Keeping The Shul Lights On

An executive director needs to set the tone for the staff as part of creating a relationship with the congregation. This has been the focus of our next guest and a measure of her leadership success. Sheila Goldman of Shomrei Torah Synagogue of West Hills, CA shares her experiences as the Executive Director of a shul that has utilized grants to enhance security for the congregation which has been a big component to the success of the congregation and their marketing efforts. She also shares how she aided the shul to get through the covid period and the current merger that is developing with another local congregation. To learn more about Shomrei Torah Synagogue, you can click on the following links:  Website - https://www.stsonline.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shomreitorahsynagogue/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMh2_d2YYlnpzzs_Hs8O2Hg Instagram -      https://www.instagram.com/shomreitorahsynagogue/?hl=en To view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/97zhoPS6TPY This podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing. As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in. We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest. To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.comYou can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

Our latest episode focuses on the need to develop, implement and follow a strategic plan for your synagogue to create and continue growth while maintaining stability.Michael Kahn of Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah of Wilmette, IL shares his experiences as the Executive Director of a shul that he has grown up in and how he has helped lead his congregation through the covid period while strengthening how the synagogue operates. To learn more about Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah, you can click on the following links: Website - https://www.bhbe.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BethHillelBnaiEmunah/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHwMbYn3ACw3dpPHf9pn__A  Instagram -      https://www.instagram.com/bethhillelbnaiemunah/ To view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/97zhoPS6TPY This podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing. As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest.To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.comYou can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

Our latest conversation is with Barry Herman of Ahavath Achim Synagogue of Atlanta, GA where we discuss the many aspects of the role of Executive Director with someone that has served two separate terms in that role at the same conversation. As a lifelong Serial volunteer, Barry has taken his experience as a business owner and addressed the business and financial needs of his role which put, and has kept, the shul on a strong economic footing. He understands that the shul has limited staff and monetary resources and has implemented business efficiencies to develop strong programming and ensure that the congregation remains vibrant and active.  To learn more about Ahavath Achim Synagogue, you can click on the following links:  Website - https://aasynagogue.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AhavathAchimSynagogue YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOqyAhzSRq5QihTPQ0KujGA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ahavathachim/  To view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/42BOZHRj89w This podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing. As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in. We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest. To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com  You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

It is a rewarding opportunity to be the Executive Director of a synagogue, but there is an emotional accomplishment when it is actually the shul you grew up in.Our guest for this episode of Keeping The Shul Lights On is Matt Walzer of Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and he shares his journey moving back to his home community to being hired for a development position at the shul and eventually becoming its Executive Director. He shares his experiences of moving his shul from a dues paying membership to a charitable giving structure, something many synagogues have done and even more-so have discussed.  He has learned that there is no lack of opportunity for Tzedakah to be given to support the synagogue and ways to help grow the community.To learn more about Beth El Synagogue, you can click on the following links: Website - https://www.besyn.org/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BethelsynagogueMN/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3fAhLgzedU2JvoNoIrOlSQInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bethelsynagoguemn/ To view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/lnkb1i_vTqAThis podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing.As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals.Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest.To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com.You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

Our latest guest has an incredibly deep background before becoming a synagogue executive director.  Jeff Jacob has become a cause leader and has brought his experiences from the corporate world, the music industry, operating a dog rescue and serving as an assistant executive director at another synagogue to Temple Beth El in Hollywood, Florida.  He has used his musical talents to help enhance the musical programming at his shul, which has helped to create a greater sense of community and spirituality with his congregants.To learn more about Temple Beth El of Hollywood, you can click on the following links:  Website - https://www.templebethelhollywood.org/Facebook - https://www.templebethelhollywood.org/fb.html YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrnF_jOzxdppHzI6y2ylqQInstagram - https://www.templebethelhollywood.org/ig.html To view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/YZnDQHFzTPg This podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing.As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals.Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest.To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com.You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

Our newest episode is a great conversation on leadership and operations of a congregation.    Sarabeth Salzman serves as the Executive Director of Emanuel Congregation in Chicago. She comes from a professional career within the Jewish community for over 15 years, including Federations, Synagogues and Overnight Camps. We discuss the keys of connecting with the clergy and board of directors to develop a strong tone for the congregation and the benefits of working collaboratively with the other leaders in the Jewish community.  We also discuss the evolution of a building and community and how it is important to come to your congregants and the need to rest out unused space to help address the budget.To learn more about Emanuel Congregation, you can click on the following links:Website - https://www.emanuelcong.org/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EmanuelCongregationYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/EmanuelCongregationReformSynagogueTo view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/VBUk9EXSIDY.This podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing.As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals.Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest. To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com.You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

