At a mid‑size suburban synagogue I noticed declining attendance at adult education classes, especially among young families.

My goal was to increase participation by 30% within one year while maintaining the program’s educational integrity.

I formed a planning committee of diverse members, introduced family‑friendly scheduling, added interactive workshops on contemporary topics, and launched a weekly newsletter highlighting upcoming sessions.

Attendance rose 38% over 12 months, with 45% of participants being families with children under 12; the program received positive feedback and was adopted as a model by two neighboring congregations.

Two long‑time members disagreed sharply over the inclusion of LGBTQ+ families in our holiday celebrations, creating tension in the board meetings.

I needed to facilitate a respectful dialogue, preserve unity, and uphold the synagogue’s commitment to inclusivity.

I arranged a private mediation session, set ground‑rules for respectful listening, invited a knowledgeable halachic scholar to provide perspective, and guided the conversation toward shared values of hospitality and dignity.

Both parties agreed to a pilot inclusive celebration; the event proceeded smoothly, and the board later voted to adopt a formal inclusion policy, reducing future conflicts.

During a youth education day I was asked to introduce core Jewish values to a mixed‑faith high‑school audience.

Present *tikkun olam* in an accessible, relatable way within a 10‑minute slot.

I began with a brief story of the biblical prophets advocating for justice, linked it to the Hebrew phrase meaning ‘repairing the world,’ used modern examples like environmental stewardship and social service projects, and invited students to brainstorm personal actions.

Students engaged actively, created a list of 15 actionable ideas, and many signed up for a community clean‑up the following weekend.

A congregant sought guidance on whether to undergo pre‑implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to avoid hereditary disease.

Provide a halachic perspective that respects both tradition and the family’s ethical concerns.

I consulted primary sources (Talmud, Shulchan Aruch), reviewed responsa from contemporary poskim, considered the principle of *pikuach nefesh* (preserving life), and engaged a qualified medical ethicist to clarify the technology’s implications.

I presented a nuanced ruling that permitted PGD under strict conditions, emphasizing informed consent and ongoing spiritual reflection; the family felt supported and proceeded with confidence.

Our synagogue was located in a diverse urban neighborhood with churches, mosques, and a Buddhist center nearby.

Create a collaborative event that fostered mutual understanding and addressed a common social issue.

I organized a joint ‘Day of Service’ focused on homelessness, coordinating with leaders from the three other faith groups, securing permits, and promoting the event through shared media channels.

Over 200 volunteers from all four congregations served at a local shelter, resulting in a 25% increase in shelter donations and establishing an ongoing interfaith council that meets quarterly.

After delivering a sermon on social justice that referenced current legislation, a local news outlet requested an interview.

Present the sermon’s intent responsibly while maintaining the synagogue’s non‑partisan stance.

I prepared a concise statement emphasizing the Jewish values of justice and compassion, clarified that the sermon addressed moral principles rather than party politics, and offered to provide written excerpts for accuracy. During the interview I stayed calm, avoided partisan language, and redirected to the broader ethical discussion.

The interview aired with balanced coverage; community members reported increased understanding of the synagogue’s moral perspective, and no backlash ensued.