Terry Bookman and William Kahn
October 18, 2007
Indianapolis
Congregations can become and remain healthy places without sacrificing the good in pursuit of the perfect. Combining the knowledge of a rabbi and the expertise of an organizational development consultant, this educational experience looked at various dynamics that support healthy congregational qualities.
The presenters posed vital questions for congregations of any faith such as “What do you exist to be?” and “Is this a place you would come if you didn’t already belong here?” Exploring these kinds of questions makes way for healthy communities of believers. Part of the blueprint presented for a well built congregational house includes material concerning:
- relating to authority
- staying alive in leadership
- leadership and fellowship in the congregation
- clarity about tasks, roles and boundaries
- clergy and board relationship
- board development
- politics and power
Bookman and Kahn integrate organizational theory and Jewish religious values in the pursuit of a deeper understanding of synagogue life.
Rabbi Terry A. Bookman is an educator, an author, a spiritual leader and rabbi of Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida. William Kahn is professor of Organizational Behavior at Boston University’s School of Management, where he teaches courses on leadership, managing teams, and organizational change. The men co-founded the Eitzah Center for Congregational Leadership and co-authored This House We Build: Lessons for Healthy Synagogues and the People Who Dwell There.
