Fall ‘25/Winter ‘26
Flowers Blooming in the Desert
Hello friends. I write this piece while flying over the desert mountains of Arizona where I just spent a week at the NATA (National Association for Temple Administration) Conference with 250 Executive Directors from temples across the country. One attends these programs in the hopes of gaining concrete takeaways that may be worth implementing. One also hopes to gain inspiration from spending time with other professionals who do the work of sustaining Jewish communities, while all facing similar challenges in attempting to do so. I can truly say that both of these goals were accomplished. More concisely, I attended NATA in order to become better at the job I do for our Temple. Most of the days here were dry and sunny, but one afternoon after some rain fell, the desert bloomed in glorious fashion. Amazing what the combination of sun and hydration will do. Just like planting the seeds of learning.
There were sessions on fundraising, operational efficiencies, difficult conversations, AI, and partnerships between congregations. I took many notes. Outside of these educational sessions, time spent conversing with small groups of peers and sharing experiences proved invaluable.
I learned from Directors of the biggest, most vibrant AND viable temples in the country, such as Kahal Kodesh in Charleston and Central Synagogue in New York City. We discussed every conceivable topic that could have to do with running a house of worship in 2025. At a time in which organized religion is retracting, all hands were on deck, trying to figure out how to be more relevant and reinvent ourselves in order to appeal to the upcoming generations of largely secular Jews.
New tools have been added to my tool belt and that feels good. The colleagues I met were brilliant, compassionate, creative, solution-driven, and mission-focused. They love their teams, struggle to help volunteers maximize their efforts, and worry about the future. Twenty to twenty-five percent of temples run by these folks may face potential closure or mergers in the coming decade. So, how do we work with that knowledge while still maintaining a positive disposition toward our work? With faith, with hope, and with perseverance. Oh, and creativity! Plant seeds, water them, and give them sunlight.
Meanwhile, back in Hollywood, 2nd Saturdays Shabbatstock & Shuk has launched its season. JewGrass Revival added a bass player. And Rabbi launched his “Cooking with Rabbi” series. Our Annual Chanukah Dinner & Celebration (Shabbanukah) is approaching, and in December, Friday night Onegs will shift into the ballroom, as we rent our chapel to a small group of young, Orthodox families in need of a home for their Shabbat services. I look forward to us welcoming them with open arms and potentially growing a relationship with their leadership and members over time. Not only is this rental income meaningful to us, but in a community where most Jews are either unaffiliated or Orthodox, we need to build bridges, not walls. These types of relationships and space sharing are occurring with more frequency all over the country. Like AI, it is here and we need to adjust.
In this season of giving and thanks, it’s important to understand that the blessing of flowers – or fruits – of our labors can only happen when we provide water and sustenance to the plants – and projects – we are trying to grow in our own lives. At TBE, we are looking toward the future … trying to sharpen our vision, open our minds to what is possible, and do what we can to get there together.
Happy Thanksgiving, Joyous Chanukah, and a blessed New Year to you all.
Jeff