There's a joke around our house that goes: Elul is pizza month. Why pizza month? Because we receive so many invitations to pizza parties for prospective new synagogue members! During the month of Hebrew Elul synagogues are looking to increase their memberships before the High Holy Days. If you live in an area with several synagogues nearby, your name might find its way onto their list.
If you are currently looking for a synagogue home, you probably ask yourself one familiar question, "How do I find the right one?" Here are a few suggestions for those of you who are unsure how to proceed.
Ask yourself some questions
Where should the synagogue be? Do I want to walk to shul or am I comfortable with a short drive to services?
Orthodox? Reform? Conservative? Something else? Different communities have different styles of worship and different requirement for membership.
Do I want a smaller, more intimate community or a large synagogue with a greater variety of services?
How comfortable am I with Hebrew? Do I want a traditional service with mostly Hebrew, or a more contemporary style with less Hebrew?
How much can I afford? In addition to dues, many synagogues require additional fees for building maintenance, religious school, etc. You may need financial assistance if the fee structure gets expensive. Am I comfortable asking for help?
Do your homework
Check out Jewish resources to learn about synagogues on your area. Besides good old "Rabbi Google" (the internet) the local Jewish Federation often has information about Jewish communities in their service area. In larger metro areas there might be a local Board of Rabbis to offer assistance.
Learn as much as you can about specific synagogue communities. Do they have a Rabbi? Or two? A Cantor? What kind of Religious School programs do they offer? If you have young children you will want to know what programming they offer for them. Do you have special needs to consider? Accessibility? LGBTQ? Physical or developmental disability? Do they offer special interest programming beyond worship and education? Men's Club/Sisterhood? Older adults? teens?
Pay them a visit
Arrange to attend a service at a shul that interests you. After you get home think about your experience there. Did I feel welcomed? How comfortable was I participating in the service? What impression did the Rabbi/Cantor make? Do I feel like I could fit in there? If you have more questions don't be afraid to speak to the rabbi. He/she will be happy to assist.
Choosing a synagogue can be a daunting task. Take your time! Get to know as much as you can about the community that you find interesting. Make sure it is a good fit. You will find the experience fulfilling when you find the right synagogue community.
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