Congregational Life

Strengthening Congregations

Building Vibrant Congregations and Strong Communities

The Union for Reform Judaism helps congregations and communities stay adept and agile, which enables them to proactively meet members' needs and expand the ways in which people live Jewishly.  

We develop leaders to face today’s adaptive challenges and nurture innovation to be responsive to changing needs. We also connect leaders to each other so they can learn from each other’s experience, and we provide services that lower the cost of congregational operations. When needed, we provide personalized support for congregations in transition and crisis.

Through the URJ's work with congregations, we further our other priorities of investing in the Jewish future, deepening Jewish learning and experiences, repairing the world, welcoming all, and connecting with Israel.
 

Amy Asin, URJ Vice President, Strengthening Congregations, speaking at URJ Biennial 2019.

What's New

Rosh HaShanah
apples and honey on festival table

Reimagining High Holiday Engagement

June 11, 2021
We were thrilled to read the recent article by Lisa Colton, Tobin Marcus, and Felicia Herman, highlighting recent research into ways participation and engagement in the High Holidays of 2020 might provide insight into engagement in general. We have been given a gift in the form of research and data, helping us to understand individual motivations, impact, and meaning.   
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Moving to the Leading Edge: A Resource & Discussion Guide to Move Congregations Forward

Written by experts, URJ staff, and congregational leaders who are doing innovative work, this series of guides provides inspiration for innovation, featuring articles and prompts for reflective conversations Available in three volumes:

moving the leading edge
Knowledge Network

Congregational Engagement and Support Team

The primary URJ contact for congregational leaders is the Congregational Engagement and Support team. They are the hub for information and connections to help you navigate all aspects of congregational life, providing direct answers, guidance, resources from the URJ, and expertise from URJ staff, affiliate organizations and movement partners, and congregational leaders across North America and around the world.
people holding conversation signs

The Tent

Learn about the URJ's communication and collaboration platform, where thousands of leaders throughout the Reform Movement meet and share ideas.
Marketplace Demo

Reform Movement Marketplace

Where URJ-affiliated congregations can connect with products and services that reduce costs of running a congregation and simplify day-to-day operations.
computer laptop and mask

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

To help you prioritize your community’s health, safety, and spiritual wellbeing, we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources that is being updated as additional resources become available.
Leadership Institute

Leadership and Governance

The URJ offers a variety of training and engagement opportunities and resources that emphasize critical thinking and practical skills.
passing the baton during a relay race

Transition & Crisis Support

The URJ's crisis and transition management directors, Rabbi Janet Offel and Rabbi David Fine, provide support to congregations for a wide range of situations.