The Morphing of the Synagogue: An Exploration of New Models
     Rabbi Dan Goldblatt

Synagogues around the country are merging and closing.  The days of synagogue-based Jewish philanthropic ventures such as Synagogue 2000 are distant memories.  Are synagogues doomed as the once central institutional model of the Jewish world?  While new Jewish innovative models like Urban Adama, Moishe House, Wilderness Torah, and The Kitchen have emerged, many believe that the old paradigm synagogue can survive and even thrive if significant changes are made in order to remain relevant, more spiritually alive Klay Kodesh.  We will explore some of the ways synagogues are responding to the challenges of the contemporary moment.  We will welcome input from clergy leaders whose synagogues and communities are experimenting with novel approaches.  I will share an exciting new model that we are embarking on at my own shul -- synagogue as Jewish Healing Center.

Rabbi Dan Goldblatt is a musmach of Reb Zalman, zt"l, and the ALEPH Smicha Program.  He has served as Senior Rabbi at Beth Chaim Congregation in Danville, CA for the past 24 years.  He has served as President of OHALAH and is currently on both the OHALAH and ALEPH Boards as liaison between Boards.