GETTING STARTED

At first, acknowledge the indicators of a diminishing Jewish community.
Synagogue membership declines, with little prospect of replacement or growth. Members' average age rises. Younger native generations move elsewhere. Industry changes and businesses that traditionally engaged Jewish individuals are no longer viable.

Consult.
Once leadership has recognized the situation and the need to plan, contact us.

Engage.
Connect with current leadership and those with deep histories, relationships and commitments to the community.

Discuss.
Identify specific issues and agree on the need for a plan to address key situations such as synagogue and cemetery maintenance and the loss of dues income resulting from decreased membership.

Inventory.
Document community assets, both liquid and hard, as well as religious and historical objects.

Plan.
Create a "communal will" allowing for:

• placement of religious artifacts
• cemetery maintenance
• future use of funds that may be available for allocation
• establishment of formal relationships with agencies, federations, Jewish historical associations or denominational bodies to help realize your intentions
• definition of when the congregation will cease to operate

For more information, call David Sarnat, (770) 690-8230