Preliminary Findings from the 2007 National Spiritual Communities Study

Over the past few years, we have seen an important new phenomenon in
Jewish life: the creation of dozens of independent minyanim, spiritual
communities, alternative worship services,
and emergent congregations. This rich array adds diverse opportunities
for worship, learning, social justice work, community-building and
spiritual expression.

We knew very little about the thousands of people associated with these
new endeavors. Who are they? What are their concerns? How do they feel
about the communities they’re creating, joining, and building? Why do
they participate?

To answer these questions, the S3K Synagogue Studies Institute, in
collaboration with Mechon Hadar, conducted a survey designed by the
prominent sociologist Steven M. Cohen in partnership with Rabbi Elie
Kaunfer and Shawn Landres. Our goal was to find out more about the
participants, members, partners, and “acquaintances” of these new
spiritual communities. The results of this work is the first ever
portrait of the interests, values, and concerns of a critical
innovative turn in American Judaism.