So, Sadie's post got me thinking about Passover...and the Seder itself. What a wonderful idea to volunteer to celebrate the blessings of our freedom. But, if you're hosting or attending a Seder, the question is how to make it the best experience for guests and hosts alike.

Here are some tips I've learned:

1. Buy time. Everyone arrives famished...and the first steps of the Haggadah seem to lead us to a meal (we say Kiddush, wash hands, even eat an appetizer), but…

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I am continually amazed at how challenging it seems to be for "mainstream" spiritual communities to practice the art of "welcoming." Most congregations think of themselves as "warm and welcoming"...and they are...for the "regulars." But, if you're a newcomer to town, or a guest, or a spiritual seeker, you're more likely to be thrown out of a seat than to be offered an invitation to Shabbat lunch.

On the other hand, I recently heard a fantastic presentation by Josh Miller,…

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LOS ANGELES (JTA) — Now that the earthly trial of Bernard Madoff has come to an end with a sentence of 150 years in prison, he will await his next trial — the heavenly one.



Although eschatology is not emphasized in Judaism, there is a recurring metaphor in rabbinic literature of a “heavenly tribunal,” an accounting of one’s actions on earth. For 2,000 years, rabbis have imagined what questions might be asked at such a trial. Astonishingly, one sage, Rava, imagines the very first… Continue

This is an article from the latest issue of Museum (the magazine of the American Association of Museums) about how museums are finding new audiences in new venues. Directly applicable to synagogues.

Ron

20090511123108334.pdf

As I visit different shuls, I pick up little ideas, things that people do, that resonate. For example:



At Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Baltimore, when someone offers a name up for inclusion in the "Mishebeirach" for healing, they are given a card to send to the person whose name was remembered. It has the logo and address of the congregation on top, and the following text:



Dear____________,



During our Shabbat worship service this past week, your name was… Continue