Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel of South Orange (TSTI) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey to fund a new approach to young family outreach and engagement. The Reform synagogue is in the process of developing “A Forkful of Judaism,” a four-pronged programming initiative for young families. It will encompass four areas –worship, social action, food and sports—with innovative programming designed to appeal to families with younger children. Some activities will also foster intergenerational participation, as well as participation in the wider community.
TSTI congregants prepare sandwiches to deliver to the Isaiah House shelter in East Orange.
The grant enables TSTI to hire a Young Family Engagement Coordinator who will work with senior staff, board members and congregants. The goal is to offer additional creative programming to connect more intimately with younger synagogue families and prospective members, and to enhance retention of long-time members.
“A Forkful of Judaism is designed to better integrate young families into the fabric of our community at a time when they might just be entering—or are considering entering—synagogue life,” said Carol Paster, director of the synagogue’s Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education. “We will develop activities that match the interests of those who might want to participate at TSTI in ways that go beyond the sanctuary.”
The initiative is a way to build community for people with children of similar ages or similar interests. Examples of how TSTI will conduct this four-pronged approach to family engagement include:
Partnering with area synagogues for family social action projects to benefit several local organizations. These projects will include text study, discussion on issues of food insecurity and homelessness, and hands-on activities to benefit the less fortunate.
Outdoor activities such as group hiking and inviting K-2 families to cheer on teams at TSTI sporting events.
Food-based events such as sandwich making for the needy, baking and cooking classes highlighting Jewish values.
Monthly Tot Shabbat programs for the youngest age group and family Shabbat dinners in tandem with other Religious school events such as TSTI’s Awesome Oneg program.
“These are great ways for families with young children to see what else goes on at TSTI, and for the parents to connect with us in ways that are meaningful to them and their children,” said Mindy Schreff, director of the Linda and Rudy Slucker Religious School. “Our goal is that they see the temple community as a source of spiritual and social nourishment, where they can engage in Jewish-centered activities that enrich all aspects of their lives.”
Rabbi Daniel Cohen said the grant will help TSTI become a Jewish second home for families who are seeking community and connection with others who are at the same stage of life, through a variety of activities.
“TSTI has always been forward-thinking in terms of how to reach people and experience community in meaningful ways,” said Cohen. “Through these shared experiences with our clergy, educators and members—and each other—young families can find their portals to Jewish life.”
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel is a vibrant Reform congregation located at 432 Scotland Road in South Orange, N.J., that offers Jewish preschool, Religious school, teen programs, lifelong learning for adults, and a full complement of religious services and cultural programs each month. TSTI serves member families from Maplewood, the Oranges, Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills and surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.tsti.org.
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Photo Courtesy of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel
Photo Caption: TSTI congregants of all ages prepare sandwiches to deliver to the Isaiah House shelter in East Orange. The Reform synagogue, which has long been committed to year-round community service, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey to expand its young family outreach and engagement initiatives.
