In the age of individual choice, can the synagogue as an institution be a defining factor in shaping Jewish identity? What does the phrase "synagogue community" mean in an age of Jewish diversity? How do we envision the roles of both professional and lay synagogue leadership, and what new modes of training will be needed to meet the new challenges? A cross section of Jewish professionals and lay leaders will tackle these and related questions at a conference, Re-envisioning the Synagogue, at Hebrew College November 23–24, convened by the Wilstein Institute of Jewish Policy Studies and STAR (Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal).

Examining the intersecting roles of rabbis, cantors, educators and lay leaders, participants will brainstorm new directions for synagogue leadership. "We are looking not to fine-tune things as they are, but to redefine what ought to be," says Rabbi Zachary Heller, Wilstein Institute Associate Director.

Drawing on diverse ideological perspectives, presentations will include re-envisioning the American synagogue; transforming the role of the hazzan; and the future of lay leadership. Among the key presenters and panelists will be Rabbi Hayim Herring (STAR); Dr. David Kaufman (Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion); Rabbi Avi Weiss (Yeshivat Chovevei Torah); Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein (United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism); Dr. Michael Hammer (Reengineering the Corporation); Dr. Isa Aron (Excellence in Congregational Education); Dr. Riv Ellen Prell (University of Minnesota); Dr. Larry Hoffman (Synagogue 2000); Dr. Scott M. Sokol (Jewish Music Institute at Hebrew College); and President David Gordis (Hebrew College).

Following the symposium, a collection of the papers, discussions and subsequent related contributions will be published for circulation to a broader audience. For more information, contact Leslie Schweitzer at Wilstein, 617-559-8793 or wilstein@hebrewcollege.edu.

More From Wilstein: In response to heated public debate about the National Jewish Population Survey 2000 (NJPS), the Wilstein Institute partnered with Brandeis University's Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies to sponsor a colloquium October 26–27 on the survey's methods, analysis and implications, providing a forum for substantive debate on the issues. The program engaged participants in a search for common ground and an effort to reach agreement on future research and uses of the NJPS.

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