Surveys are one thing, but putting the information they yield to good use takes meaningful collaboration. At the Dec. 15 Congregation meeting, you — those who completed the Long-Range Planning Committee’s survey, and those who participated in the analytical discussion that morning — showed the committee how to translate the survey’s results into meaningful action. Since the survey data represented a 59% return rate from you, and since you gave us great feedback at the Dec. 15 meeting, we now have a meaningful vision for future programming and growth.  Here are highlights from the recent discussion.

PROGRAMMING:  What you want in programming is a give-and-take format with speakers, perhaps in conjunction with Shabbat services and /or the onegs that follow. Ethics are high on your list of topics, and the shul’s Education Committee responded with the current JTS course,  “Jewish Ethics in Today’s World.” History and Talmud/Torah are also of interest. We would like to hear your thoughts regarding speakers and programs with those interests in mind.

TIMES FOR PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES: Respondents agreed that we need to experiment with alternative times for activities. To begin, the shul is planning to hold Shabbat services at 6 p.m., rather than 7:30 on Rosh Chodesh Jan. 24, Feb. 21 and March 20, followed by supper in the social hall. Watch your email for more information about this initiative. [See separate store in this issue of The Shofar.]

FACILITIES AND BEAUTIFICATION: The newly-formed Fundraising Committee has been asked to address repairs to the Aron Kodesh. Also, since storage space is limited on the main floor, the committee will be looking to make better use of the building’s attic and basement.

NEW MEMBER OUTREACH: Publicity for our programs and special Shabbat services, and coffee hours with the Rabbi are some of the suggestions you would like to see implemented.

NEW FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE:  The shul’s new Fundraising Committee, chaired by Judy Weiner, is tasked with coming up with new efforts to strengthen the shul’s financial position. Serving on the committee are Alan Garmise, Micah Kaplan, MD, Susan Rosenstreich, Sherry Shaw, and Nancy Torchio.  Your ideas are welcome.

THAT’S IT FOR NOW: What you told us is that we should explore new ideas, working through ad hoc committees, discussions at Congregation meetings, and informal feedback. You are the driving force behind these initiatives, so please let us know what works and what doesn’t.

Thank you for participating in the survey, and for voicing your ideas to put the results of the survey into action.

—Judith Weiner, Survey Coordinator

—Susan Rosenstreich, President