I recently joined the education committee at my synagogue. The board and the professional staff have all voiced a commitment to, and a glaringly obvious need for, some major revitalization of the way we “do” education. However, I’m not sure that any of us have any idea how to make it happen, nor do we have the funds to bring in any experts to help us.
I’ve been poring over the recent Avi Chai report “Supplementary Schools that Work” and skimming the web for other examples of great schools, great shuls, and great programs, since the school is only piece of what the shul should be offering us. In my opinion, there’s almost nothing at our shul that doesn’t need to be revamped, even if it takes a lot of work and a very long time.
Although I’m a committed homeshuler, I’d love to be tempted to spent more time in shul with my family – so I’m turning to you, my beloved and inspiring readers. What’s great about your shul (or someone else’s shul?) What programs really succeed, especially for kids and families? What’s made you and/or your family excited to go to shul, or inspired you to return?
I’m all ears (or should I say, all eyes.)