• GENERAL RESOURCES  (return to top)

BoardSource (formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Boards)

This organization publishes lots of materials on all facets of board and congregational leadership needs. It comes highly recommended by synagogue administrators and executive directors who appreciate the depth and breadth of experience highlighted.

North American Association of Synagogue Executives

Founded in 1948, the North American Association of Synagogue Executives convenes and supports Jewish Executive Directors of the Conservative Movement by developing and enhancing the profession and by enabling administrators to serve their congregations effectively.

National Association of Temple Administrators

The association’s management manual and its supplements are considered the one book to own for those looking for a most comprehensive resource on running the administrative side of a congregation. NATA offers consulting services as well. “Templechat,” on the NATA Web site, is open by registration to all Reform Temple Board members.

Please check additional professional groups for individual movements as well as materials from A.R.E. Publishing and others cited for help in this area.

• COMMUNICATION  (return to top)

URJ Department of Marketing and Communications

In addition to providing inserts and press releases for temple bulletins, the URJ Department of Marketing and Communications keeps congregational leaders and members informed about the URJ and its programs and resources. Online discussion groups for temple leaders are also available.

• CONGREGATIONAL FINANCE  (return to top)

EHL Consulting Group

EHL specializes in helping congregations of all sizes to assess the viability of capital campaigns and to conduct them. The company works nationally and will take a congregation from the earliest planning stages through the victory party.

Howe, Fisher. The Board Member's Guide to Fund Raising. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1991.

This author has written other introductory books for new and returning board members, covering areas of responsibility and function.

URJ Department of Synagogue Management

In addition to consultative services in all areas of congregational finance, the URJ Department of Synagogue Management has a special concentration in services to small congregations (fewer than 250 member units). Synagogue Management also offers referrals for synagogue architects and crafts people and maintains a slide library of their works. The Communicate! database, available at the Synagogue Management Web site, is a computerized encyclopedia of ideas, program expertise, contacts, and resources designed for the URJ and its member congregations.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY  (return to top)

Darim Online (formerly Panim Online)

Darim Online is a nonprofit organization working to develop Internet strategies for synagogues and their communities. It offers consulting, a nontechnical administration site, and content.

FaithandValues.com

Faith and Values is an interfaith Web site making an effort to get into the synagogue market. Its mission is to promote the vitality of spiritual experiences and faith in everyday life using the Internet and other electronic media. Its Internet services feature WebMedley, an easy-to-use Web design and publishing tool.

• RABBINIC SEARCH  (return to top)

Herring, Basil, ed. The Rabbinate as Calling and Vocation: Models of Rabbinic Leadership. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, 1991.

This is a collection of essays, written by the leading lights of contemporary Orthodoxy. In this time of reflection over the proper role of clergy in congregational life, this book can be helpful for congregations seeking to understand and support the scope of a rabbi’s life and responsibilities. It is appropriate, too, for those contemplating the rabbinate or evaluating a rabbi.

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) has a group of papers, including "A Map for Selecting A Rabbi," "Typical Roles of Rabbi/Assistant Rabbi," and "Rabbinic Committee Selection," a worksheet. They are available through USCJ and are not movement specific.

• SOFTWARE  (return to top)

Many companies providing congregation management software advertise in Reform Judaism and elsewhere. The URJ Department of Synagogue Management maintains a spreadsheet comparing the capabilities and shortcomings of the various packages.

• STAFFING  (return to top)

The Reconstructionist Commission on the Role of the Rabbi. The Rabbi-Congregation Relationship: A Vision for the 21st Century. Elkins Park, PA: Reconstructionist Press, 2001.

This report is recommended for synagogue boards, rabbi liaison and/or evaluation committees, rabbinic search committees, and all who seek to understand the rabbi-congregation relationship. Topics include rethinking the role of the rabbi, lay leaders and other professionals in the synagogue community; a participatory approach to decision-making; support for transitions; and practical information on how to negotiate a mutually beneficial contract, make the most of a liaison committee, and integrate the rabbi into the life of the congregation.

Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and Academy for Jewish Religion

The mission of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah is to inspire and train men and women to enter professionally into Jewish religious leadership, so as to shape the spiritual and intellectual character of the Jewish community in consonance with modern, open Orthodox values and commitments.

Another of a growing number of rabbinic schools is the multi-movement Academy for Jewish Religion. While these schools differ one from another in philosophy and approach, they highlight a trend toward movement away from central authority. In a similar vein, the avenue of private ordination has been revived, spearheaded mainly by the Renewal Movement.

• STEWARDSHIP  (return to top)

The workbook "Money and Jewish Values" was developed to accompany the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation workshop of the same name (see Reconstructionist Judaism). The workbook contains an annotated bibliography and additional resources. It is especially helpful in suggesting innovative ways to engage either established or newer congregations in a discussion of money. Building campaigns as well as dues issues are addressed. To order contact the Reconstructionist Press at 1-877-JRF-PUBS or Press@jrf.org.