In order for your new members to feel like insiders it is essential that they make personal connections with existing community members and clergy. Consider implementing an Ambassador program, such as the Ambassador Program: Extending a Hand- Mosheet Yad. During this two year program, specially selected congregational ambassadors extended their hands and their hearts, offering a connection and mentoring those new to the community, allowing the new members to become involved and deeply connected to the congregation.

Interested in designing your own new member class? A program like this is a perfect way to integrate new members into the community and meet one another. Use the New Member Workshop Series as a guide as you introduce newcomers to life in your congregation.

Take a look at this New Member Consecration written by Rabbi Jon Miller to also demonstrate how to honor new members while including longtime members.

Start a Chavurah group in your community. Take a look at a sample program to create another innovative way of integrating members into your community.

A Covenant of Membership between your new members and your congregation is a surefire way to reinforce the sacred bond of synagogue membership.

All of the above mentioned programs, as well as additional ideas to integrate members can be found in The Life Cycle of Synagogue Membership.

Our brochure, An Introduction to Sanctuary Etiquette, can be displayed in your synagogue as a guide for those who might be unfamiliar with synagogue prayer services and customs. This brochure is an informative and comforting way to integrate new members into your community. While you may be familiar with the customs of Jewish worship, but a basic brochure such as this is a blessing to those new to synagogue life.

Need more programming ideas?

Take a look at our Membership Resources and our Program Bank.

Learn about our:

• Alexander Schindler Fellows Program in Membership Certification
• Board Membership Workshops