Rabbi Carl M. Perkins 
Donald R. Lassman, President
 


 

What makes a "successful" congregation?



Dear Friends,
 
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by an editor from the Jewish Advocate.  She had a bunch of questions for me that boiled down to one simple one:  What makes a successful shul?  

I thought it over for a few minutes and jotted down some reflections that I thought might be of interest to you.  Would you add anything to my list?  Would you take anything away?
 
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
 
Sincerely,
 
Rabbi Perkins
 
 
Dear Alexandra,
 
This is indeed a fascinating topic.  Let me share with you a few initial reactions.  Keep in mind that these are based on my own experience as a congregational rabbi in one particular congregation.  It's possible that others will see things differently.
 
To cut to the chase, let me say that I believe that congregations can only hope to succeed if they build and maintain strong, purposeful and joyful communities within them. If the folks who join a synagogue (or a minyan or a havurah) feel themselves to be part of a community (in Hebrew, a "kehillah")--indeed, a sacred community (in Hebrew, a "kehillah kedoshah")--committed to lofty goals and aspirations; if they feel inspired by those goals (and the privilege of being a part of a sacred community) to work together to achieve those goals; if they go out of their way to support one another and comfort one another and rejoice with one another and do good deeds with one another; if they are prepared to "be there" for one another, during good times and bad; if they see their fellow congregants as "fellow travelers"--who, like them, are seeking to learn from, make sense out of, and live their lives informed and guided by the Jewish tradition; then they can hope to succeed--whatever we mean by "success".
 
How do synagogues attract individuals and families? By sharing the joy they feel being together and "doing Jewish" (to quote Leonard Fein, z"l) together.  And this can happen only by meeting people where they're at and reaching out with a welcoming, outstretched arm to help individuals and families feel at home.
 
To talk tachlis for a moment (click here for the definition of "tachlis"), it is, of course, important to have a flexible dues structure, because members vary dramatically in their ability to afford dues.  For some, annual dues represent a considerable expense; for others, they represent only a tiny share of their disposable income.  Successful congregations recognize that someone's ability to pay dues should never be a factor that impedes joining a shul.  
 
Successful congregations inspire a spirit of volunteerism and support.  Regarding leadership, it's essential that clergy and lay leadership work hand in hand, for leading a congregation must be a partnership between the two.  Successful congregations are guided by strong teams working together in harmony, guiding the congregation and helping it pursue its goals.  Only if all the oarsmen (and oarswomen) are rowing in the same direction can the congregation most effectively fulfill its highest objectives.
 
I hope this is helpful!
 
Sincerely,
 
Rabbi Carl M. Perkins


Temple Aliyah | 1664 Central Avenue | Needham, MA 02492
Phone: 781-444-8522 | www.templealiyah.com