2020 Faith Communities Today (FACT) Synagogue Report

Welcome to the website of resources developed during Synagogue 2000/3000’s twenty-year run as a catalyst for excellence in synagogue life.
sapirjournal.org/education/2022/08/shivim-panim/
"While new models of communal life will arise, such as Moishe House (where Jewish young professionals live together and create programs for their peers) or retreat centers, the question remains: Which model will be continuously available throughout the life of a Jew? What happens when you outgrow the organization or the time for the retreat ends? A synagogue is for all ages, at all times. No other institution in Jewish life has that comprehensive commitment."
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sapirjournal.org
One of the hallmarks of Sapir is its connection between theory and practice. We ask our authors not simply to make arguments but also to of...- Likes: 1
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This story reminds me of the saying, "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good enough." ... See MoreSee Less

NY synagogue’s looming demise highlights Conservative Judaism’s struggles to survive
www.timesofisrael.com
The Jericho Jewish Center has aimed to consolidate with a nearby congregation, but years of negotiations over men and women praying together finish with the plan voted down“Tell me about the God you don’t believe in.” I think this initiative would be great for adults too! ... See MoreSee Less

How Jewish Identities Are Born
www.westsiderag.com
Sponsored: ‘Tell me about the God you don’t believe in.’Congrats to Rabbi Joshua Stanton for his upcoming book. If this article is an indication of the book, it's a winner! We assume that since synagogues are experiencing difficulty so is Judaism - it's not true! What will it mean to have a thriving Jewish community with fewer synagogues? ... See MoreSee Less

www.tabletmag.com
Our obsession with the narrative of our community’s decline overlooks threads of optimism and opportunity
Kudos to Jewish Federations of North America for making this essential effort!
"It’s a relatively small but growing demographic. A Pew Center survey in 2021 showed just 8% of U.S. Jews identify as Hispanic, Black or Asian, but that nearly doubled to 15% among respondents aged 18 to 29. The poll also found that 17% reported living in a nonwhite or multiracial household."
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Black Jewish leader works to boost community, inclusiveness
www.washingtonpost.com
Nate Looney is a Black man who is also an observant, kippah-wearing Jew