Recently, Joe Rodgers and I participated in a modest Conference for Small Congregations organized by United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism. Some thirty rabbis and lay leaders — presidents, board members, an executive director — gathered to share with and learn from one another.

Small congregations? Attending congregations ranged from 40 to 260 member “units.” (The majority of Conservative Jews in the United Sates belong to small congregations.)

For the most part, the attendees shared the same concerns: increasing synagogue participation at all levels and improving our planning, programming, and recruiting and retaining members.

We practiced a technique to process a new venture, whether a class, a social event or a religious service. Responsibilities and roles were discussed in the context of tasks such as establishing policy, crafting a vision statement, education decisions, and programs.

We shared challenges large and small, opportunities found and lost, professional highs and lows. Suggestions came from a deep well of experience; one-on-one conversations led to insights and encouragement to try new things.

Among my take-aways: Options for occasionally shaking up the Shabbat morning service; alternatives to “we always…;” there are other words than “committee” for committees; how to begin tackling a large project; many personal stories are even more compelling than your own.

I got to share with the group a song I wrote about my seminary experience. The line that resonated most with all was this aspiration: “I’ll inspire ev’ry Jew to find something new / in traditions passed down through the ages.” All who came to the conference aspire to inspire; I will use everything I gained from those two days to enrich, to uplift, your Jewish life at Shirat Hayam.

shabbat shalom!שבת שלום