How can the engaged Jewish community reach out to the unaffiliated and invite them to explore Judaism?
Building Jewish Bridges has a wide range of opportunities.
For synagogues
In February Building Jewish Bridges partnered with Project Welcome to offer Increasing the Warmth of Your Welcome, a workshop that helps synagogues enhance their websites, bulletins, membership materials and phone response to be as inviting as they want to be. This workshop, specifically for East Bay congregations, was held in the Federation boardroom. Responses from participants were enthusiastic.
Dawn Kepler of Building Jewish Bridges with synagogue lay leaders.
Everything we learned was really practical; we could implement the recommendations right away.
Synagogue Board Member
The sharing of ideas and practices was really helpful.
Membership VP
The most useful part of the workshop was hearing from the other congregations that they are experiencing the same problems we are.
Synagogue Co-President
For the unaffiliated
Partnering with local synagogues, Building Jewish Bridges offered these programs recently.
With Temple Sinai in Oakland, Passover: The Set Table
This workshop offered an educational and culinary moment with both a presentation by Rabbi Mates-Muchin and Dawn Kepler on how to enhance your seder for family and guests of all backgrounds as well as a charoset tasting.
Rabbi Mates Muchin describes the varity of Jewish Passover practices.
Working with Netivot Shalom in Berkeley and B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek, Building Jewish Bridges offered –
A Taste of Judaism
Rabbi Menachem Creditor and Rabbi Michelle Fisher welcomed Jews and non-Jews in a class that teaches the basic tenets of Judaism to all. One Hindu man remarked, “Jews have always been helpful to me. In fact a Jew sponsored me to come to America. I want to learn about their tradition.” Several young adults stated that as children of interfaith parents they wanted to learn about their heritage and find a way to be Jewish. A few participants said they were coming with the desire to convert.
Rabbi Menachem Creditor opens with a musical blessing.
Want to participate? Everyone is welcome. Singles, couples and families can attend programs. Synagogues and JCCs can partner in offering welcoming events for everyone curious about Jewish community.
Contact Dawn Kepler at dawn@BuildingJewishBridges.org for more information.