Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
New York, NY September 2011 – According to a recent survey by the National Jewish Outreach Program, a significant amount of Jews said that “High Holiday services were either too long, boring, repetitive or not relevant.” Seven out of every 10 people surveyed added that “tickets that worshipers were often required to buy to attend services were too expensive [at prices that were] unwarranted or a turnoff.”
The style of synagogue services offered to Jewish people around America are especially relevant in light of recent studies showing the growing number of Jewish people that are less engaged in their Judaism. A recent article in the Jerusalem Post tracks “the crisis of embarrassment” that the majority of Jewish college students feel in relation to their Judaism on campus, stressing that “the question of how to engage…Jews with Judaism in a way that is meaningful but still relevant, cool and inviting is…challenging.” (Jpost.com-8/29/11) Try Googling the phrase “is Judaism relevant” and you will find articles across the denominations, from synagogues and federations to Hillels and outreach organizations that are tackling this very issue – many Jews feel that Judaism is outdated, not engaging, and boring. Parts of this disconnect stems from old traditions of forced Hebrew school and long sermons in Synagogue. This feeling is especially intensified as the High Holidays roll around.
In the wake of this report and many like it, demand has been steadily growing to make Judaism more appealing for people of all ages. Synagogues across the country are stepping up to the plate to meet the needs of the next generation of Jewish people. Studies and experiments conducted by synagogue organizations and innovative programs over recent years have produced results that suggest that synagogues can be compelling institutions for the next generation of American Jews.
No Membership Required has heeded this call too with the creation of a free and comprehensive online database of synagogues across the country that offer social, engaging and educational Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services for non-members. It lists Synagogue details (and prices where relevant) and indicates what range of services are offered including additional programs such for youth, teen, and explanatory services.
No Membership Required is a comprehensive online resource for Jews across America looking to find High Holiday services that suit their needs. With a wide range of synagogues listed, users can find those that offer explanatory services, interactive classes and even babysitting services. The aim is for every Jew to find their match this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Anyone interested in learning more about the No Membership Required program, or wanting to get their program listed, can visit the website www.nomembershiprequired.com or call Shoshana Charnoff at 212-921-9090 x17 for more information.
No Membership Required is the leading website providing Jewish people across the country the opportunity to find the synagogue to match their needs during this year’s High Holiday season. It enables synagogues to advertise their High Holiday services and inform people of the myriad of choices available. The website lists synagogues across the country in states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as Toronto, Ottowa, and Thornhill in Canada.
