How can my congregation meet the present needs of its people while honoring tradition? What could becoming a self-renewing congregation mean to us?In the 2,500-year history of synagogue life, the rate of change has never been as rapid as it is today. The congregation of the twenty-first century must respond to new circumstances while respecting venerable traditions, attract new members while retaining old ones, and develop leadership that is both strong and responsive.
Today's synagogue life must bring new perspectives and fresh energy to what is old, and the resonance of age-old norms and values to what is new.
Inspired by the work of the Experiment in Congregational Education (ECE), a project of Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion, The Self-Renewing Congregation provides ideas, information, and support for those seeking to revitalize congregational life.
Here are step-by-step ways to succeed, including how your congregation can:
· Reflect on the challenges it faces and become proactive in meeting them
· Increase expertise and flexibility by practicing collaborative leadership
· Accommodate the diversity of their members while nurturing a holistic sense of community
· Balance preservation and adaptation, tradition and change
Special features include real-life examples and advice from synagogues across North America that are working toward becoming self-renewing congregations, as well as exercises, handouts, and text and case studies to use to reach your goals.
This is a transformative guide--and a book no congregation should be without.
