Temple Etz Chaim Rabbinic Transition Survey

As we noted in our recent congregation letter sent on June 26, the first phase of our multi-phase effort will be a process of self-reflection. Members are invited to fill out and submit this survey below that will illuminate both the strengths and opportunities that our temple offers.  Your input is ESSENTIAL as it will form the basis for evaluating each rabbinic candidate. This survey will hopefully take about 15 minutes to complete and should be submitted by July 14th.  If you would like assistance filling out the online survey, please email rabbinic-transition@temple-etzchaim.org or call the Temple Office +1 (508) 528-5337.
The survey below, and specifically the first question, is organized to address the three major aspects of temple life – worship, study, and community – and we added a fourth, leadership, to cover the management and organizational responsibilities of the rabbi. We encourage each member to share their ideas, submit this survey by July 14th and join this sacred journey of rabbinic transition.
 
1.What do you think are the most important qualities of a rabbi? Under each category below, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree.
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Worship
Delivers inspirational, thought-provoking sermons rooted in Torah and Jewish values with a strong bimah presence
Creates innovative, diverse worship opportunities
Addresses contemporary social and cultural issues and connects these to our Jewish faith
Encourages music of varied genres
Study
Relates across all ages, adjusting presentation and material to the age and background of the audience
Invites speakers on wide-ranging relevant topics
Directs Religious School staff and partners with the Education Committee to create and implement a diverse, engaging curriculum focusing on Jewish values, customs, traditions, a love of learning, and ways to live and act as a Jew
Amalgamates varied approaches to meet the wide-ranging needs of the students and their families
Creates opportunities for students to engage with each other, connecting in small group learning and large group projects
Exhibits deep, scholarly knowledge of Torah, Jewish life, Israel, etc.
Sets an example of a life lived according to the ethical and moral teachings of Torah
Leads discussions on complex realities facing Israel based on historical and current perspectives
Open to discussion with those who have divergent views about Israel
Creates and leads congregational travel opportunities related to Judaism for learning and connecting with each other
Community
Welcomes people of all ages, races, gender, ethnic backgrounds, faiths, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status
Engages in TEC-wide and relevant local community events
Has experience providing confidential counseling to families and individuals in crisis/need
Connects to those in need through visits and phone calls
Committed to engaging all ages in social justice advocacy efforts, speaking out and leading relevant discussions
Creates partnerships with community groups in pursuit of tikkun olam (repairing the world)
Networks with both Jewish and other faith-based organizational leaders in the greater Boston community and beyond
Encourages congregants to explore the resources of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and other affiliated Reform synagogues as a pathway to discover creative ideas, innovative programming and new initiatives
Leadership
Willing to explore changes to ensure congregation’s future
Identifies creative strategies to encourage people to consider temple affiliation
Understands the challenges facing congregations in the post-COVID world and the diverse ways in which the temple engages its congregants
Collaborates with lay and professional leadership
Manages multiple responsibilities and tasks proactively
Is approachable and has an easy rapport with congregants of all ages
Understands the importance of fundraising at all giving levels and has demonstrated knowledge, skills, and a comfort level to approach those who can support the congregation and thus its future
2.Please indicate which TWO Rabbinic roles are most important to you:
3.To me, Temple Etz-Chaim is:
(check all that apply)
4.What are the most important strengths our next rabbi needs to know about our congregation?   Temple Etz Chaim: _____________ (check all that apply)
5.Referring to items in Question #4 (and repeated below), please indicate the TWO most important strengths our next rabbi needs to know about our congregation.
6.What are the most important challenges confronting Temple Etz-Chaim in the next 5 years?  (Check all that apply)
7.Referring to the items in Question #6 (and repeated below), please indicate the TWO most important challenges confronting Temple Etz Chaim in the next five years.
8.Please check all that apply. I am...
(Check all that apply)
9.What is your age?
10.Are you active on any Temple Etz-Chaim committees/activities? (Check all that apply)
11.What is your name? (optional)
12.What else would you like us to know as we begin our search?