RSS Strengthening Synagogues - Accessibility and Inclusion

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My Opinion: Banished to the Bleachers

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Susan Cohen. Opinion article: "Why give seating priority to wealthier members at the expense of worshipers with disabilities?" Fall 2005.

Web Exclusive: Tips and Resources for Making Your Congregation More Accessible for the Deaf

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

(web exclusive) Susan Cohen. Information on national organizations for the deaf and becoming a Liheyot-accessible congregation. Fall 2005.