Take it from the evangelicals and megaministries...
"There's a feeling that all the old structures aren't working," said Rabbi Richard Jacobs of Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, N.Y., who was part of a group of synagogue leaders that gathered recently in Los Angeles at the University of Judaism to get advice from the Rev. Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and the evangelical pastor of Saddleback Church in Orange County, Calif., which draws more than 20,000 on weekends."
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You know, while I am not of the Jewish faith, my opinion may not carry the weight of one who is. However, I see what is happening within American Judiasm as an effort to reclaim the lost membership.
Right, wrong, or indifferent the leadership is concerned and is working to reach the people. Those of the Jewish faith are not different than those of any other faith group in America. We are faced with many distractions. However, I can only hope that "the cost has been counted."
I do not attend the Meeting where I am a member because of the grandiose program opportunities. I go because it is where my spiritual needs are met. The other things are like the icing on the cake!
Shalom
Posted on April 4, 2006 12:35 PM
It's a fact of life that when you're running a social group, you must compete with the "distractions of the world" around you. In times now long past, churches dealt with this by doing their best to be the only game in town. That time is LONG gone, and competition for attention is fierce. Oh well...
Posted on April 4, 2006 2:15 PM
It CAN become the old end justifies the means routine. The motive may be good, but sometimes those means can undermine the end. If you water things down and make worship easy and accessible, it be difficult to change the MO later. On the other hand, empty pews are extremely frustrating when the heart is longing to bless and help. Judging such efforts is unfair. It may be more a cultural shift phenomenon than anything else. That people are trying to reach out at least shows concern and dedication.
Posted on April 8, 2006 1:56 PM