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.
 

What's New

Strengthening Congregations
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The URJ Pulse+ Survey Can Elevate Your Story

May 4, 2023
The URJ Pulse Survey and the newly expanded URJ Pulse+ Survey showed that participating congregations were experiencing similar trends. Having the ability to compare your data with that of other URJ congregations will paint a picture that will help you assess where you are and share a more detailed story with your congregants and donors.
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Reviving Synagogue Communities Using Smart Tech

September 29, 2022
Email and other technologies are a huge factor in why employees feel like they're always on the clock. This "always-on" culture accelerated while synagogues began facing declining membership before the pandemic and has only intensified since. Even if clergy or staff are cut, the work demands don't decrease. As a result, remaining clergy or staff or volunteers are even more overwhelmed and are burning out at alarming rates.
Congregational Benefits & Services
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Lead Your Board Through Self-Reflection for the High Holidays

September 6, 2022
On the Jewish calendar, the start of the month of Elul signifies the beginning of the High Holiday season. As individuals, it is during this time that we begin the process of cheshbon hanefesh (accounting of the soul), reflecting on the past year. So too, it is important for your leadership and community to reflect on the past year and consider how to do better moving forward.
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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
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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

URJ Marketplace

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

Leadership and Governance

The URJ offers a variety of training and engagement opportunities and resources that emphasize critical thinking and practical skills.
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Transition & Crisis Support

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