school and early engagement programs are not just competing within the Jewish world—with each other and/or Jewish community centers—but with an entire world of excellence in early childhood education/engagement. “If you’re not offering something outstanding, young families will go elsewhere,” she says. 5. Meet young families where they are outside the congregational walls. For example, 125 families, about 80% temple members, are participating in Temple Israel of New Rochelle’s PJ Library subscription program (pjlibrary.org), whereby (thanks to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation) children ages 6 months to 8 years receive free, age-appropriate Jewish books and music. The congregation hosted two events for subscribing PJ Library families, including a “pajama party” at which 150 parents and children decorated their own pillowcases and learned about Jewish bedtime rituals. “The PJ Library program makes the congregation a more
JEWISH HERITAGE TOURS & OTHER DESTINATIONS SMALL GROUPS - DELUXE ACCOMMODATIONS - PERSONALIZED ATTENTION
1-800-242-TOVA
www.tovagilead.com
reform judaism
News&Views_w12F.indd 53
welcoming place for these families,” Associate Rabbi Beth Nichols says. To encourage young families to participate in such innovative programs, Rolland suggests that every congregation enlist its own “pied piper” who can reach out through personal connections and/or social media. “Ideally,” she says, “the person should be of the same demographic as the young parents. If you don’t know of anyone within the congregation, reach out beyond your temple community—view it as a growth opportunity to bring someone new into your orbit.” Rolland also stresses the importance of making sure your early childhood initiatives are highlighted—with good positioning and excellent photography—on your website and Facebook pages. “Today’s young families expect high quality, up-to-date information at all times,” she says. 6. Focus on your clients. “Always consider who your clients are, their needs now, what their needs may look
Logo designed by studio Kalderon ©
serves 80 children—its maximum capacity. Director Marsha Newstat (photo #6) attributes the success to a variety of factors: new Baby and Me prenatal classes, a lowered enrollment age of 18 months, a new kindergarten program, an educational philosophy that encourages imagination and creativity, being accredited on the website of National Association for the Education of Young Children—the “gold standard in the field,” running a popular Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony at a local promenade, welcoming the larger community’s interfaith and multi-racial families, integrating Judaism well into the curriculum—and using the congregation’s small size to advantage. Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels and Cantorial Soloist Diane Rose, who lead a weekly Tot Shabbat, have become familiar faces to the children. “The little kids walk in the halls and recognize the rabbi. They yell, ‘Hi, rabbi!’ I love that,” Newstat says. About 60% of enrolled families are members, who receive an 18% tuition discount. And 80% of non-members become temple members. 3. Educate and inspire your temple Board. Cathy Rolland (photo #7), director of the URJ’s early childhood education faculty, says that “when you raise board member awareness about the vital role of early childhood initiatives in engaging young families and helping to grow the next generation of Jews in your community, the board is much more likely to support critical initiatives.” Rolland recommends appointing a liaison from the board or executive committee to facilitate this process. Allen adds that “a preschool should be viewed as part of the congregation rather than as a separate entity, as this enables the synagogue staff to build relationships with parents through clergy visits and contact with the religious school director.” 4. Quality is key. Extensive research on what young families want from early childhood education shows that the most important factor is offering a quality program, Rolland says. Congregational pre-
53
winter 2012
10/2/12 12:51 PM