This Month in The Tent: Resources for the High Holidays and Beyond

As congregations gear up for the start of 5776 and a new year of activities, programming, and policies and procedures, these conversations in The Tent, the URJ’s online communication and collaboration forum, may prove particularly helpful in planning for the High Holiday season and beyond.

• If your congregation is looking forward to using Mishkan Hanefesh, the new machzor(High Holiday prayerbook) this year, you may also be seeking ways to put your no-longer-needed copies of Gates of Prayer to good use. Chime in on the conversation to find a new home for your congregation’s used prayer books.
• Empty-nesters in the 50-70 age range have much to contribute to congregational life. If you’re looking to engage these folks in meaningful ways, check out some successful programming ideas for this cohort.
• Many congregations offer online credit card payments as a convenience for members. To learn how other communities deal with the processing fees associated with this payment option, visit the conversation in the Technology group.
• Is your community looking to upgrade to a comprehensive database program to keep track of members, their interests, roles within the synagogue and more? Review the systems and software used by other congregations as part of your research.
• No doubt, your congregation will be welcoming new members in the weeks ahead. If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of offering a “pay what you can” dues structure, you can learn what other congregations have experienced when implementing such a policy.

When questions or challenges arise as you plan for the coming year, make The Tent your first stop for answers. It’s the best place to pose questions, share resources, and compare notes with other congregational leaders who, like you, are dealing with an array of topics and issues around synagogue life. For additional support, contact the URJ Knowledge Network team