Tampa Synagogue Attracts Children of All Ages and Calls for Jews to Rediscover Faith

November 8, 2000

Source: The Tampa Tribune

On November 8, 2000, The Tampa Tribune reported that "One synagogue has found a way to bring lapsed Jews back to their faith: appeal to their children. As a rabbi of a large south Tampa synagogue, Richard Birnholz owns many yarmulkes. But his favorite - the one he gets to wear once a month - features the Cookie Monster and Big Bird. Birnholz also relies on Bert and Ernie, also puppets from "Sesame Street," to help with Tot Shabbat, his temple's monthly service for infants and preschoolers. He and his props give lessons on morality, lead catchy songs about the Torah and get the children marching in a lively procession around Congregation Schaarai Zedek's sanctuary. By the time he completes the 30-minute service, Birnholz hopes the young worshipers will have a fun memory of an important Jewish custom...According to National Jewish Outreach Program, more than half of American Jewish children are growing up as non-Jews or with no religion at all. The organization leads a nationwide campaign to encourage lapsed Jews to return to their religious roots by observing Sabbath and other holidays, attending services regularly, practicing rituals in the home and learning Hebrew. That's why synagogues like Congregation Schaarai Zedek are reaching out with special programs like Tot Shabbat. By offering incentives that cater to children, they hope to also draw young parents who've either abandoned their faith, or never practiced at all. It's not a concern for Jews alone. In a 1998 study by the Gallup Organization, almost nine out of 10 Americans (89 percent) would want their child to receive some type of religious education. Historically, that's a pretty consistent figure, says George Gallup Jr. from his Princeton-based office...Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, founder of the New York-based National Jewish Outreach Program, says more synagogues need to implement child-friendly programs like Tot Shabbat. Many parents of infants and preschoolers are frustrated because they don't feel welcome at services...Birnholz says the most important feedback he's gotten on Tot Shabbat, launched last year, is that 'we should do it more often.'...While such institutional activities are nice, one Jewish activist points out there's a place where parents of all faiths can begin religious training: Right at home. 'Congregation praying and group rituals are very important,' says Mike Eisenstadt of the Tampa JCC/Federation. 'But nothing is as important as what takes place in the home.'