Congregational Life

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

High Holidays

Plowed green wheat field beneath a blue sky and rolling clouds

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.

Congregational Benefits & Services

Leadership spelled out in cubes with letters on them

Power Up! Enter the New Year as a Strong, Networked Congregational President

September 6, 2022

It is hard to believe that we are entering the third High Holiday season with the words "new normal" ringing in the back of our minds. This year, our leaders - clergy, professionals, and volunteers alike - are leaning into the possibilities and making plans for the new Jewish year of 5783.

Strengthening Congregations

What’s In It for My Congregation? 3 Reasons to Participate in the URJ Pulse+ Survey

July 12, 2022

By now, we hope that you have heard about the URJ Pulse+ Survey that will be launching on July 18, when all URJ congregation presidents, senior and solo rabbis, and executive directors will receive an email inviting the congregation to participate.

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:

New Fall 2019: Volume 1: Principles That Drive Strong Congregations
New Fall 2019: Volume 2: Leadership and Governance
Volume 3: Engaging Congregants

Congregational Engagement and Support Team

The Congregational Engagement and Support team is 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.