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  1. Shalom Rabbi Joshua,

    You wrote: “However, most of the big things that synagogues are reluctant to change stem from an unwillingness to be honest, for fear of what others might think about someone rocking the boat, or what offended parties might say about them, in return. But in times of struggle, changing momentum comes from a willingness to release tension and acknowledge what is not working so that we might discover together what could.”

    Actually, facilitating and change begins with a “passion producing picture of a preferred future” i.e., that vision thing. The 4 minute video that follows is a worthy d’rash on this theme. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w3IbKbDhfKw

    You continued: “I have no doubt that the creativity and energy they (successful leaders) bring to Jewish life comes for their willingness to build, measure, learn, and be unafraid to try again.”

    Bingo!!! Too often there is absolutely no follow through, i.e., new action based on the measurement and learning. The fear of which you wrote above remains an all powerful over-arching factor that casts a pall on any forward movement.
    Once again please refer to the video above. You wrote earlier:

    “At a time when churches are closing and participation rates are falling,…”

    Those would be primarily from the “mainline” Protestant denominations. This is analogous to what’s demonstrably happening among North American non Orthodox (NANO) synagogues, organizations and institutions. You listed a litany of failures in NANO institutions and organizations as follows: “all the ways we fail, including dreadful prayer experiences, million-dollar federation campaigns that failed to launch, Hebrew school horror stories, feeble attempts at synagogues being ‘warm and welcoming,’ Israel education efforts that increased disengagement, and tone deaf attempts at reaching next-generation Jews.”

    So…when will professional NANO Jews (clergy, educators, movement staff etc.), acknowledge that the measurable failure of NANO Judaism is at the root
    of the pllitany of all the failures you listed? There can be no change of any consequence without first acknowledging this incontrovertible fundamental fact.

    Where is the passionate vision of which the video speaks? Where is the visionary needed to make the clear, consistent and compelling case for a NANO Judaism with ongoing value; value worthy of making the choice to exchange one’s time, talents and tithes for that value? Based on results nowhere. When/How will nowhere ever morph into now here?

    She/He (a visionary) has a unique strategic opportunity to do so in less than three months, that only comes annually, i.e., the High holidays; more Jews in the pews than at any other time during the year. Is there such a person with the inspiration of “ru’ah ha’elohim” with the ability to inspire others to work to transform the “tohu vavohu” of the measurably failed/failing status quo of NANO Judaism into a meaningful, relevant, practical, application oriented new NANO Judaism?

    Will Abba Eben’s quip about “never missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity,” sadly come true once again? We’ll all know more in the fullness of time (if we live long enough).

    Biv’racha,
    Jordan

  2. I too attended JEN in LA
    And have had the good fortune to participate in 3 of the cohort communities
    At various times
    Soon I hope to have an article published about one particular membership growth area at Ikar

    What concerns me most however about the cohort is the number of communities represented at JEN who are not yet part of the fellowship but want to be; they are trying in very ernest ways to navigate the process, complete due diligence, look for space, for funds and for attendees. I listened to a few with a heavy heart because I hope they will achieve success thru small steps and big support and attention from others who have traveled this path of being creative and at the same time relevant and patient.
    I truly hope the experienced are listening and being helpful. The last thing we need is more falling or failing houses of worship