KIRUV CAFE - The Meeting Place for Project Inspire
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Shul Planning Guide—Part 11—WELCOME!
In our last post, we spoke
about budgeting. Well, believe it or not, one of the most important things you have to do when getting your kiruv program off the ground, will cost
you absolutely nothing. And that is developing systems so that any new
person who walks into your shul will feel welcome, appreciated and comfortable.
Your goal is that when they leave they should go with the impression and the
feeling that this is a shul that cares about all Jews and is focused on helping
each Jew grow in their Yiddishkeit, no matter what their background or what
level they are on.
Here’s some ways you can accomplish this:
1. Have a greeter—just like Walmart :) You will need two, one for
each side of the mechitza. When unfamiliar
faces walk in, they should be welcomed to the shul. The “greeter” should ask if they are looking
for someone they want to be seated with.
Also, the greeter should take note if they have the correct Siddur
and/or Chumash depending on when the visitor arrives. Greeters can point out what page the davening
is on and in which book and offer their assistance should the visitor need
anything. Lastly, greeters can offer to
set the visitor up with a Buddy (see number 2).
2. Set up a Buddy Program. A Buddy is someone who is willing to sit next to someone new to the shul, particularly someone who seems out of place. He or she will help them follow the davening,
let them know when to stand, and once in a while even provide some running
commentary on what’s happening, such as the switch from Siddur to Chumash when
the Torah reading begins. The Buddy
should also bring the visitor to Kiddush and introduce them around to
friends. Ideally the visitor should be
invited to someone’s home for Shabbos lunch or an invitation should be extended
for the following week and they should be encouraged to return.
3. The shul should have a Home Hospitality Committee that offers both last minute Shabbos meal invitations and
reserved-in-advance full Shabbos and individual meal invitations. An announcement should be made at the end of
davening that families are eager to host newcomers and visitors. The chairperson of this committee should
stand during the announcement and be pointed out to all so so the visitor can
run over to them after davening and be introduced to a welcoming host.
4. Have a page indicator at the front of the shul that is regularly updated so nobody has to be embarrassed asking what page
everyone is on.
5. The lobby should have a display of shul programs and activities, including flyers and brochures that visitors can take with
them. Every piece should include the
shul’s website URL, email address, a contact name and phone number.
6. Develop a culture of “welcomeness” in the shul. This should be the theme of a
sermon and announcements should be made reminding members how much the shul
wants new guests to feel welcome and at-home and how you hope everyone will
reach out to them.
It has been said that the four most common words spoken in an orthodox shul are, “You’re in my
seat.” Make sure they are not talking
about your shul. Welcome new people
warmly and they are likely to return and bring a friend.
about budgeting. Well, believe it or not, one of the most important things you have to do when getting your kiruv program off the ground, will cost
you absolutely nothing. And that is developing systems so that any new
person who walks into your shul will feel welcome, appreciated and comfortable.
Your goal is that when they leave they should go with the impression and the
feeling that this is a shul that cares about all Jews and is focused on helping
each Jew grow in their Yiddishkeit, no matter what their background or what
level they are on.
Here’s some ways you can accomplish this:
1. Have a greeter—just like Walmart :) You will need two, one for
each side of the mechitza. When unfamiliar
faces walk in, they should be welcomed to the shul. The “greeter” should ask if they are looking
for someone they want to be seated with.
Also, the greeter should take note if they have the correct Siddur
and/or Chumash depending on when the visitor arrives. Greeters can point out what page the davening
is on and in which book and offer their assistance should the visitor need
anything. Lastly, greeters can offer to
set the visitor up with a Buddy (see number 2).
2. Set up a Buddy Program. A Buddy is someone who is willing to sit next to someone new to the shul, particularly someone who seems out of place. He or she will help them follow the davening,
let them know when to stand, and once in a while even provide some running
commentary on what’s happening, such as the switch from Siddur to Chumash when
the Torah reading begins. The Buddy
should also bring the visitor to Kiddush and introduce them around to
friends. Ideally the visitor should be
invited to someone’s home for Shabbos lunch or an invitation should be extended
for the following week and they should be encouraged to return.
3. The shul should have a Home Hospitality Committee that offers both last minute Shabbos meal invitations and
reserved-in-advance full Shabbos and individual meal invitations. An announcement should be made at the end of
davening that families are eager to host newcomers and visitors. The chairperson of this committee should
stand during the announcement and be pointed out to all so so the visitor can
run over to them after davening and be introduced to a welcoming host.
4. Have a page indicator at the front of the shul that is regularly updated so nobody has to be embarrassed asking what page
everyone is on.
5. The lobby should have a display of shul programs and activities, including flyers and brochures that visitors can take with
them. Every piece should include the
shul’s website URL, email address, a contact name and phone number.
6. Develop a culture of “welcomeness” in the shul. This should be the theme of a
sermon and announcements should be made reminding members how much the shul
wants new guests to feel welcome and at-home and how you hope everyone will
reach out to them.
It has been said that the four most common words spoken in an orthodox shul are, “You’re in my
seat.” Make sure they are not talking
about your shul. Welcome new people
warmly and they are likely to return and bring a friend.
Comment
The Top Ten Benefits of Doing Kiruv (Source: "Putting Out the Fire," by Aharon Ungar)
1) Working with somebody who is learning from the beginning causes you to examine your own performance of mitzvos.
2) Kiruv reignites your connection with Hashem.
3) Kiruv enhances your appreciation for the Torah community.
4) By bringing Hashem's lost children home to Him, you earn Divine gratitude.
5) Kiruv builds a constant, ongoing source of merit for Olam Haba.
6) Kiruv causes you to focus on spiritual issues you may never have contemplated.
7) You will have an opportunity to relearn many things you have forgotten.
8) You will have the incomparable feeling and spiritual benefit of saving someone's life.
9) Kiruv fulfills four halachic imperatives.
10) You can attain all these benefits within the context of your present life and schedule.
2) Kiruv reignites your connection with Hashem.
3) Kiruv enhances your appreciation for the Torah community.
4) By bringing Hashem's lost children home to Him, you earn Divine gratitude.
5) Kiruv builds a constant, ongoing source of merit for Olam Haba.
6) Kiruv causes you to focus on spiritual issues you may never have contemplated.
7) You will have an opportunity to relearn many things you have forgotten.
8) You will have the incomparable feeling and spiritual benefit of saving someone's life.
9) Kiruv fulfills four halachic imperatives.
10) You can attain all these benefits within the context of your present life and schedule.
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© 2012 Created by Rabbi Aharon Ungar.
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