Judaica

The concept of the "dues-based membership model" in synagogues was once an innovation. Now that model is in decline and sweeping change is required in order to reverse the downward trend in synagogue participation. This groundbreaking book provides synagogue and communal leaders with a useful process and the ingredients necessary to consider important changes in the synagogue, including:

• Thoughtful new models for membership and synagogue finance
• Examples from successful synagogues, bolstered by illustrations from the private sector
• Practical steps for change and implementation

With checklists for exploring and adopting alternative models from nationally recognized congregational consultant Debbie Joseph. Written with Rabbi Avi Olitzky, published by Jewish Lights Publishing.

https://tinyurl.com/288yx99j

The synagogue as we know it developed in response to a variety of needs, often in an attempt to create new communities for education and assembly as populations moved from urban centers to the suburbs. These needs have changed, and the synagogue is no longer the center of social and professional life. Change is necessary, but what a synagogue that serves the new needs of American Jewish religious life look like?

In Playlist Judaism, Kerry Olitzky offers provocative proposals to help synagogues face today s challenges, from turning the synagogue inside out so that it is reaching out to the community around it, to recognizing intermarriage as an opportunity for synagogues, and encouraging synagogues not to forget the Boomers. It is an engaging look at what creative thinking has to offer congregations today. In his foreword, Ron Wolfson says that the book will provide "leadership teams with a plethora of practical proposals to chart an exciting and engaging future for their congregations."  Originally published by the Alban Institute.

https://tinyurl.com/5y7mu5f3

 The institution of the American synagogue has played a significant role in the history of American Judaism, which remains an incomplete history if it is limited to the lives of individuals and events. This work helps complete the history as it is the first reference book to document the historical development of many individual synagogues in the United States and Canada. It includes over 350 entries of synagogues from among the four main movements, each of which have made an impact on the Jewish community, either locally or beyond. It is an essential tool for researchers, scholars, and students, as well as anyone interested in the historical aspects of American Judaism.

An essay on the historical development of the American Synagogue by Frances Weinman Schwartz, introduces the volume. Entries are arranged alphabetically by city within each state. Synagogue descriptions include the date of the congregation's founding, the reason for its founding and its congregational mission, the history of buildings and neighborhood, its local or national historical impact, its significance in the movement to which it belongs, major episodes in the congregation's history, as well as details about the service of its rabbis. A brief bibliography follows each entry, and a general bibliography and index complete the volume. Published by Greenwood Press. 

https://tinyurl.com/tfxx5ubx

 A contemporary guide for Jewish ethical behavior and moral living that explores subjects such as the appeal of evil, the value of good deeds, and the implications of gossip. Recommended actions that we can take to help strengthen and heal ourselves and our world. Written with Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi. Published by KTAV.

https://tinyurl.com/2777heha 

 Presents the texts of 68 documents (translated into English or originally written in English) which have helped to shape the development of Jewish history. Most of the documents deal with American Jewish history and relate, in particular, to the four major Jewish religious movements in North America. Another large section deals with Israel.  Edited with Ron Isaacs. Distributed by Rowman and Littlefield. 

https://tinyurl.com/mwptmukb

 This valuable reference extensively documents the lives and careers of the most influential leaders of Reform Judaism in America. The editors have assembled concise but informative biographical profiles of approximately 170 people. The work spans the period from the beginning of the Reform movement in 1824 through the 1976 Centenary Perspective. The individuals profiled were selected because of their impact on Reform Judaism at a national level. Included are the principal architects of reform, national organizational leaders, distinguished rabbis and academicians, outstanding cantors, volunteer lay activists, and women.

The work begins with an essay on the history of Reform Judaism in America. A biographical dictionary follows. Each entry in the dictionary assesses the career and contributions of a particular leader and closes with a short bibliography of works by and about that individual. The dictionary is followed by a set of essays that overview the history of associations related to Reform Judaism. A section of appendices lists the principal figures affiliated with these organizations. An extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources concludes the work, making it an indispensable reference tool. Written with Lance J Sussman and Malcom Stern. Published by Greenwood Press. 

https://tinyurl.com/yc56b7y5