How to Grow Our Synagogues

I am aware that not all members of the Jewish community are inclined towards spirituality, prayer, or connecting with the Divine, and I respect their perspectives. However, I personally consider myself a believer. This may not come as a surprise to those familiar with my works such as Sparks Beneath the Surface (co-authored with Rabbi Lawrence Kushner) and Jewish Spiritual Guidance (co-authored with Dr. Carol Ochs). It is also evident to those who join me for daily minyan or Shabbat services at my local synagogue. I often contemplate the reasons that bring me to these gatherings, in the hopes of sharing these insights with others who may be similarly inspired. This is an important question to consider, especially as synagogue participation in North America continues to decline.

I acknowledge that synagogues are not the sole establishments that foster spirituality and prayer. In my own interpretation of the renowned phrase from the Torah, attributed to Gd: “Make Me a sanctuary…,” commonly translated as “Make Me a sanctuary so that I may dwell in your midst,” I propose an alternative perspective: “Make Me a sanctuary BUT I will dwell in your midst.” The well-known Hasidic Rebbe, referred to as the Kotzker, provided a response to his students’ inquiry about the dwelling place of Gd. He famously stated, “Wherever you let Gd in.” (To be precise, the Kotzker’s reference to Gd was gender-specific, so I made a slight modification.)

It could be contended by some that the modern synagogue layout may hinder the establishment of a welcoming prayer setting. The services are lengthy, the language barrier (Hebrew and English) can be challenging to overcome, and the obstacles seem endless. I frequently advocate that synagogues should prioritize prayer over liturgy. This holds true for both worship settings and educational initiatives. What is it then that sets the synagogue apart as the ideal location?