Empowering synagogue leaders to build strong Sacred Communities
Maybe it is something in the water, or because it is Spring. I have been asked a few questions recently about the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. One synagogue leader inquired about auditing his synagogue’s discretionary fund. Their rabbi had been at …
Engagement. Relational Judaism. Mission and Vision. Welcoming. Theory of Social Change. Metrics. Social Media. These are but a few of the buzz words of synagogue life – that is stuff that thought leaders talk and write about a lot. And …
We can all agree that the closing of a synagogue for any reason is just sad. Changing demographics and economics throughout North America have contributed to the closing of both synagogues and churches since the turn of this century. Synagogues …
Concerts. Deli Night. Art Auctions. Casino Night. Bingo. These are just some of the fundraising event ideas that have become a staple for several synagogues, and local community organizations across North America. And there was the annual bazaar at the …
Two weeks ago, at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, President Trump stated he would “destroy” the Johnson Amendment. As a Senator in the 1950s, LBJ wrote legislation that when passed, was attached to the IRS regulations that impact not-for-profit organizations …
Peace in the Middle East. Women praying and reading Torah at the Western Wall. Voting Rights. The Affordable Care Act. The ban on residents of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the U.S. for the next …
The synagogue has a lot of debt. Synagogues undertaking a capital campaign to renovate, expand, or buy a piece of property and build a new synagogue is a good thing. Assuming debt and taking on a mortgage, not so much. …
It is a tough time to write with a positive outlook. But now is the opportunity for synagogues to step up! Since my first visit to Israel in 1975, my hope and dream for peace continues. But I must admit …
“Back in the day”, there were two primary means of communication. The telephone, and written communication that included the letter and printed materials on paper like newsletters. The telephone has changed dramatically in my lifetime. My parents had three telephones …
Not in the spiritual sense, but financially? It is a common question I hear. The synagogue’s vice-president for Finance does her analysis. The streams of income from dues/annual commitments, religious school, pre-school, and the High Holy Day Appeal have been …