This conversation brought me joy in so many different ways.  First and foremost, it is another conversation about a successful and notably innovative shul and how they connect with their congregants and the greater Jewish community.  It is also a conversation about a synagogue that I have been in many times for services, events and activities as I grew up in this neighborhood.And finally, my guest is a former classmate who has successfully guided this congregation for over a dozen years.Richard Langer is the executive director of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.  Affectionately knows as "The Bayit",  the congregation is known for being an open Orthodox synagogue serving the entire Jewish community by warmly embracing all Jews, regardless of affiliation, commitment, orientation or background.Richard shares his journey, his skills he developed as a business owner, and the knowledge he has developed during his tenure as an effective problem-solver who engages all stakeholders in the organization to identify opportunities and overcome challenges.  He tells a wonderful story about how he works with the staff to operate this incredible congregation and facilitate their continuation of their meaningful mission.To learn more about the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, , you can click on the following links:Website - https://www.thebayit.org/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hirthebayit/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thebayit8678Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hir_bayit/To view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/XBK8-zQa6wQThis podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing.As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals.Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest.To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com. You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

Our latest guest is Rivka Campbell, the Executive Director at Beth Tikvah in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.   Rivka brings several years of experience in the Jewish non-profit sector. Her experience includes synagogue management and other leadership roles within the Jewish community. Rivka is a member of the Synagogue and Temple Administrators of Toronto (STAT), the National Association of Temple Administrators (NATA) and a member of the Executive of the Board of  the North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE). Rivka has her Fellow in Synagogue Administration (FSA) certification. Rivka is an experienced Executive Director with a demonstrated history of working with Jewish non-profit organizations. A recognized speaker on Jewish Diversity, she is responsible for all aspects of the synagogue administration including fiscal management, membership recruitment and retention, catering, major events and building maintenance.She shares her day to day experiences and provides her thoughts on leadership and a congregations three legged stool which incudes the Rabbi, Executive Director and board President who work together to bring success and opportunity to the shul.  To learn more about Beth Tikvah Synagogue, you can click on the following links:Website - https://www.bethtikvahtoronto.org/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/btonbayview/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM-dG3WurJRZLW1hnOZAphQ?view_as=subscriberInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bethtikvah_toronto/To view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/A1g4TGKZvYkThis podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing.As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals.Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest.To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com. You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

My next guest is Jeff Rembrandt, the Executive Director of The Community Synagogue, a vibrant Reform congregation in Port Washington, New York. Jeff has decades of experience in the Jewish world, having previously worked in in Jewish Community Centers in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, and as the Regional Director for Women’s American ORT. He has been the shul’s Executive Director since 2017 and he shares his experiences running business operations while also having created his open human approach to relating to members to address their situations and needs.  He takes their name “Community” very seriously and works very hard to make sure his congregants feel like they are a part of the community. To learn more about The Community Synagogue, you can click on the following links: Website - https://www.commsyn.org/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheCommunitySynagogue/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxVirsFWbm_yOVcI3Kj-06wInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/commsyn/?hl=en To view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/ThZYsxqRDqQThis podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing.As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals.Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest.To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com.You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

Welcome to the first episode of Keeping The Shul Lights On,  a conversation with synagogue executive directors and leaders of Jewish organizations about their journey into a Jewish community career and the positives and challenges that come with operating a shul, and organization and managing the needs of a congregation and audience.My first guest is actually the Executive Director of my own shul, the Jacksonville Jewish Center and she is a Jewish communal professional with over 20 years in the field, including experience both in a Jewish Community Center and Synagogue.She shares her experiences as an Executive Director of two synagogues, her journey into the Jewish world after earning her law degree and how she works hard throughout the day to make sure our shul keeps the lights on, while running programs,  hosting services and operating a pre school, day school and religious school for 800 family units.To learn more about the Jacksonville Jewish Center, you can click on the following links:Website - https://www.jaxjewishcenter.org/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleJewishCenter/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqH7WmeE2mWSKwxw9R4HeJAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jaxjewishcenterTo view this episode on YouTube, please click - https://youtu.be/i2QQapOvQJYThis podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing.As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals.Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest.To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com.You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing

Keeping The Shul Lights on is a podcast about the challenges of operating a synagogue, creating a Jewish community and the hard work and efforts of a congregation's executive director and Jewish organizational leadership. Brought to you by Shul Marketing, Concerned your congregation and community are not responding to your Shul marketing? Discover the strategies to connect with them, reach them where they are and develop the results your leadership is seeking.  Hosted by Howard Wolpoff, this podcast will be a journey about Jewish communal leadership.This podcast is brought to you by Shul Marketing.As a synagogue leader, you have a vital role in spreading the message of your shul and building a strong community. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest marketing trends and reach new members. That’s where Shul Marketing agency comes in.We understand the unique challenges of building a Jewish community and can provide the support and expertise you need to grow your congregation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized marketing strategy that is tailored to your Shul’s specific needs and goals.Whether you’re looking to increase weekly or event attendance, build brand awareness, or reach a wider audience, we can help you achieve your objectives. By working with us, you will be able to focus on what you do best while we take care of the rest.To learn more, click www.shulmarketing.com.You can find your host, Howard Wolpoff, at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/www.shulmarketing.comwww.profitmasterbusinesssolutions.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/hwolpoffTwitter - https://twitter.com/shulmarketingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hwolpoff/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shulmarketing/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwolpoffTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shulmarketing