Entry Points and Pathways of Jewish Engagement Eli Freedman: Rabbi Catherine S. Fischer: Director of Community Engagement October 26, 2016

Creating Profound Connections OUR VISION Our vision is to awaken our human spirit to the possibilities within and between us. We create a Jewish community of profound connections through transformative study, prayer, and urban engagement. Standing on the shoulders of our historic congregation's founders, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring the future of the Jewish people. To pursue our vision we: * Welcome all who come to explore or deepen their connection to Judaism and God * Find strength in our diversity of perspective, age, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, family constellation, and socio-economic background * Welcome interfaith families with open arms * Rejoice with each other in times of joy and comfort each other in times of sadness * Lift our voices in prayer, embracing the faithful and the skeptic * Wrestle with the many faces of the Divine on our journeys of growth and spirituality * Engage in the lifelong study of Torah, adding our voices to the generations of interpretation * Repair the brokenness in our neighborhood and the world Celebrate our connection to Israel and Jews globally, providing a forum for learning and discussion Draw inspiration from the beauty of the musical, visual, and performing arts Cultivate a commitment to Jewish life and Jewish identity in the next generation Reflect, renew, and innovate in the spirit of Reform Judaism   Creating Profound Connections

Creating an inclusive Congregation Invitation to participate fully in the life of the congregation. Membership: all members of an interfaith family are considered full members of the congregation. Governance: each member is welcome to participate in synagogue life. Ritual: each member is welcome to participate in ritual to the extent they feel comfortable. Creating Profound Connections

Creating Profound Connections Vision Informs Pathways Welcome & Personal Connection Membership (for many, Jewish or not, it’s their first time, relevant) Worship Accessible (assumptions) Relevant (sermon and music choices) Welcoming and inclusive ShaBBQ Study in and out of the synagogue Entry level (e.g. Taste of Judaism, Introduction to Judaism, New Beginnings) 20s & 30s study in local bar, hanging mezuzah Religious School (majority are interfaith families) Nodal Moments Life cycle, Caring Community Creating Profound Connections

Creating Profound Connections Audacious Welcoming Among other things, Audacious Welcoming is ”... A two way street where synagogue and stranger need each other - not just teach new comers but for them to teach us.... –Rabbi Rick Jacobs Greeter Training Ambassador Program Community Building Summit Teacher in-service Entry points Creating Profound Connections

Approach & Pathways to Jewish Life Conclusion Higher purpose ↓ Vision Statement Approach & Pathways to Jewish Life Practice consistent with vision strengthens relationships and connection to Judaism. Creating Profound Connections

Creating Profound Connections When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, God is the electricity that surges between them. - Martin Buber Creating Profound Connections