I am now the co-chairperson of the welcoming/hospitality committee at my synagogue. We attend a fairly large synagogue in Baltimore and unfortunately there has not been an active welcoming committee in some time. To add to that, I am sad to say that the synagogue in general could use some help with the friendliness factor.
Here is what our shul (synagogue) president wrote in this week's bulletin about this matter:
When I first moved to Baltimore, I was struck by the friendliness of Shomrei Emunah. Through the years, our shul has been blessed with tremendous growth. However, this growth has come with a cost. The increase in our size and the resultant proliferation of minyanim has made it difficult to know everyone in the shul as in days past. These and other factors have doused the warmth and friendliness so important to our shul.
In response to this problem, first raised publicly by Rabbi Gottlieb on Shabbos Shuva, I am pleased to announce the formation of a Welcoming Committee.
We have come up with some fairly good ideas (IMO) for this committee, but I am wondering if anyone has any ideas based on the practices in their own congregations. We are targeting the areas of: (a) welcoming people to the neighborhood/potential members (b)Showing appreciation to new members (c)Guest services (i.e., on call families to provide shabbos meals), (d) general friendliness and warmth in the congregation, (e) reaching out to singles. Suggestions are appreciated in the comments section. Anyone?
Posted by peninah at November 14, 2003 01:03 PMInvolve people in stuff, even if they aren't members.
Posted by: Greg at November 14, 2003 01:14 PM