Editor’s Word

Mike Beral recently circulated to the trustees an interesting comment from a discussion forum within the US equivalent of LJ. He suggests that this, hopefully, is where we can start putting our efforts. " What is important is that you have a group of people focusing on retention (aka engagement) AND another group that is focused on growth (aka marketing). In a small congregation, it might be the same group, but they are different functions and both need attention. And, regarding the retention/engagement part, those involved need to move from an emphasis on programs to an emphasis on building relationships." I would point out that in the early years of this congregation we strongly focussed on these two aims. We had a proactive Publicity Officer who sent copy with photos to several local and Jewish newspapers as well as local radio stations regarding any interesting (or even not particularly interesting) activities or persons associated with the congregation. I have several folders full of the resultant newspaper cuttings. The Membership Team followed up every potential member on the interest list with a home visit, and even had brochures and a VHS video which highlighted all the facilities and activities of the shul as well as answering typical queries. We planned and advertised shul Open Day or Drop-In weekends to encourage unaffiliated jews to visit the shul. We built relationships by inviting or coercing members to become involved in, or even starting a group in which they had a special interest, eg culture; functions and fund raising; music; Israel; card or board games; sports days; sports teams; building maintenance; group trips or holidays; brownies; babies and toddlers; ladies guild; education; religion school parents; security; youth club; etc. Many of our lifelong relationships came about because we reluctantly agreed to attend a fledgling committee meeting. Unfortunately, most of the above have disappeared as the original enthusiasts retired or the activity was deemed old fashioned or irrelevant. With the present worsening financial outlook we may well even see the return of our popular jumble & bric-a-brac sales. Hard work, but great fun. As the recent turmoil within the synagogue following Rabbi Tanya’s resignation has reawakened many of the older members to become trustees again in order to revitalise TLSE, I ask you all to please use the facilities of Hakol to invite fellow enthusiasts of your particular interest to join with you and enhance your relationships within the congregation.