Small Congregations

September 2, 2010 | 23rd Elul 5770

Small Congregations
Recognizing that congregations of different sizes have varying needs, the Union for Reform Judaism provides a variety of services tailored to the unique needs of congregations with 250 membership units or fewer.

Services include:

Programmatic materials
Consulting services
E-mail discussion groups KolKatan and OlamKatan
Guidance for congregations seeking affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism
Small Congregations Resource Fund Grants and loans available

Projects include the revitalization of the Congregational Heritage Preservation Committee, which is of service to both aging congregations in the process of disbanding and new congregations that are expanding.

Small Congregations Resources

SCRF Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the Small Congregations Resource Fund
OlamKatan and KolKatan
Email-based discussion groups specifically for small congregations.
Being A Small Congregation Is Different
Mary Hofmann, of Congregation Etz Chaim, Merced, CA, shares some of the not-so-obvious ways in which small congregations are different.
A Guide to Small Congregation Religious Schools, by Lawrence N. Mahrer and Debi Mahrer Rowe
This guide for small congregations contains practical information on developing all aspects of an education program including curriculum development, establishing tzedakah programs, building school libraries and more. The Guide can be ordered from the URJ Press.
Family Education: Mezuzah-related Projects and Activities for your Congregation
Ideas and suggestions for including the whole family in mezuzzah education.