At a recent day of learning for members of the Cantors
Assembly, Rabbi Hayim Herring shared his thoughts on “ Tomorrow’s Synagogue
Today”. It is also the title of
his book, focusing on “creating vibrant centers of Jewish life”. I found it fascinating as I have grown
up in synagogues as the daughter of a cantor and organist, and professionally
have lived and breathed as a cantor in synagogues all my adult life. Just as the world is rapidly changing,
so the spiritual lives and needs are changing. It seems crucial to try to
understand what these changes are and what opportunities for growth lay ahead.
Franz Rosenzweig, the great Jewish philosopher said we
should, “ live Judaism- live it deeply every day, not just a few moments” We
now have answers to questions our ancestors did not ask. Torah today has to address us in our
changed situations. In order for that to happen, we have to try to live and
teach Torah for the lives we are living now and in the future.
Rabbi Herring states that synagogues have the challenge of
making the shift from closed, hierarchical organizations to multi-channel
platforms. In the former model, congregations direct people how to be Jewish-
in the latter model congregations create space for individuals to self direct
Jewish choices and explorations within the congregational mission.
The world is rapidly changing-that is clear to all of us! In
the last ten years the changes have been breathtaking- online, digital, web,
twitter, blogs, face book, iphones, clearly are affecting our lives. How can
synagogues best reach and support, change and comfort, heal and uplift?
I would urge you to read his book, “ Tomorrow’s Synagogue
Today” as I am, and
invite you to join me in a spirited discussion in a few
weeks!
Shalom,
Cantor Debbie Katchko-Gray
Temple Shearith Israel
Ridgefield,CT
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