The trouble with sifrei Torah is that -to the uninitiated - they all look alike.To protect a Torah from theft, and toidentify it if it has been stolen, a teamof scientists, scholars and Rabbis hasdeveloped a halachically permissiblesystem to “imprint” and register thesacred scrolls.The system, known as the UniversalTorah Registry, is credited with helpingto put a damper on Torah theft. Theregistry has also been instrumental inreuniting recovered sifrei Torah withtheir congregations, most recently inthe case of the scrolls and ornamentsstolen in October 1998 from TempleEmanu El in Englewood, NJ.Some 10,000 sifrei Torah in the

United Stateshave been regis-tered since1982, whenthere were anaverage of200 Torahthefts a year.It had beenimpossible tobe certain if arecovered Torah was in fact a specificstolen Torah. In frustration, policeofficials approached the New YorkJewish Community Relations Council(JCRC). “Even if we recover aTorah,” they asked, “how do we

(continued on page 2)

TRENDSSYNAGOGUE

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE LEADERSH IP OF OR THODOX UNION MEMBER SYNAGOGUES

For more information about OUONLINE and what it can mean foryou and your community, pleasevisit our website

http://www.ou.orgor e-mail: membership@ou.org

The synagogue is a Mikdash M'at - a limited, temporary version of the Beit Hamikdash.A synagogue is the central gathering place for a Jewish community. But no reader of"Synagogue Trends" needs to be convinced that the epicenter of the synagogue is the Torahtherein. Synagogue's are transient - fleeting, in the big picture - but Torah is forever.The eternal Torah, in the purview of the synagogue, is encapsulated in the sifrei Torah thatfill our arks.Those physical manifestations of the eternal Law- replete with halachot in theirown regard - are the most important objects in shul. It behooves us to give them theirdue care.The prevalent theme of this issue of "Synagogue Trends" is Torah.The first article, writtenfor "Synagogue Trends" by Marilyn Henry of the Jerusalem Post, is about protecting sifreiTorah from theft. Another discusses insuring the Torah - and the shul. Another talks aboutsafrut and caring for sifrei Torah, while the last article highlights one synagogue's successfulmethod of spreading Torah learning.We expect that these articles, and the other important articles and features inside, willhelp your synagogue to be a successful place of Torah, in all meanings of the phrase. Letus, your Orthodox Union Department of Synagogue Services, know what you think.In future issues of "Synagogue Trends" we will focus on such relevant topics as synagoguearchitecture, synagogue renovation and synagogue youth programming.Your experiences,ideas, comments and articles are always welcome.With your input "Synagogue Trends" willcontinue to highlight unique, original, and easily adaptable synagogue programs to helpyour synagogue to be as successful as it can be.

Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Editor

Editor’s Message

Safeguarding Your Sifrei Torah

IN THIS ISSUE:

SAFEGUARDING YOUR SEFER TORAH 1

THE SEFER TORAH - A LEGACYOF OUR PAST PRESERVEDFOR OUR FUTURE 4

GO TO SHUL - IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE 6

GETTING THE MESSAGE:THESYNAGOGUE AND THE WORLDOF COMMUNICATION 8

PROTECTING YOUR SYNAGOGUE WITHINSURANCE COVERAGE 10

JACKSONVILLESUMMER KOLLEL 12

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 WINTER 2000 xw wa,

return it to the rightful owner? Howdo we prosecute the thieves? Can’tyou place a serial number on everyTorah?”Searching for a system:The idea of a Torah registry was bornin 1982 under the guidance of RabbiIsrael Miller, then the Senior VicePresident of Yeshiva University andcurrently a memberof the Board ofGovernors of theOrthodox Union,and Rabbi EmanuelHolzer, Chairman ofthe RabbinicKashruthCommission of theRabbinical Council ofAmerica. Consultations with Rabbinicauthorities verified that a unique,invisible mark could be placed on theTorah scrolls but an applicablemethodology remained elusive.Virtually every national expert insecurity identification systems wasconsulted. Many traditional forms ofidentification were ruled out becausethey would violate halachah, theywere expensive, they were suscepti-ble to tampering or they were notenduring enough to provide genera-tions-long security. “Laboratories for-mulated 24 different types of invisibleink, but each proved to be erasable,”said David Pollock of the JCRC, whostill administers the system. “Whatgood is a serial number if a thief canerase it?”The system also had to be conve-nient for the synagogues, researchers

said, because any procedure thatrequired sifrei Torah to be shipped toa central location or would requirean expert to perform the registra-tion would never gain broad accep-tance. The resulting system is a sim-ple and inexpensive procedure. Itprotects each scroll with a mark thatis as distinctive as a fingerprint or acar registration number, and is also

permanent, secure,inexpensive, andhalachically valid.The identificationuses micro perfora-tions, which are notvisible to the nakedeye, to create aunique mark for

each scroll. That mark is also “repre-sentational,” rather than in anyknown language, so it could never bemistaken for inadvertently - andimpermissibly - adding words to thesacred text.“The problem was that any markingsthat would be put on the sefer Torah,might be misidentified generationshence, as part of the Torah scrollitself,” said Rabbi Holzer, Chairman ofthe Universal Torah Registry. “ATorah scroll is holy, and we are notsupposed to mishandle it. Any typeof labeling may affect it or spoil it insome way,” Rabbi Holzer said. “Wehad to find a way that thieves wouldnot be able to eradicate and onethat was safe as far as religious law isconcerned.” The “micro-perfora-tions” identification system wasinspired by the cosmetics company

Estee Lauder, which was trying tothwart vendors who were selling thecompany’s cosmetics on the “graymarket,” Rabbi Holzer said. Thecompany, however, could not bringcharges against the vendors withouta reliable and convenient method toidentify stores that were illegallyreselling their stock.

