Since you can’t theme davening….

Rabbi Einhorn’s SynaBlog is a new innovative blog that shares tips, tactics, strategies and best practices that enable Shul growth and promote Shul vitality.

Hi there! Welcome back.

Davening is holy of holies. That being the case, it’s kind of difficult to get creative and create thematic service experiences that don’t tamper with minhagim and nusach. But you can theme your Kiddush! A creative idea for shul programming is to, perhaps once a month, alternate themes at your Kiddush. Rosh Chodesh Kislev – Greek food. Rosh Chodesh – Iyaar – Israeli food. Etc. This turns your Kiddush into a social experience beyond just eating. Conversations begin over flavors, traditions, and how accurate were the depictions. These themed kiddushim can also be a springboard for further programing. If, for example, you decide to do a Jamaican themed Kiddush, you can find somebody who is an expert on the history of Jews in Jamaica and have them give a lecture at your shul. There are authors and books on every Jewish culture, bringing them out as a guest speak would certainly be different.

Wishing you success,

Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn