“The Case for METNY”METNY USCJ Leadership Conference – March 18, 2009/ 23 Adar, 5769Rabbi Charles Savenor, Executive Director, METNY USCJIt is wonderful seeing so many of you here tonight. It is my hope that we will together, grapple withthe complex challenges of our day, and discuss the future of METNY USCJ and the ConservativeMovement in our region. That we have rabbis, educators, youth professionals, executive directors,and lay leaders here tonight attests to the fact that interest remains high in METNY’s future, and,equally important, that the solution to our challenges can only be met by working together.Since I began working at METNY in July, the playing field has changed dramatically. First andforemost, we find ourselves in an economic downturn. Second, groups within our movement areraising issues about United Synagogue. Recent articles in “The Forward,” “The Jewish Week,” and“The Jerusalem Post” have described the demands of “Hayom” and various synagogue leaders.These issues are of vital concern, because they involve us all.Third, demographics point to a decline in the size of our movement. Our members are the oldest.Our best and brightest are seeking spiritual sanctuary either within the modern orthodox camp or inindependent minyanim.With these vital issues on the table, we no longer have the luxury of time or extended learningcurves. These challenges demand our immediate attention and forward thinking. In order for METNY USCJ to thrive, it is essential that we look beyond the horizon, to the future.Faced with rebellion, war and criticism from every corner, President Abraham Lincoln offered thesewords to Congress:The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piledhigh with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we mustthink anew, and act anew.Lincoln’s remarks are as relevant today with our contemporary challenges as they were in his day.His words serve as an inspiration to those of us who care deeply about Conservative Judaism andhope for the success of the United Synagogue.“The case for METNY” this evening focuses on my vision on how our region can reach new heightsin the next three to five years. Forward thinking will guide us towards reorganization and renewedsuccess.My vision is informed by synagogue visits, board meetings, and coffees with lay leaders and rabbis,and focus groups around the region. During these focus groups with our president councils, our main objective has been to listen to you, to learn about your successes and challenges, and todiscuss how we – synagogues and the METNY region - can work together most effectively.What has become clear is that our synagogues yearn to be heard. Some need assistance, all want partnership. Some question the value of their membership, none are fully aware of what METNY1

offers. While some are frustrated with USCJ, all want to see USCJ - and METNY for that matter -succeed.So in making our “case for METNY,” it is vital that we “act anew” to create something innovative,fresh and authentic. The pillars upon which this revitalization will be rest are what I call the 3 C’s:1) communication, 2) consultation, and 3) community. By embracing these three items as our mission, we can create a renewed METNY that will provide value to its members and contribute tothe revitalization of Conservative Judaism.

COMMUNICATION

As we approach change, we need to change our approach. There was a time when some synagoguesviewed their dues to USCJ as a donation or as sign of support for Conservative Judaism. Theeconomic crisis has caused a paradigm shift, and, as much as we need donors, we will seek synagogues to be our partners and investors in the vitality of our organization. Any synagogue that belongs to USCJ can expect quality services.Truth be told, METNY USCJ is customer service provider. This means that we will strive for excellence in how we answer the phones, the presentation of our materials, and the responsivenessto your needs.We are revamping our website so that it becomes a valuable resource for our leaders, as well as atool to bring our synagogues together with common purpose. It will also serve as a gateway toJewish life in the Metropolitan New York area.I envision a METNY that will be proactive about the integration of technology into our synagoguesfor efficiency and the strengthening of our communities. Facebook, Twitter, and

whatever comesnext

will be utilized because our future members will be looking there as potential portals of entryinto the Jewish community.Communication, true communication, is a dialogue. It enables both parties to grow and support oneanother. There is nothing more special than when we talk to each other “

panin el panin

,” face toface. Like Moses, a sincere discussion, a meeting of the minds, can cause us to glow and evensmile.Both METNY and your synagogue have much to offer one another, so it is vital that we find a wayto create a common bond through engagement that elevates both parties in a real way.Equally important, communication requires a sense of trust, and the best avenue to this destinationis transparency. In an effort for more transparency, our region will share our budget with our affiliated synagogue members and issue an annual report. An annual report signifies accountabilityand creates expectations. When every penny counts, we want you to know how we are utilizing our collective resources to strengthen Conservative synagogues and our movement in the New York area. Furthermore, we encourage all of our synagogues to do the same.Trust also emerges when we can speak openly with one another. With this in mind, I deeply respectthe various groups raising their concerns to our national USCJ leadership. Their conversation2

represents an opportunity to build trust. It is my sincere hope that their discussions tomorrow willlead to greater understanding and involvement for the sake of our future.This sacred trust we are creating on a regional level entails perpetual attention so we can act as partners to revitalize our synagogue movement.It is with this in mind that I advocate for the creation of a Liaison Board within METNY. Believe itor not, this group – not yet activated - is already described in our By-laws. We will meet twice ayear with synagogue representatives to share ideas, dialogue about real issues and work towards our common future.By embracing communication as one pillar of our mission, we can create a renewed METNY thatwill provide value to its members and contribute to the revitalization of Conservative Judaism.

CONSULTATION

The second pillar of my vision is consultation. METNY runs a plethora of programs, many of whichare excellent. USY is probably our best program. It is wonderful that we have youth directors herethis evening, because you are entrusted with leading our youth and shaping their formative Jewishexperiences.I have been delighted to learn this year that our USY regional youth professionals meet withchapters and youth commissions on a regular basis. Their discussions are not limited to programming; these visits are designed to enhance the quality of our chapter leadership.Running great programs is important, yet programs do not define a mission. Rather programsshould flow directly out of the mission. With limited resources and manpower, we can no longer conduct business as usual.Rambam teaches us that if you give a man a fish, you have fed him for one meal. If you teach himhow to fish, he can always feed himself. It is the responsibility of the region to teach us all how tofish. Thankfully we live on the coast.A major plank in METNY’s mission is helping our synagogues function most effectively. I believethat METNY can make the biggest impact by moving away from simply running programs andembracing the role as your synagogue consultants. As consultants we will work with you to helpyour synagogues reach the next level. For some shuls, this may mean setting goals and creating amission. For others, it might entail training sessions in budgeting. Some may need volunteer engagement workshops, and others assistance with reinvigorating their youth program.Last year METNY began offering “PaRDeS Yaakov,” which is a professional teacher trainingmodule. PaRDeS Yaakov enables us to see the facts on the ground and work with principals andteachers in the context of their experience. This initiative is representative of the consulting we willoffer in a variety of areas.A strong METNY region will have as its hallmark quality leadership training. We will offer not justexcellent workshops and conferences, like tonight’s program, but also local leadership training3