What Congregations Learn

Every congregation has strengths to build on, challenges to address, and opportunities waiting to be discovered. The Synagogue Assessment Tool™ helps leaders move beyond assumptions and see how congregants actually experience synagogue life today.

While every congregation's results are unique, the assessment frequently provides insight into the following areas:

  • Explores whether congregants feel welcomed, connected, and part of a larger community.

    • How connected members feel to one another

    • Whether newcomers are finding their place

    • What encourages long-term participation

    • Opportunities to strengthen relationships across generations

  • Explores how congregants experience services, spiritual connection, and Jewish expression.

    • What aspects of worship are most meaningful

    • Where members seek deeper spiritual connection

    • Differences in expectations across populations

    • Opportunities to strengthen participation

  • Explores how members connect to Jewish learning, tradition, and values.

    • How effectively the synagogue supports Jewish growth

    • Where learning opportunities can be expanded

    • How members connect Jewish values to daily life

    • Opportunities to strengthen engagement across generations

  • Explores how members view decision-making, communication, and transparency.

    • Levels of confidence in leadership

    • Areas where communication can be strengthened

    • Gaps between leadership and congregational perceptions

    • Opportunities to build greater trust and alignment

  • Reveals how information is shared, received, and understood.

    • Which communication methods are most effective

    • Where members feel uninformed

    • Opportunities to increase participation

    • Barriers that limit engagement

  • Identifies the qualities that define congregational life and the member experience.

    • What members value most about the congregation

    • Cultural strengths worth preserving

    • Where change is desired

    • How tradition and innovation are being balanced

  • Explores how members view emerging opportunities and the congregation's ability to adapt.

    • Levels of optimism about the future

    • Areas generating energy and excitement

    • Concerns that may need attention

    • Opportunities for innovation and growth

  • Reveals where members believe time, attention, and resources should be invested.

    • Shared priorities across different groups

    • Areas where expectations differ

    • Opportunities for focused investment

    • A stronger foundation for strategic planning

Click a heading to expand

Repeated every three to four years, the Synagogue Assessment Tool™ can become a valuable benchmark for measuring progress, evaluating change, and turning insight into meaningful action over time.

Learn more about us