The Spirituality of Welcoming: How to Transform Your Congregation into a Sacred Community

by Ron Wolfson

A practical guide for envisioning―and transforming―your synagogue into a powerful new congregation of welcoming, learning and healing. "The new synagogue we envision is a spiritual center for all those who set foot inside it. It is a kehillah kedoshah, a sacred community, where relationships are paramount, where worship is engaging, where everyone is learning, where repair of the world is a moral imperative, where healing is offered, where personal and institutional transformation are embraced. The times are ripe for this spiritual call." ―from the Introduction So often we want our congregations to be more―more compelling, more member-focused, more spiritual and yet more useful for our daily lives. Through reflection, examples, tips and exercises―and incorporating the fruits of Synagogue 2000 (now Synagogue 3000), a groundbreaking decade-long program investigating the challenges facing modern synagogues―this inspiring handbook both establishes a sound foundation for why a deep hospitality is crucial for the survival of today's spiritual communities, and dives into the practical hands-on how of turning your congregation into a place of invitation and openness that includes: Prayer that is engaging, uplifting and spiritually moving • Institutional deepening that is possible because of an openness to change • Study that engages adults and families, as well as children • Good deeds―the work of social justice―as a commitment of each and every member • An ambience of welcome that creates a culture of warmth and outreach • Healing that offers comfort and support at times of illness and loss • ... and much more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Judaism, Jewish

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

Dr. Ron Wolfson

Reviews

[Margaret Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book with wonderful ideas. While Wolfson comes out of the Conservative Movement most of his ideas are applicable to any of the movements and he features congregations across the spectrum. As others have noted many of the ideas are for larger congregations but I think they can be adapted to smaller ones. The book provides a good check list. Many of the ideas the congregation I serve have already been implemented. Others are worth experimenting with. This may give the congregation an opportunity to review and kick it into high gear. Or better yet, hone, energize and transform...

[Buddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although there are lots of good ideas contained in this book, many of them are aimed at larger congregations.