600 Rabbis Walk Into a Room...
… No, it’s not the opening line in a standup act, but it is the reason I ended up writing my new book (more about that later). It was opening night at this year’s CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) Convention and I watched as more rabbis than I’ve ever seen in one place convened for drinks and appetizers in the Pavilion Room at the iconic Netherland Hilton Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio.
I was there as an exhibitor to talk with participants about Jewish engagement and the challenges so many are facing in today’s highly competitive environment. I spoke with numerous rabbis, Jewish educators and others who shared with me their frustrations and concerns around decreasing participation, and the increasing pressure to put out a whole buffet of bigger and better to suit the unique needs of every population they serve.
They’ve taken notice that parking lots aren’t quite as full, seats, and even entire rows are empty, classes and special programs are being cancelled due to low response rates, Sunday school and youth group participation isn’t what it used to be. Out of desperation, some congregations are pulling out every bell and whistle they can think of to reverse the trend. Unfortunately, they find out all too soon that just flashing shiny objects isn’t going to cut it, because today it’s all about delivering meaningful and memorable experiences.
But I get that’s not easy…
That’s why I wrote my book: I DARE YA! Secrets to Successfully Attracting and Retaining Jewish Audiences. I understand the challenges that nearly every congregation and Jewish organization is facing these days because I have been addressing them head-on for nearly two decades.
As the former Director of Jewish Innovation and Engagement for the Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation for nearly 18 years, I was charged with the difficult, but extremely rewarding task of coming up with new and better ways to engage weakly connected Jews with Jewish life. As a result, I developed a simple yet highly effective formula for building relationships, that not only getting people to “show up,” but get them to show up again and again… the true measure of success.
I wanted to share what I had learned with others in a position to effect change in their own Jewish communities. Because we’re all in the trenches together and there’s a lot riding on us getting this right!
My book lays out a super simple formula for turning experiences into real and ongoing engagement… and that’s important, because Jewish organizations are no longer just competing with one another, they’re competing with kids’ soccer games and the latest binge-worthy show on Amazon or Netflix, and let’s face it, even cell phones and other electronic devices that seem to take up more and more of everyone’s bandwidth these days.
I understand that change is hard and scary and can be disruptive. But I also understand that change is necessary, even critical, for any organization to not just survive, but thrive, in today’s tumultuous environment.
So, if your organization is seeing a decline in attendance, participation and overall engagement… it’s time to rethink the kinds of experiences you’re currently offering… It’s time to breathe new life back into your programming and get to know your target audience in a whole new way…. It’s time to get your copy of I DARE YA! so you can see for yourself how following just 3 Simple Steps can bring your target audience in and keep them coming back for more!
The book is as entertaining as it is informative and combines wit and humor with practical guidelines for guaranteed success (if you follow the instructions that is!) You won’t have to spend millions of dollars to get results, but you will have to look at your challenges from a whole different perspective and commit to the kind of real and lasting change that will take courage and a certain amount of chutzpah. Are you up for the challenge? I DARE YA!