Date Approved
4-18-2023
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Social Innovation (M.A.)
Degree Program
School of Community Leadership & Development
First Advisor
Coeli Fitzpatrick
Second Advisor
Azfar Hussain
Academic Year
2022/2023
Abstract
We at Temple Emanuel of Grand Rapids, Michigan– like synagogues all over the country– are pondering the important topic of how we can inspire a love of Judaism and a love of place in the hearts and minds of young Jews that leads to lifelong observance and Temple membership. This rumination comes with recognition of the uniqueness of our size as a congregation in a part of the country that is not Jewishly dense.
Knowing our unique positionality, this guide outlines how we will become a model for engagement for Reform synagogues everywhere. This guide includes:
- The importance of embracing an abundance mindset
- What is “relational Judaism,” and how can its tenets guide our mission?
- Promising statistics on young Jewish observance and Temple membership
- Data on the potential reach of this work across West Michigan
- Identified best practices for both teen and young adult engagement
- Recent Temple successes with programming when utilizing best practices
- How to prioritize the scalability and long-term flourishing of this work
ScholarWorks Citation
Denhof, Shelby E., "Next Generation Engagement: How to Foster Jewish Identity and Jewish Community Building in Teens and Young Adults" (2023). Culminating Experience Projects. 242.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/242
