RJ Magazine - Latest Comments in Reform Judaism Magazine - What Your Oneg Says About You

Re: Reform Judaism Magazine - What Your Oneg Says About You

Originlcin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:32:26 -0000

I hope that the shmoozing is sincere because people are genuinely glad to be at their temple and not just a technique to lead to increased membership.

Re: Reform Judaism Magazine - What Your Oneg Says About You

guest — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:14:06 -0000

Seriously?? We need advice from professionals on how to meet and greet? I've been to many church functions for various friends - all sides of the Christian spectrum. What struck me was how easily they come over to an unknown individual and introduce themselves. Aside from being good manners, its a simple way of passing the time and being pleasant. They call it "having fellowship"with others. (I call it standing around drinking coffee and talking about our kids but whatever.) I am really saddened by the fact that we have to train people (even by providing a script) to do what should be a natural thing.

Re: Reform Judaism Magazine - What Your Oneg Says About You

Guest — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:07:16 -0000

I am an active reform Jew who recently relocated to a new town. I have attended services at a variety of services regularly and rarely have I been greeted this way. Nor have any of the synagogues I attended bothered to ask me to join. I probably still will join a synagogue because I believe in synagogue. But I will be wary of becoming involved emotionally or financially with a group that doesn't seem to want me as a member.

Re: Reform Judaism Magazine - What Your Oneg Says About You

Mom2MartyB — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:52:43 -0000

I have to admit, I feel the same way the person in the beginning of this article feels at my Shul. Everyone know everyone else and I usually "slink in-slink out". I do this even when I take my son. I hope it will get better...but I am not too sure.

Re: Reform Judaism Magazine - What Your Oneg Says About You

Naida Cohn — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:31:05 -0000

You are correct! The oneg is a wonderful time to make new friends, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and encourage visitors to become members. But, the process starts before the oneg. It begins when a visitor makes a phone call to the Temple for directions, time, dress code. special event (children's service, volunteer recognition night). Does the person who answers the phone know all the answers to the questions visitors might have? Then, will the visitor be able to find the synagogue, and the correct building entrance from the parking lot. i.e., is your signage clear? And then, most importantly...are you greeting members and guests perfunctorily: "Shabbat Shalom...have a book", or are you taking time to greet visitors and newcomers personally. Do you accompany them into the sanctuary and sit with them during the service pointing out certain "quirks" of your congregation (standing or sitting for Sh'ma for instance)? Do you walk with them to the oneg and introduce them to others, and especially to your clergy? Does your clergy seek out unfamiliar faces and spend a few moments with each? Does your clergy and the membership committee make a follow up phone call on Monday? Yes, the oneg is important, but only if you do the preliminary and the follow up work are you a warm, welcoming congregation. This has been the blueprint for success at Temple Beth Shalom, Austin, TX that began 10 years ago with a dozen members and now has 450. And the welcomed become the welcomers and the ritual becomes tradition.