Social Action
TEMPLE B'RITH SHALOM QUESTIONNAIRE - JANUARY, 2004
87 surveys (54% of the congregation) were received. Not all respondents answered all questions, & most questions allowed multiple answers. Hence the percentages do not total 100.
THE BREAKDOWN OF THOSE RESPONDING IS AS FOLLOWS:
11% Families with children younger than 20 living at home.
25% Congregants 40 to 60 years old.
55% Congregants older than 60.
CONGREGATIONAL PROFILE
Single 6% Married 79% Divorced 6% Widowed 7%
Jewish tradition in which raised:
Orthodox 15% Conservative 43% Reform 20% Secular 15% Not Jewish 15%
If not raised in the Jewish tradition:
Jewish by choice 13% Non-Jewish 6%
Bar/Bat Mitzvah 52% Confirmation 30%
TEMPLE MEMBERSHIP
Length of membership in Temple B'Rith Shalom:
0-2 years 24% 2-6 years 31% 6-10 years 30%
more than 10 years 17%
Membership in:
Another Jewish temple 9% Another religious institution 9%
Previous congregational affiliation:
Orthodox 6% Conservative 32% Reform 40% Reconstruction 2%
Renewal 2% None 17% Other 5%
Percent feeling welcome at temple services and events: 92%
Percent not feeling welcome: 2%
Percent of new members wanting to be contacted by a long-time member:5%
Not wanting to be contacted: 20%
Percent of new members wanting to attend a new member orientation: 10%
Not wanting to attend: 13%
Percent of long time members willing to mentor a new member: 16%
Not willing to mentor: 38%
Suggestions for attracting and retaining members:
13% Make personal contacts with potential and new members; involve them in activities.
10% Increase public relations
9% Increase social events: make them more affordable; hold them in p.m.; plan them for families with children
3% Demonstrate inclusiveness and welcome
Percents of those attending the following events during the last 2 months:
Friday night service 80%
Temple social event 55%
Saturday morning service 26%
Temple-related committee meeting 26%
Adult education class 24%
Sisterhood 21%
Movie 17%
Torah study 15%
Hebrew class 10%
Book discussion 8%
Yiddish Club 6%
Religious school 5%
Other 2%
Suggestions for more participation in synagogue activities:
3% Activities for singles
3% Personal invitation to attend or participate; "Don't like
going alone"
2% Events and classes at night (after work)
2% Activities for families. "Participation by other families
would encourage me to attend."
2% Move temple closer to town. "Out of sight, out of mind."
Expectations from temple membership:
31% Place to worship for religious and spiritual inspiration
21% Fellowship with Jews; being part of a Jewish community
9% That which the temple offers "...fulfills my expectations."
9% Studies and classes for both adults and children
6% Social events
Feelings about what is received from membership dues:
56% "Fine," "satisfied," "great." "A very good value for all that is offered."
Reasons for membership in Temple B'rith Shalom:
34% To participate in Judaism; to support a center for the practice of Judaism
33% To support and be a part of the Jewish community
22% To form friendships; enjoy social interactions
6% Because of the warm and caring congregation
5% Because of the rabbi
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Reasons for attending religious services:
Identity with the Jewish community 79%
Spiritual connection 78%
Religious connection 68%
Social 57%
Intellectual stimulation 47%
Tradition 47%
Music 43%
Preferences at religious services:
More music 13%
Less music 8%
It's the right amount 69%
More Hebrew 15%
Less Hebrew 24%
It's the right amount 55%
Storytelling 20%
Dance 14%
Lay-lead services 3%
Other: Sermons on history, Jewish thought, current and community issues 6%
Meditation 2%
Children led services 1%
Percent wanting to have Torah read at Friday night services: 86%
Percent not wanting to have Torah read: 11%
COMMUNICATIONS
At least one person in the household reads the Ram's Horn: 94%
Percent willing to receive the Ram's Horn and other temple correspondence via E-mail: 46%
Percent not willing: 41%
Percent willing to attend a semi-annual meeting: 53%
Percent not willing: 23%
Maybe: 5%
FINANCES
Respondents ranked the following items either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in
preference of funding:
50% Funding for religious school enrichment programs for our young families.
48% Additional funding for the Mitzvah Circle to enhance our program of outreach to families requiring care.
38% Additional funding for adult education to bring in outside speakers to expand learning and interests.
26% Funding for tzedaka for community-wide needs.
23% Funding to begin a program of shabbat dinners and other
social events.
21% Funding to upgrade and increase the quality of our assets, such as kitchen equipment and religious articles.
Percent willing to support an increase in dues to provide for the above items: 40%
Percent not willing: 24%
LONG RANGE PLANNING
Percent preferring to hold High Holy Day services in a larger location: 48%
Percent preferring 2 consecutive services: 32%
Other: Continue as we are doing 5%
Reserve services for members only 3%
Use armless chairs and TV in library and classroom 2%
Percent preferring expansion of our current building: 53%
Percent preferring relocation to a larger building: 18%
Other: No expansion or relocation now 5%
Research a long-lasting solution 5%
Suggestions for improving the appearance of our temple and grounds:
17% Increase landscaping; create memorial or Biblical garden
6% Expand parking lot; repair curbs; seal cracks
2% Use warm colors in sanctuary
2% Dim lights in sanctuary during services
2% Reduce clutter in building
2% Jewish symbol on exterior; mural on exterior
1% Amphitheater for outdoor gatherings
1% Block view of barbed wire at Hughes Plumbing
When asked what they value most about our synagogue, respondents ranked the following items either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd:
85% It is a center for practice of Judaism
61% Our rabbi
58% It is a resource for learning
57% It provides fellowship with other Jews
16% It is a resource for assisting congregants when needed
5% Our building
The temple should be involved in the charitable needs of the larger community: 8%
The needs only of its members: 10%
Both: 72%
Temple B'rith Shalom's greatest strengths:
55% Friendly and caring congregation, dedicated members, spirit of community
34% The rabbi, his energy, enthusiasm, scholarship, musical
talent
9% Its many programs and opportunities for learning
5% Its diverse membership and history of inclusiveness
Temple B'Rith Shalom's greatest challenges:
32% Growth and its resulting challenges: financial, possible loss of "feeling of family"
25% Tolerance for the diversity of the congregation; respecting and valuing each member
16% Attracting younger members; making intergenerational connections
6% Increasing volunteerism among non-participating members
3% Programs for teens. "My teen has no role in the temple."
3% Increasing awareness of our presence in the schools and community
What respondents want to say about Temple B'rith Shalom in 5 years:
30% Despite our growth, we have maintained our spirit of
intimacy, community, and harmony.
8% I am proud and happy to have been a part of making the temple even better.
6% We are a vibrant presence in northern Arizona, addressing all the needs of our diverse congregation, including the exploration of our potentials as Jews.
5% We are a recognized and respected presence in the tri-city area.