The company did this by modifyingits packaging, using a series of perfo-rated pinpricks on the interior flapthat would conclusively identify thesource. “When we heard this, weknew we had a method to identifyTorah scrolls,” Rabbi Holzer said.“The Estee Lauder method wasmodified to bring it in line with ourhalachic concerns and the UniversalTorah Registry was born.”Always demand a certificate:Another element of the system is acounterfeit-resistant Certificate ofRegistration. The certificate is pro-duced by the American Bank NoteCompany, which prints stock certifi-

2

Mandell I. Ganchrow, M.D.President, Orthodox Union

Marcel WeberChairman, Board of Directors

Dr. Marcos KatzChairman, Board of Governors

Rabbi Raphael B. ButlerExecutive Vice President

Stephen J. SavitskyChairman, Synagogue Services Commission

Michael C. WimpfheimerChairman, Synagogue Membership Committee

Rabbi Moshe D. KrupkaNational Director, Synagogue Services

Dr. Jack PrinceChairman, Editorial Advisory Board*

Frank BuchweitzDirector, Special Projects

Rabbi Mayer WaxmanDirector, Community Services

Synagogue TrendsPublished by the Orthodox Union

Department of Synagogue Services.11 Broadway

New York, NY 10004(212) 613-8225 • Fax (212) 564-9058

What good is a serialnumber if a thief

can erase it?

A team of scientists,scholars and Rabbis hasdeveloped a halachicallypermissible system to“imprint” and register

sifrei Torah.

*in formation

3

cates, postage stamps, traveler’schecks and currency for many for-eign governments. “The certificateprotects the registered Torah ownerand any potential buyer,” said Pollock.He explained that “buyers do notknow the provenance of a usedTorah scroll. Sellerswith certificates arelikely to be the right-ful owners of thesefer Torah they sell.”The registration sys-tem was developedunder the guidance ofleading Torah Scholarsof the generation, including RabbiYaacov Kaminetzky, Rabbi MosheFeinstein and Rabbi Joseph B.Soloveitchik. Rabbi Holzer expressedpride at finding a method able to sat-isfy the halachic scrutiny of Torahgiants. Participants in the UniversalTorah Registry include rabbinic andcongregational groups spanning thespectrum of Jewish life.How it works:The computer-generated patternsused for each Torah are virtuallyunique; the chance of replicating apattern is 1 in 10 million. Each regis-tered scroll is perforated with the pat-tern in 10 different places. These pin-pricks are permissible, the rabbis said,because a needle had already beenused to sew together the parchmentsections of the scroll. The Torah alsohas a mark on the finial, the etz chaim,which quickly reveals to thieves - andto potential buyers - that the Torah isregistered. The method of applicationis quite easy. “We send a template.You apply it in the places we indicate,and that’s it,” Rabbi Holzer said. “Youdon’t need a Rabbi to do it. Anyonecan do it, everyone can do it. Manyparticipating synagogues use Torahregistration as a project for their highschool students.”The fee is minimal, $40 for basic registration plus $15 per Torah.Registrations are renewed every fiveyears. It is widely believed that regis-tration reduces Torah thefts becauseit would be too expensive for a thiefto eliminate or mask the perfora-tions. If a stolen scroll is recovered,registration is invaluable in making a

“positive identification” to restore aspecific scroll to a specific synagogue.Registration has other benefits.Some congregations have sent theirsifrei Torah out for repair only to haveanother, less valuable Torah returned.Torah registration prevents such

switching. TheUniversal TorahRegistry has alsobeen helpful inintra-congregationaldisputes occurringwhen a memberhas loaned a Torahto the synagogue.

Despite the benefits, the number ofregistered scrolls is thought to be afraction of all scrolls in the world.The registry, which is operatedthrough the New York JewishCommunity Relations Council, is urg-ing all synagogues toprotect their sifreiTorah. Registrationalso serves the legiti-mate market forused Torah scrolls.Many congregationscannot afford a new Torah, whichmay fetch up to $40,000.Synagogues can authenticate the“cleanliness” of a used Torah byinsisting on its registration papers atthe time of purchase, much in theway that a car buyer would expectto get the vehicle’s title. For this rea-son it is ideal that a Torah be regis-tered immediately upon its comple-tion. Many insurance companiesnow require Torah registration as acondition of coverage.There was a rash of thefts in NewYork in 1992-1993 when 15 sifreiTorah were stolen in Manhattan andBrooklyn. However, there has been a

