Use the Sukkot and Simchat Torah holidays, when the Torah is completed and begun again, as opportunities for the Board to appraise its past performance and prepare for the future.
Evaluate the Past With the Days of Awe fresh in the Board members’ minds, schedule some meeting time to debrief the staff and committee chairs regarding the High Holy Days. Board members should meet with the Ritual and Usher Committee chairs, those whose responsibility it is to assign aliyot, and the administrator or custodian to review temple preparedness specifically with regard to aliyot, mailings, security, and ushers. Evaluate the Board members’ role at services and the response of the congregation to the Board’s involvement therein. Consider now how Board participation can enhance the worship experience and, if warranted, create a task force to implement these ideas.
Encourage New Membership One Sukkot tradition is to welcome guests into your sukkah. Use this opportunity to follow up with the potential new members who attended the High Holy Day services in your synagogue and pair them with Board members. Recommend that the Board members invite these families to eat with them in the temple sukkah or attend the festive Simchat Torah service together and ask these families which aspects of temple life are the most appealing to them; then showcase the appropriate synagogue activities and events.
Both Sukkot and Simchat Torah provide festive opportunities to reflect on and share our sacred traditions. Chag samei-ach!
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