Responding to this, the following six initiatives were set in motion:

• Shabbat Kiddush
• Friendliness
• Internal and External Communications
• Signage
• Alternative Services
• Education

The Kiddush Initiative developed out of the desire for an expanded Shabbat Kiddush - not only better and more food - but also an opportunity to share in the simchas being celebrated here, time to be with friends, to make a l’hayyim and share in the warm Shabbat spirit.. The response to our expanded Kiddush/luncheon from you, our congregants, has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Many have chosen generously to co-sponsor these events. The Shabbat Kiddush has become a time and place where a true havurah experience can emerge for those who attend the synagogue regularly. The result has been an enhanced Shabbat experience for all who participate.

The Friendliness Initiative has as its goal to inspire a friendlier TBS "face" at all levels. When you call the temple the phone is answered by a person, not a recording, and the greeting is warm and welcoming. There have been a number of small study groups with clergy, promoting learning and improved relationships. On Shabbat morning, all children have been invited on the bima for Adom Olam at the end of services. You can regularly see our children vying for a spot on the lap of one of our clergy. A new volunteer corps has been established to make it easier to become involved in synagogue activities.

The desire for better Internal and External Communications has resulted in a brand-new website, an improved schedule of mailings and the development of a P.R. "department" whose function it is to proofread all written materials and to publicize all TBS events to the wider community.

The Signage Initiative led to the purchase of our new outdoor signs, proudly promoting our 21st century face and reducing the confusion in navigating the grounds of what is a large synagogue.

Our new monthly Shefa Minyan is the result of the Alternative Services Initiative, offering members the opportunity to daven and to lead davening in a more informal environment. We have also expanded the children’s minyanim - Mini Minyan for children age 3-7, is an energetic, child-centered Shabbat morning service with age-appropriate songs, games and dancing; Minyan Yeladeynu, for children ages 8 and up, meets every other week during the school year to learn about the customs and symbols of the Shabbat Morning Service and take turns leading different parts of the service; Mishpacha Minyan, for children ages 8 and up (and their parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.), meets every other week during the school year in a family-friendly Shabbat morning service where parents and children take the time to learn, pray and sing together.

The Education Initiative resulted in our participation in the Re-Imagine Project, an 18-month program of evaluation and innovation developed and funded by UJA, which involved over 40 of our professionals and laypersons. This dedicated task force evaluated the way we "do" Jewish education at TBS and resulted in the formulation of our "Vision Statement for Education" and the creation of our Department of Lifelong Learning as well as our Educational Re-structuring.

Vision Beth Sholom has been a positive force for creative and dynamic change in our community and all of the above initiatives are ongoing in an attempt to better meet your needs. Stay tuned for further developments in these and other areas. And more importantly we hope you will get involved. Feel free to contact the temple office with your ideas.