In the spring of 2022, Clal joined with the Springtide Research Institute to pilot a survey of belongingness in seven synagogues across the U.S. and Canada. Then, we created a custom report of their belonging scores and action recommendations. The aggregate study includes 1,100 respondents, and it is the very first scientifically-based, quantitative study of belonging in the Jewish community.
Humans are hard-wired to thrive when we are in mutually supportive communities. Over the last several decades in North America, though, the ties that bind neighbor to neighbor have weakened, if not snapped completely. We have lost a sense of place, a sense of home, a sense of belonging. We are lonelier than ever before, to the detriment of our physical, mental, and civic health.
Faith communities are uniquely positioned to address this loneliness epidemic. These communities value deep connection, caring, and mutual support. However, we don’t always design our events, programs, staffing, services, and structures to maximize belonging.
Since the pilot, over 25 more congregations throughout the US and Canada have undertaken the Belonging Project’s offerings, including the Belonging Index survey, training workshops for lay leaders and staff, and customized coaching and consulting. Jewish community institutions of all kinds can maximize belonging. Clal offers a variety of ways to bring The Belonging Project to your community, including:
A 1.5 hour introductory, online workshop. This is for congregations and Jewish institutions beginning to focus on building a community of belonging, as well as leaders who want to spark interest in the idea of designing for belonging.
A survey measuring how belonging works in your synagogue community. This is for congregations that want to better understand their current belonging strengths and weaknesses and to receive customized, data-based recommendations for action steps.
This is for congregations and Jewish institutions seeking guiding principles of designing for belonging and connection among congregants, as well as opportunities for brainstorming and reflection as a leadership team.
A first-of-its-kind sociological report with the Springtide Research Institute on belonging in synagogues
Kick off your community’s belonging work by bringing in a Clal faculty member to teach about belonging in Jewish community