USCJ Review - Fall 2004
Synaplex Helps Rejuvenate Poughkeepsie Congregation
In the past three years, I have met many people who have suddenly uncovered their Jewish roots and are seeking to find out more about that small, stirring internal flame. Whether Hispanic, Afro-American, or White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, they have entered my office in increasing numbers, each responding to a deep call from within. Still, these and similar stories shared by my colleagues pale in comparison to the sheer volume of tales we can recount of “born” Jews who come to the synagogue every now and again looking for fuel to feed their Jewish fire.
The number of literate Jews who have both the means to participate in regular services and the language to understand the most elementary of discussions is shrinking swiftly. And while the number of children who attend day schools is increasing, their knowledge only highlights the disparity between them and the rest of American Jewry.
Sadly, even those who have the skills to participate in – and even lead – services are not finding resonance within the traditional structure of the Jewish community. Clearly, our synagogues must transition toward a different model to accommodate and absorb both these populations.
Today, a number of synagogues are busy experimenting with a wide variety of traditional and not-so-traditional options. One approach being pursued by some eleven synagogues throughout the nation is a STAR (Synagogue Transformation and Renewal) initiative called Synaplex. Billed as a “Find Your Own Space Opportunity,” Synaplex has allowed these synagogues (including ours, Temple Beth El in Poughkeepsie, New York) to significantly expand their boundaries in order to offer numerous open doors to people who would otherwise not enter them.
Synaplex offers a multiplex (think movies) approach, in this case, a series of programs run contemporaneously with Shabbat services. Services are conducted as they were before, but a half hour before we commence the standard davening, the doors open for coffee and muffins. A small group of people now come regularly to sit, shmooze or just hover over a cup of coffee before Birkot HaShahar. Then, the alternatives begin.
While the cantor starts the service, a committed group gravitates toward the school wing for “Torah Yoga.” Babysitting is available. In a room stocked with Jewish games (we call it the Fun Room), children play while their parents are free to partake of the smorgasbord of programs. Soon, the Junior Congregation begins. Not long after, the Feminist Perspective on the Torah Reading will start. The discussion on Israel is always well attended. The meditation segment has also found a niche, as have learners’ minyanim. Shabbat programs are staggered throughout the morning. Many of the offerings conflict with one another, so congregants have to choose sessions that interest them the most.
As a result of introducing these programs, attendance has risen dramatically. Most of the faces we are seeing are those of people connected to the synagogue in some way, who had not been coming because they felt the synagogue did not address their needs. It did not begin where they were beginning.
I believe that most people steer clear of the synagogue because it is too “complex.” Some can’t read the siddur, and some come only to please friends whose children are becoming b’nai mitzvah. Others may consider it a “sacrifice” just to be there, or they just don’t “get it.” Their attention span is limited, and we simply do not have what they need. But what if we did have it?
What if the synagogue could actually compete with soccer? What if the multiplex approach was enough of an enticement for our people to reschedule their week around Shabbat? Our experience shows that attendance on Synaplex Shabbatot is significantly up, some weeks by 100 percent. According to longtime member Lillian Silberstein, the synagogue has been transformed into a “beehive of activity on Shabbat Synaplex mornings.” In fact, we are beginning to plot out new territory – Shabbat afternoons.
As regards cost, it must be mentioned that the generosity of STAR has enabled this small assembly of synagogues to try something they might not have been able to do otherwise. Yet most of the programs are member driven. If the program is too difficult to start, then quite possibly the synagogue is not ready for it. We have been fortunate to find a steady stream of volunteers to lead sessions.
For those who might suggest that we are tendering programs that are Jewish in nature but not significant to the observance of Shabbat, I would answer that those who always came to services still do. Those who attend for the discussion on Israel feel that Shabbat has something to say to them as well. Now and again, they poke their heads into services. As their friends tend to stay longer, they too begin to feel more comfortable in the synagogue. And to those who suggest that the same programs could easily be offered during the week, I would say that perhaps we do a disservice to people’s fragmented time by providing programs that deem it unnecessary for them to come on Shabbat, as they have already committed themselves to coming during the week. Perhaps we diminish Shabbat participation and attendance by being so effective with our weekday programs.
The competition for members’ time is without limit. To engage people when they are ready is therefore critical. If we are ill prepared for their “moment,” some other “ism” is poised to receive them.
The author is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth El in Poughkeepsie, New York. STAR was created through a partnership of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, The Samuel Bronfman Foundation, and Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation.
