Synagogues Adapt their Worship for Broader Appeal

September 28, 2003

Source: The Courier Journal

http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2003/09/28ky/wir-front-services

On September 28, 2003 The Courier Journal reported "amid local and national worries that the Jewish population is stagnating, aging, tuning out to religion and intermarrying with non-Jews at high rates, synagogues are offering broader menus of worship styles. The Temple and Adath Jeshurun, for example, offered services during this weekend's New Year's celebrations, or Rosh Hashana, that ranged from Hebrew chants to contemporary music, moments of meditation and hands-on spiritual lessons for children involving a visit from Louisville Zoo animals... Synagogues are turning to what is sometimes called the "synaplex" concept, borrowing some of the techniques of large Protestant "mega-churches." Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, the synagogues are targeting the spiritual needs and desires of people in the 21st century... " Not everyone agrees. Citing such programs such as "Torah yoga," adopted in some synagogues around the country and the popularity of Buddhism, critics question whether the initiatives are rejuvenating ancient Judaism, or are just replacing it with New Age fads.