The United Synagogue Strategic Review: Building vibrant, engaged communities at the forefront of British Jewry
Author(s)
Publication Date
February 2015
Publisher
Abstract
It is no exaggeration to say that the United Synagogue is one of the Jewish community’s most
important institutions. I firmly believe the United Synagogue is essential to the future of the UK
Jewish community and I was privileged that the President and Trustees asked me to help them
conduct a strategic review of this august institution.
The decision to initiate a strategic review comes ten years on from the publication of Rabbi Saul
Zneimer’s report, “Transformation & Action”, and almost 20 years after Sir Stanley Kalms
conducted his review. It recognised that whilst the United Synagogue is, now, financially stable (a
very different situation to the one Sir Stanley looked at), it must look ahead to address the
challenges it faces and to meet the needs and challenges of future generations. The US must
clearly articulate its vision and align itsstrategy with corresponding delivery mechanisms. In doing
so, The US must clearly communicate what it stands for and what it provides to members.
This review also comes at an opportune moment, following Chief Rabbi Mirvis’ installation into
office and looking ahead to 2020, the 150th anniversary of the Act of Parliament that created the
United Synagogue.
The report that follows summarises and elucidates the conclusions of over nine months’ work by
a large team of talented volunteers and professionals.
Its principal finding is that the United Synagogue needs to redefine its synagogues as vibrant
homes of community that enrich our members’ lives. No longer can shuls solely be houses of
prayer. This is not a new idea but it has taken on a new importance as we seek to meet the spectre
of disaffiliation that haunts our community.
important institutions. I firmly believe the United Synagogue is essential to the future of the UK
Jewish community and I was privileged that the President and Trustees asked me to help them
conduct a strategic review of this august institution.
The decision to initiate a strategic review comes ten years on from the publication of Rabbi Saul
Zneimer’s report, “Transformation & Action”, and almost 20 years after Sir Stanley Kalms
conducted his review. It recognised that whilst the United Synagogue is, now, financially stable (a
very different situation to the one Sir Stanley looked at), it must look ahead to address the
challenges it faces and to meet the needs and challenges of future generations. The US must
clearly articulate its vision and align itsstrategy with corresponding delivery mechanisms. In doing
so, The US must clearly communicate what it stands for and what it provides to members.
This review also comes at an opportune moment, following Chief Rabbi Mirvis’ installation into
office and looking ahead to 2020, the 150th anniversary of the Act of Parliament that created the
United Synagogue.
The report that follows summarises and elucidates the conclusions of over nine months’ work by
a large team of talented volunteers and professionals.
Its principal finding is that the United Synagogue needs to redefine its synagogues as vibrant
homes of community that enrich our members’ lives. No longer can shuls solely be houses of
prayer. This is not a new idea but it has taken on a new importance as we seek to meet the spectre
of disaffiliation that haunts our community.
Topics
Orthodox Judaism Strategic Planning United Synagogue Jewish Community Synagogues Umbrella Bodies Main Topic: Identity and Community
Genre
Geographic Coverage
Copyright Holder
Original Language
Related
A Time for Change: United Synagogue Review (Series)
Transformation and Action: The Strategic Review of the United Synagogue (Series)
Transformation and Action: The Strategic Review of the United Synagogue (Series)
Bibliographic Information
The United Synagogue Strategic Review: Building vibrant, engaged communities at the forefront of British Jewry. . February 2015: https://archive.jpr.org.uk/object-uk198
