URJ Congregational Benchmarking and Assessment Project

Current Opportunities

In 2020, we are shifting the project, so congregations can participate at their own pace and schedule. We will accept applications on a rolling basis.

Overview

To be strong, congregations must be reflective. The URJ Congregational Benchmarking and Assessment Project gives synagogue leaders the opportunity to take an inward look in a way that is consistent with other congregations, provides a basis for comparison with congregations of similar demographics, and empowers them to act upon the data with the URJ as their partner.

The URJ Congregational Benchmarking and Assessment Project consists of three evaluative components:

  • A Congregation-Wide Survey - this survey helps congregations understand the priorities and needs of their community. It sheds light on the involvement of congregants in synagogue life and on the value and importance that they attribute to the congregation. The survey also allows for comparison of results with other congregations by creating local and national benchmarks.      
  • A Qualitative Board Self-Assessment Rubric - a tool with which congregational leaders can take an inward look at their community’s leadership, mission, and governance.      
  • An Annual “Pulse+” Survey - this tool enables congregations to input their data related to numerous areas of the congregation and receive high level information on congregational demographics and key markers in all areas that are reported. Please note: this tool is only offered once per year, usually in the summer months. See dates for 2023 below.

Congregations that take part in the URJ Congregational Benchmarking and Assessment Project will receive guidance from the URJ, which includes assistance with understanding the data, help with setting priorities, and connection to resources that will set a course for the congregation’s future.

To participate in the URJ Benchmarking and Assessment Project,  fill out our expression of interest form.

TIMELINES

  • Congregational leadership teams that participate by April 3, 2023, will receive their data by May 15, 2023.
  • Congregational leadership teams that participate by December 5, 2023, will receive their data by January 11, 2024.
  • The URJ Pulse+ Survey will open for submissions on June 1, 2023, and will close on August 15, 2023. Information and sample PDF will be available on April 3, 2023, and data will be returned to participating congregations on October 15, 2023.

TESTIMONIALS

"We could never have come up with the graphs, charts, and so much more that you created for us to determine what areas we needed to focus on and how to implement. This was terrific and we can't say enough about that and the entire process."
-Lori Dreffin, Temple President (2015-2019), Temple Kehillat Chaim, Roswell, GA

"[Our mentor] was so helpful in helping us to relate the benchmarking data to the particular strengths and challenges of our congregation. The information itself has been invaluable as we navigate multiple transitions."
-Patty Rehfus, Temple President (2020-2023), Congregation Shir Tikvah, Tory, MI

"It was important in this time of Covid and social distancing to have the survey as a way to bring the congregation together, create community, and demonstrate that leadership is addressing concerns. The mentor was very helpful with his review of the data and suggestions."
-Gary Turetsky, Board President (2021-2023), Congregation Kol Ami, Elkins Park, PA

Questions?

Contact the URJ Knowledge Network team (URJ1800@URJ.org).