A practical guide for envisioning--and transforming--your synagogue into
a powerful new congregation of welcoming, learning and healing. "The new
synagogue we envision is a spiritual center for all those who set foot
inside it. It is a kehillah kedoshah, a sacred community, where
relationships are paramount, where worship is engaging, where everyone
is learning, where repair of the world is a moral imperative, where
healing is offered, where personal and institutional transformation are
embraced. The times are ripe for this spiritual call." --from the
Introduction So often we want our congregations to be more--more
compelling, more member-focused, more spiritual and yet more useful for
our daily lives. Through reflection, examples, tips and exercises--and
incorporating the fruits of Synagogue 2000 (now Synagogue 3000), a
groundbreaking decade-long program investigating the challenges facing
modern synagogues--this inspiring handbook both establishes a sound
foundation for why a deep hospitality is crucial for the survival of
today's spiritual communities, and dives into the practical hands-on how
of turning your congregation into a place of invitation and openness
that includes: Prayer that is engaging, uplifting and spiritually
moving - Institutional deepening that is possible because of an openness
to change - Study that engages adults and families, as well as
children - Good deeds--the work of social justice--as a commitment of
each and every member - An ambience of welcome that creates a culture of
warmth and outreach - Healing that offers comfort and support at times
of illness and loss - ... and much more.
