BH Guest Blog by Yoram Samets, Founder of Jvillage Network
When we ask synagogue leadership why Shabbat attendance is low, or why holiday attendance is low (outside the two major holidays of Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur), we always hear the same. In a nut shell: the problem is out there, not in here. Shabbat morning services compete with soccer practice, symphony practice, sleeping practice, or shopping practice. In essence, the "out there problem” is that many Jews value these things more than attending services. As synagogue leaders, we need to focus on increasing the value of services and the benefits of coming to a synagogue. In a chaotic world, many Jews are looking for connectedness, spiritual well-being, and more family time. Synagogue and services have many elements that could help members meet these needs - but first we need to provide the kinds of information, learning, and benefits that members can grow with. This may not an easy journey--but it is possible.
Shabbat is the central holy day for Jews, and we need to pay more attention to increasing its meaning, value and benefits to our members. We no longer live in a world where the Rabbis tell us what to do. Participating in Shabbat needs to come from creating a valuable service to your community. If Shabbat does not benefit your member, the member will not show up.
The first suggestion I would make is that rabbis have to stop thinking that Shabbat is one of the ten commandments. Consider having your rabbi(s) and appropriate community leadership set up a one-year task group to focus on increasing participation, and experiment to find out what will work best for your community. Here are some basic ideas:
• conduct an on-line survey to learn more about your congregants wants and needs for Shabbat services
• define the key benefits to participation in general, i.e. “What is in it for me?”
• define the key benefits of each upcoming Shabbat or holiday service, i.e. don’t assume your members know what Sukkot means, or what to do on Sukkot
• create at least monthly special Shabbats for various segments of the congregation, especially religious school participation and families with young children
• don’t be afraid to hold two different services simultaneously, combining afterwards for a community Shabbat lunch
These ideas are not new. And yet we get so in the weeds about our religious services that we forget to look around us and see all the Jews we are leaving out. You may already be doing more than you realize to promote connectedness, participation, and member engagement with Shabbat and other holidays. Just remember: you need to communicate the benefits in order to see increased meaning and participation.
What are you currently doing to make Shabbat services feel inviting and relevant to broader segments of your congregation?
Jvillage builds websites for Jewish organizations. To learn more, visit jvillagenetwork.com
