S3K Reports are periodic publications of the S3K Synagogue Studies Institute on topics in Jewish congregational studies. S3K Reports synthesize key findings from recent research, offer new analyses of contemporary issues, and give useful insight into synagogue life. An ad hoc editorial committee of clergy and other congregational leaders working in the field.
We encourage clergy, educators, researchers, and communal leaders to use S3K Reports as they implement their own creative strategies for building vital and compelling congregations for the future of the Jewish people.
The views expressed in S3K Reports do not necessarily represent those of Synagogue 3000 or the S3K Synagogue Studies Advisory Board. Responsibility for the research and findings in Institute publications rests solely with their author(s).
Rekindling Tradition as Life Partnership Ends
It is somewhat surprising that sociologists have paid so little attention to how people experience divorce in congregations. Studies that do address the relationship between religion and divorce are largely quantitative, analyzing large samples and concerned with causal relationships. Do synagogues know how to handle end of relationship issues? Kathleen E. Jenkins, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the College of William and Mary has some surprising answers.
Spirituality at B'nai Jeshurun: Reflections of Two Scholars and Three Rabbis
This S3K Report is actually three fascinating pieces. "Spirituality at B'nai Jeshurun: Reflections of Two Scholars and Three Rabbis," "The New Jewish Spirituality and Prayer: Take BJ, For Instance," and “Take BJ from its Rabbis’ Point of View.” These three pieces, compiled into one report, are an interesting, scholarly look into the world of the synagogue paradigm.
Bringing Conversations About Israel Into the Life of American Congregations
Authors Alex Sinclair and Esti Moskovitz-Kalman discuss the new conversation needed in American synagogues regarding Israel. "Israel engagement" has meant lending political and philanthropic support to the beleaguered Jewish State. Today it must in addition mean something different, something more personal.
How Spiritual Are America’s Jews?
Narrowing the Spirituality Gap Between Jews and Other Americans
The first-ever comparative national study of spirituality among American Jews and Christians demonstrates that young Jews are more spiritually inclined on every available measure than their elders. The historic large gap in spiritual orientation between Jews and others is narrowing, especially among younger adults, those 35 and under.
Preliminary Findings 2007 National Spiritual Communities Study
Over the past few years, we have seen an important new phenomenon in Jewish life: the creation of dozens of independent minyanim, spiritual communities, alternative worship services, and emergent congregations. This rich array adds diverse opportunities for worship, learning, social justice work, community-building and spiritual expression.
Download PDF
Synagogues and Social Justice
Creating Sustainable Change Within and Beyond the Congregation
Fall 2007
How do synagogues make change? Change in ourselves, our families, our congregations, our communities, our world? In May 2007, the S3K Synagogue Studies Institute and Jewish Funds for Justice (JFSJ) convened a consultation on synagogue engagement with social justice ... Download PDF
Synagogues That Get It
How Jewish Congregations are Engaging Young Adults
Spring 2007
Synagogue 3000 is proud to introduce the S3K Synagogue Studies S3K Report - Synagogues That Get It: How Jewish Congregations are Engaging Young Adults Institute with its first publication, an S3K Report authored by Tobin Belzer and Donald E. Miller examining synagogue membership in the United States. Download PDF
Members and Motives
Who Joins American Jewish Congregations and Why
Fall 2006
Synagogue 3000 is proud to introduce the S3K Synagogue Studies Institute with its first publication, an S3K Report authored by Steven M. Cohen examining synagogue membership in the United States. Download PDF
