The Spirituality Of Welcoming

by Wolfson, Ron

• ISBN13: 9781580232449
• ISBN10: 1580232442
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-07-30
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Pub

Summary

Synagogues should be effective and relevant centers of Jewish life but too often the focus is on programs not people, on revenue not relationships.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction	1	(26)
Studying Synagogues: The Genesis of Synagogue 2000	2	(5)
The Transformation of American Judaism	7	(4)
A New Kind of Aliyah	11	(2)
What Are the Major Challenges Facing Synagogues Today?	13	(4)
Why Don't Most Jews Enjoy Synagogue?	17	(3)
Rethinking Spirituality	20	(4)
The Spirituality of Welcoming: The View from the Summit	24	(3)
2 The Synagogue 2000 Theory of Synagogue Transformation	27	(18)
How to Transform a Synagogue: Strategies for Effecting Change	27	(9)
What Values Should Guide Us as We Seek to Change?	36	(3)
Features of the Synagogue 2000 Process of Synagogue Transformation	39	(4)
Synagogue 2000 Becomes Synagogue 3000	43	(1)
Adopting the Synagogue 2000 Transformation Process: You Can Do It!	44	(1)
3 Welcoming Ambience	45	(38)
What Does Jewish Tradition Teach Us About Hospitality?	45	(5)
Why Is Hospitality So Important for Synagogues?	50	(2)
The Radical Hospitality Experts: Chabad and the Megachurches	52	(2)
Emergent Congregations: Redefining Hospitality	54	(1)
How Synagogues Can Provide Quality Service: Learning from the Corporate World	54	(8)
Giving the Synagogue a More Welcoming Face: The Importance of Greeting	62	(8)
How Can the Synagogue Be a More Welcoming Space?	70	(8)
The Art of Dealing with Difficult People	78	(5)
4 Welcoming Worship	83	(60)
Researching Welcoming Worship in Churches	84	(5)
Researching Welcoming Worship in Synagogues	89	(7)
Using Music to Transform the Synagogue Experience	96	(14)
The Spiritual Message	110	(6)
Welcoming During Worship	116	(7)
Other Ways to Enhance Worship	123	(10)
Empowering the Worship Team	133	(5)
The Transformation of Synagogue Worship	138	(5)
5 Welcoming Membership	143	(56)
Rethinking Membership	143	(5)
Recruiting New Members	148	(10)
The Culture of Dues	158	(12)
Welcoming New Members	170	(9)
Deepening the Connectedness of All
Members to the Sacred Community	179	(15)
Structure, Staffing, and Funding for Growth	194	(3)
Broadcasting the Message	197	(2)
In Gratitude	199	(4)
Action Guide for Congregational Leaders	203	(2)
Suggestions for Further Reading	205	(2)
Guide to Tips and Exercises	207