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Thursday, November 09, 2006
Synagogue 3000 Launches S3K Synagogue Studies Institute, Publishes Provocative New Report on U.S. Synagogue Membership Patterns
Conceptions of Judaism and motivations for affiliation differ widely in each denomination, finds top sociologist Steven M. Cohen in Institute's first S3K Report
MEDIA CONTACT:
Joshua Avedon, Director of Communication
Office 310.553.7932
Mobile 310.291.5171
media@synagogue3000.org
LOS ANGELES, November 8, 2006 - Synagogue 3000 (S3K) has announced the establishment of the S3K Synagogue Studies Institute. In a new effort to increase the value and stature of Synagogue Studies as a key field for academic research and seminary education, the Institute has convened a national network of scholars and will work with clergy and communal leaders to promote greater understanding of synagogue life. The Institute also has inaugurated its S3K Report series with a provocative new study of congregational affiliation patterns by leading sociologist Steven M. Cohen.
S3K President Dr. Ron Wolfson stressed the importance of research to Synagogue 3000's overall mission. "It is remarkable," he said, "that until now, there has never been an academic research institute dedicated to the study of the synagogue, the bedrock organization of the Jewish community. As a transdenominational catalyst for fostering and deepening sacred communities, Synagogue 3000 is convening the Synagogue Studies Institute as a central pillar of our program."
The Institute's first S3K Report, written by noted sociologist Steven M. Cohen, illuminates why American Jews join synagogues. He demonstrates that motivation and demographics differ widely, and in unexpected ways, among the major movements.
"The social science of American Jewry has a long and honored tradition of exploring the dynamics of synagogues, clergy and congregations," said Cohen. "To better understand Jews and Judaism today, we need an ongoing sympathetic but critical examination of the synagogue, one that is scientifically informed and policy-relevant."
The S3K Report series will synthesize key findings from recent research, offer new analyses of contemporary issues, and give useful insight into Jewish congregational life.
The Institute fills a gap in American Jewish research and education. Echoing concerns voiced by leading congregational rabbis, S3K Senior Academic Fellow Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman observed, "It is possible for seminary graduates entering synagogue life to have more reliable information about synagogues in antiquity than they do of the congregations they are about to serve."
"The Institute will have achieved success," added S3K Director of Research Shawn Landres, "when synagogue studies is a standard component of both Jewish Studies and congregational studies, when courses on contemporary congregational life appear on seminary curricula, and when congregational leaders can rely on high-quality cutting-edge research to inform their work."
While relatively new to Jewish research, synagogue studies has parallels in the church world. Rabbi Aaron Spiegel of the Indianapolis Center for Congregations welcomed the Institute's debut. "This funneling of practical data derived from research has become the standard for congregational revitalization and transformation in the church world," said Spiegel, who serves on S3K's Board of Directors. "Organizations like the Alban Institute have done this work for over 30 years - we have a lot of catching up to do!"
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The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Joshua Avedon, Director of Communication
Office 310.553.7932
Mobile 310.291.5171
media@synagogue3000.org
LOS ANGELES, November 8, 2006 - Synagogue 3000 (S3K) has announced the establishment of the S3K Synagogue Studies Institute. In a new effort to increase the value and stature of Synagogue Studies as a key field for academic research and seminary education, the Institute has convened a national network of scholars and will work with clergy and communal leaders to promote greater understanding of synagogue life. The Institute also has inaugurated its S3K Report series with a provocative new study of congregational affiliation patterns by leading sociologist Steven M. Cohen.
S3K President Dr. Ron Wolfson stressed the importance of research to Synagogue 3000's overall mission. "It is remarkable," he said, "that until now, there has never been an academic research institute dedicated to the study of the synagogue, the bedrock organization of the Jewish community. As a transdenominational catalyst for fostering and deepening sacred communities, Synagogue 3000 is convening the Synagogue Studies Institute as a central pillar of our program."
The Institute's first S3K Report, written by noted sociologist Steven M. Cohen, illuminates why American Jews join synagogues. He demonstrates that motivation and demographics differ widely, and in unexpected ways, among the major movements.
"The social science of American Jewry has a long and honored tradition of exploring the dynamics of synagogues, clergy and congregations," said Cohen. "To better understand Jews and Judaism today, we need an ongoing sympathetic but critical examination of the synagogue, one that is scientifically informed and policy-relevant."
The S3K Report series will synthesize key findings from recent research, offer new analyses of contemporary issues, and give useful insight into Jewish congregational life.
The Institute fills a gap in American Jewish research and education. Echoing concerns voiced by leading congregational rabbis, S3K Senior Academic Fellow Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman observed, "It is possible for seminary graduates entering synagogue life to have more reliable information about synagogues in antiquity than they do of the congregations they are about to serve."
"The Institute will have achieved success," added S3K Director of Research Shawn Landres, "when synagogue studies is a standard component of both Jewish Studies and congregational studies, when courses on contemporary congregational life appear on seminary curricula, and when congregational leaders can rely on high-quality cutting-edge research to inform their work."
While relatively new to Jewish research, synagogue studies has parallels in the church world. Rabbi Aaron Spiegel of the Indianapolis Center for Congregations welcomed the Institute's debut. "This funneling of practical data derived from research has become the standard for congregational revitalization and transformation in the church world," said Spiegel, who serves on S3K's Board of Directors. "Organizations like the Alban Institute have done this work for over 30 years - we have a lot of catching up to do!"
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
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About Religion Press Release ServicesReligion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others. The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
