Trying something New

I plan to post another d'var Torah on Sunday after I have presented it in shul on Shabbat, but I want to use this space today to talk about something new I am trying using technology to connect people and increase communication at Tifereth Israel.

There is now a "Friends of Tifereth Israel group" on Facebook. I decided to start it because I read that the synagogues and churches that utilize technology to keep their congregants connected, fare the best in these busy times. One of the purposes of the group is to make it possible to post a question and solicit responses and short conversations. Another purpose is to make it possible for "members" both past and present to be able to reconnect with one another. I have had several exchanges this week with individuals with whom I had lost contact. What a pleasure it is to hear from a voice from the past as well as a voice from the present! I hope others will find the same benefits. Finally, another purpose is to be able to bring our activities to the attention of those who might be in a position to attend. Community is only successful if those who can be present, choose to be present.

This week we held listening sessions at Tifereth Israel about the needs of congregants and their hopes for the congregation as it moves into 2011 and beyond. The meetings were facilitated by Lori Feldlman and Cindy Kornbluh and I believe that those who attended were satisfied by their leadership. The problem is that only 8 members showed for session 1, 8 for session 2, and 6 for session 3. That is not a large enough percentage to get a feel for congregational opinions/needs. Of course Lori has said that she will put together a survey to get at the ideas of those who were unable to attend the listening sessions, but it will be critical that TI members respond.

I've been at home or in the hospital with Charlie for most of the past week and one thing has become very apparent to me. The friends that we have made through our connection to Tifereth Israel over the years have made our lives richer in good and hard times. I hope others will also avail themselves of being present enough for those connections to develop. The support of the congregation can indeed change one's life for the better.