilts

What Works: Ideas and Initiatives. Legacy of Love

Young Minds

Rabbinic Transition

Encouraging Conversion

Choosing Judaism: Organic Conversion

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

Debatable: Should Temples Hold Separate Events to Welcome LGBT Jews?

What Works: An Artful Partnership

Action: How To Draw in Generation Y

Action: How to Draw in Generation Y

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

Wilderness Awakening

Funding: Unlikely Dollars, Unfettered Dreams

Helpline: Facility Efficiency

Synagogue: A Katrina Love Story

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

Action: The Art of Muslim-Jewish Dialogue

What Works: Netzwerking with Bunde

Synagogue: Breaking the Color Barrier

Being a Caring Community

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

What Works: Saving the Environment through Song

Small Congregations: An End PlanOn Your Terms