TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM STRATEGIC PLAN CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY

We're Listening!

To Our Congregational Family;

We need your help. We are engaged in a strategic planning process focused on the next two to three years, as we emerge and transition from the impact of COVID on Temple life. To that end, please assist us by responding to the enclosed Congregational survey. We thank you for helping us with your response.

Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz
Stevan Pardo, President, Board of Trustees
Allan Pekor and Bart Chepenik, Co-Chairs, Temple Strategic Planning Project

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April 27, 2021 at 5:30 pm (link at tbsmb.org)
Temple Beth Sholom Open Forum

“If you won’t be better tomorrow than you were today, then what need do you have for tomorrow?” - Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav

Temple Beth Sholom is proud to be a Jewish home for all -- across the spectrum of political views and policy concerns. As our tradition teaches, we want to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and respected. Please join us on April 27 at 5:30 pm to share your ideas for making TBS a community where all feel comfortable speaking up and learning from each other around the issues of the day, even when we cannot agree.

MEMBERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT

Question Title

* 1. Why do you choose to belong to TBS? Check all that apply.

To educate myself or my children.

To commit to Social Justice.

To belong to a Temple Community.

To work towards an important life cycle event (wedding, b’nei mitzvah, etc.).

Question Title

* 2. Which of the following statements is/are true for you? Check all that apply.

I feel like I have a spiritual home and community at TBS.

TBS clergy and staff care about my family.

I have formed meaningful connections with other TBS members/families.

I feel like I am well-apprised of what is happening at TBS.

I feel that my thoughts and ideas are heard at TBS.

TBS uses technology very well to keep us connected even when we are apart.

Question Title

* 3. How do you get most of your information about TBS? Select two (2).

Brochure

Website

Phone Calls

HaKOL

I do not get information from any of these sources

Question Title

* 4. I would be more engaged at TBS if: _____________________________

SPIRITUALITY

Question Title

* 5. In which of these experiences do you find the most spiritual value?

High Holy Day worship

Shabbat worship

Life-cycle ceremonies

Adult education classes

Affinity Group meetings, i.e., Sisterhood/Brotherhood, Panim el Panim, PACT, SJN

Temple Projects, i.e., Mitzvah Day

Jewish Meditation

Being together with other members of the TBS community

My spiritual needs are not being met

Question Title

* 6. If possible, what Covid protocols would make it comfortable for you to attend in-person events? Check all that apply.

Limited attendance to allow for social distancing.

Attendees wear masks.

Outdoor events

None of these protocols would make me sufficiently comfortable.

Question Title

* 7. What events would you most prefer to attend online even when these are available in person? Select three (3):

High Holy Day worship

Shabbat worship

Life-cycle ceremonies

Adult education classes

Affinity Group meetings, i.e., Sisterhood/Brotherhood, Panim el Panim, PACT, SJN

Temple Projects, i.e., Mitzvah Day

Jewish Meditation

ISRAEL

Question Title

* 8. How can Temple Beth Sholom best help you explore and/or develop your connection with Israel? Check all that apply.

I am interested in traveling to Israel with TBS.

I am interested in courses on Israeli history, politics, culture (food/art), economy, etc.

I would like to learn Hebrew.

I would like to learn different ways to include Israel in my philanthropy.

Question Title

* 9. Specifically, I am interested in learning more about these topics related to Israel. Check all that apply.

Israel’s government and the numerous political factions that influence both the daily lives of Israelis and Israel’s position on the world stage.

Israel as a global leader in technology, health care, security, environment and tourism.

A two-state solution with the Palestinians.

Threats to Israel’s survival, including from terrorist organizations, boycotts, and global antisemitism.

The role of Reform/Progressive Judaism.

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 10. If you have children or grandchildren, how can we help you build their connection with Israel? Check all that apply

Offer family-oriented trips to Israel and/or virtual travel experiences.

Provide educational opportunities for teens in Israel.

Offer family education about Israel such as programs on food, pop culture, music, Yom Ha'Atzma’ut etc.

Learn about our Israel Advocacy Fellowship for 11th and 12th graders.

Other (please specify)

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Question Title

* 11. Which of the following Repairing the World opportunities are important to you? Check all that apply.

Direct service volunteering (Mitzvah Day and Service Projects).

Education on issues.

Advocating at the local, state, or federal level (i.e., Letter writing campaigns, Phone Banking, Lobbying).

Mobilizing the community to protest injustice.

Opportunities for tzedakah to local community organizations.

Inter-faith community organizing on the city and county level (with organizations such as People Acting in Community Together - P.A.C.T.).

None of these opportunities are a priority for me.

Question Title

* 12. For which of the following groups are you interested in having more Social Justice opportunities? Check all that apply.

Elementary School Age

Middle School Age

High School Age

Family with all ages

Adults

FINANCE

Question Title

* 13. Are financial obstacles hindering your participation in TBS?

Yes

Question Title

* 14. Do you believe TBS is fiscally transparent?

Yes

Question Title

* 15. Do you believe TBS is fiscally responsible?

Yes

Question Title

* 16. Do you think the Annual Commitment (dues) structure is fair?

Yes

Question Title

* 17. I feel as if I get good value for my membership dues.

Agree

Disagree

Please respond to the following questions only if your family includes one or more learners.

EDUCATION

Question Title

* 18. My learner will return to jLAB:

Once it is fully operational for in-person learning.

Whether in-person, hybrid, or virtual.

We will not be returning to jLAB.

Question Title

* 19. If your child is eligible for JLAB (religious education, grades K-10), and is not currently enrolled, please check all reasons that apply.

My child is enrolled in Jewish Day School.

My child’s after school activities conflict with JLAB.

This is not a priority for my family.

Question Title

* 20. Has your child (Grades K-12) participated in any BESHTY youth program this year?

Yes

Question Title

* 21. If your child (Grades K-12) has NOT participated in any BESHTY youth program this year, please indicate a reason below. Check all reasons that apply.

Not interested in current offerings

No transportation

Schedule conflicts

My child does not have friends who participate

Question Title

* 22. In which of the following programs do you plan to enroll your learner? Check all that apply.

Parent-Child Programs

TBSIS Temple Beth Sholom Innovative School) Infant/Foundation Level

TBSIS (Temple Beth Sholom Innovative School) Elementary Level

TBS After-School Enrichment

TBS Camps (Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Camps)

jLAB

B’nei Mitzvah

BESHTY (Beth Sholom Temple Youth)

Confirmation Classes (Ninth and Tenth Grade)

TBS High School Fellows

None of the above

I would like more information about these programs to make an informed decision