Advocacy Resources for a More Inclusive Community
|
Big Tent Judaism Op-Ed's
Click here for more » |
Advocacy Initiatives
Click here for more » |
Think-Pieces and Sermons
Click here for more » |
Voices of Big Tent Judaism
Click here for more » |
The Big Tent Judaism Blog
containing up-to-the-minute news about the efforts of the Big Tent Judaism Coalition and other programs and events within the Jewish community that open our tent...
Monthly Archives
Taking the First Welcoming Steps
There is a simple way to make synagogues “sacred and vital,” said Dr. Ron Wolfson in the New Jersey Jewish News. “Congregations can start by making sure everyone who walks in the door is warmly greeted.”
Though it sounds easy, this first step is too often overlooked. That moment when someone – especially a newcomer – walks through our doors is an opportunity to establish a lasting connection. So important is that experience for both the synagogue and the visitor, Dr. Wolfson, a professor at the American Jewish University, now devotes much of his time to helping synagogues realize the power of welcoming. As president of Synagogue 3000, an organization that aims to make synagogues compelling moral and spiritual centers for the twenty-first century, he helps challenge “the existing assumptions of synagogue life in North America.” Most notably, this means a successful synagogue is not one that merely offers more programs, but instead develops a deeper relationship with their members. This begins with a warm welcome.
From our own work with Synagogue 3000 (JOI’s Rabbi Kerry Olitzky was a consultant) and congregations across North America, we have seen firsthand the value of saying “welcome.” It is so great that we made “Welcome all Newcomers” the first principle of our Big Tent Judaism Coalition. As a matter of fact, that theme is woven into almost everything we do at JOI. We believe the warmth with which we welcome all who approach will determine the future landscape of the North American Jewish community. But we also know that welcoming isn’t all that’s involved. Helping people find the meaning and value in Judaism has to follow.
While synagogue life might not be as vibrant as it was in years past, all synagogues still have the power to be a central pillar of Jewish life. Once they take that first welcoming step and help people feel like they belong, Synagogues will create, as Rick says at the end of Casablanca, “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Comments
No comments yet.