Timely Program Ideas

Timely Program Ideas
Department of Congregational Programming
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
155 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10010
212-533-7800 ext 2620

TPI 19: Virtual Visit to Synagogue

If your synagogue has a Web site or is creating one, Ken Sowers of Mentor, Ohio, suggests putting a tour of your facilities on your pages. You could record a walking tour of your whole synagogue with a digital camera, starting with entering the front doors. Or you might use the physical layout of your facilities to introduce different areas. Use still photos as links to various educational areas of your synagogue (such as Sunday school classrooms or nursery facilities).

Eight simple things to keep in mind:

If you have a changeable sign in front of your synagogue, list your Website on it. And include the link in any print advertising you do. This allows potential guests to “spy before they try.”
Be sure to divide your Web site into numerous pages so all the photos don't have to down load at once.
Use small photos that guests can click to enlarge (a separate page) if they want to see more detail.
Include people in the photos. Remember that your synagogue is more than a building. Show children enjoying a school classroom or attentive nursery workers playing with toddlers.
Provide photo captions so that anyone who hasn't been to your synagogue can understand what's happening in each photo.
If special software is needed to view a video tour, offer a hotlink to the Web sites where guests can download free programs.
Include a diagram or blueprint (a "you are here" birds'-eye view) as well as photos so potential guests can visualize your whole facility.
Don't let a virtual tour take the place of friendly greeters for real-life guests. Have volunteers escort visitors to education classrooms, the nursery, the sanctuary, and other part of our facilities.

Adapted from Rev. Magazine, May/June 2000

A Membership Outreach Concept

No Strings Attached

Encourage your congregation to use these ideas to reach out to your community. The ideas may be corny or clever, but at least your efforts will get some attention -- and most people will appreciate your gesture of kindness. For each idea, attach a card or note with a greeting, and include your synagogue name and an invitation to your services (list the times and your phone number and address). You might want to write on the front of the card, "From your friends at (name of your synagogue)."

Fruit baskets - 'May God grant you a fruitful life!"
Dollar bills - "We wish you God's richest blessing today."
Potted plants - "A piece of God's creation for God's most important loved creation... you!"
Gas gift certificates - "May this gift of fuelgive you the extra boost of energy you need to smile at one more person today."
Candy hearts - "Just our way of letting you know that we love you."
Hot chocolate packets or tea bags - "May the warmth of this beverage wann your heart with God's love."
Miniature flashlights - "Torah is light. Remember to look to Torah when you feel lost or alone."

Use these ideas as catalysts for other opportunities to reach out to people in your community. Consider things to do that just say, "We care for you." This type of outreach speaks volumes to people in your community who are looking for some genuine love and care.

Adapted from Rev. Magazine, May/June 2000