I find it interesting and incredibly surprising that Jewish clergy and educators never ask themselves several fundamental threshold questions: Who are our “customers?” Where are they coming from? What is their Jewish background and level of Jewish education? What are they looking for? And what do they need? What are they interested in? What triggers or motivations have drawn them to Judaism in general and to their specific synagogue in particular? Failing to ask these important questions inevitably leads to the creation of “products” and delivery of messages that frequently miss the point by failing to address these issues. Thus, there’s a substantial disconnect between the clergy and their congregants. It’s not surprising that these leaders are utterly “tone deaf” and clueless. We therefore shouldn’t be surprised that much of what happens in the synagogue and in Jewish education literally falls on deaf ears and fails to make a meaningful connection with the very audience that is the intended recipient of these messages. So, once again, we fail to ask the right (or any) questions. Another of the many missed opportunities. We shouldn’t be surprised that most Jews are utterly turned off to “organized” Jewish worship. Instead, they are both bored and come away with the impression that “organized” Judaism doesn’t address their fundamental needs and interests. In short, we never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity!