decrease in Torah thefts in the US inthe last five years, which in part isattributed to increased synagoguesecurity. In New York, some of thecredit also goes to the special TorahTask Force. This is an elite unit ofdetectives and prosecutors who pur-sue and prosecute those who stealand traffic in looted religious articles.They are backed by New York Statelaw, which imposes special penaltiesfor theft of items from houses ofworship. The theft of any such itemvalued at more than $100 is treatedas a felony.Because scrolls are not only sacred,but expensive to replace, RabbiHolzer said he was perplexed thatTorah registration was not universal.Registration should be considered anessential part of a synagogue’s security system. “The sefer Torah is

the most valuableobject to Jews, butit’s amazing how cavalierly many synagogues provideprotection. Themore universal Torah

registration becomes, the moreeffective the system is for all of us.”This article was written specially for“Synagogue Trends” by Jerusalem Post correspondent Marilyn Henry.

To register your sifrei Torah in the UniversalTorah Registry or for further informationplease call David Pollock at the New YorkJewish Community Relations Council:(212) 983-4800, ext. 132.

The computer-generatedpatterns used for each

Torah are virtually unique; the chance ofreplicating a pattern

is 1 in 10 million.

Many insurance companiesnow require Torah

registration asa condition of coverage.

The sefer Torah is the most cherishedand treasured possession of theJewish people. Throughout the agesJews have sacrificed their lives touphold the laws in these sacredscrolls.Many of the sifrei Torah in use todayhave miraculously survived genera-tions of religious oppression and per-secution. As a sofer stam, I have hadthe opportunity to repair andrestore sifrei Torah that survivedKristallnacht and the Holocaust.Scorched and charred parchmentedges had to be trimmed, whileslashed and mutilated yeriot - parch-ment sections - had to be rewrittenand replaced. Boot prints had to becleaned off from where these holysefarim had been trampled. If thesesifrei Torah could speak, what horrorstories and historical revelationswould they divulge?Although the aronei hakodesh - holyarks - of many synagogues are over-flowing with sifrei Torah, the ‘choicefew’ sefarim tend to be used weekafter week whilethe neglectedmajority await anoccasional hakafahon Simchat Torah.Some of theneglected sefarimare regarded asdefective. What befell these sefarimto cause them to become defectiveover the years? Many shuls are noteven aware of the problems invali-dating their Sifrei Torah.Most congregations could imaginethis situation: the Rav is away forShabbat and the baal kriah finds anerror while reading. He continueskriat haTorah with a replacementsefer while the original one isreturned to the aron hakodesh. Theproblem is never reported to theproper authorities. The gartel - Torahbelt - remains securely wrapped onthe outside of a beautiful sefer Torahrequiring just a minor correction; andthis Torah remains unused for yearsand years.Although the above scenario hasoccurred frequently, more often dis-

regarded sifrei Torah do requireextensive work. Unfortunately, bynot maintaining sifrei Torah and having

them inspected peri-odically, they tend todeteriorate andbecome passul -invalid for use.Problematic issuescompound when asefer Torah is not used

- as some I have seen - for over acentury.To determine the status and condi-tion of your shul’s sifrei Torah, the ser-vices of an experienced, competentand reputable sofer stam should beobtained. It is important that hehave expertise in sefer Torah restora-tion. Have him eval-uate all of the shul’ssifrei Torah. Eachsefer Torah should benumbered and docu-mented. A detailedwritten reportassessing the condi-tion of each scroll, the restorationwork required and an estimated costfor repairs would then be furnishedupon completion of this evaluation.

This inventory/status report willassist you in determining therequired budget for a sefer Torahrestoration campaign. If the soferevaluates any sefarim belonging toindividual members, you may want tonotify them of the sofer’s findings.Most often they will gladly cover thecost of maintaining their originalinvestment and z’chut.Sifrei Torah deteriorate in variousways. Many older sifrei Torah have awhite coating on the reverse side tocover up natural blemishes on theparchment. Aside from making theparchment on these Sifrei Torah con-sistent in color, this coating addsweight and causes some of thesesefarim to be extremely heavy. This

coating tends tocause problems as itdisintegrates anddeposits white chalkpowder onto thek’tav - the scribalwriting - as the sifreiTorah are rolled and

used. These sefarim must be cleanedthoroughly to remove this dust andresidue.Most sifrei Torah must be reviewed

The Sefer Torah - A Legacy of Our Past Preserved for Our Future

4

Sometimes the sofer’srecommendation may be to

not invest in restoringa certain sefer Torah.

Many shuls are not even aware of the

problems invalidatingtheir sifrei Torah.

5

entirely, letter by letter, to locate andrestore the thin connecting downstrokes which have broken. Withtime and extensive use these thinlines fade and very often crack ren-dering the sefer Torah passul. During

this thorough review the sofer willalso identify and correct any lettersor words that may have faded orbecome erased. Frayed and tatteredparchment must be trimmed andreinforced. Loose and torn stitchesmust be strengthened or replaced.Broken and damaged atzei chaim -rollers - should be repaired orreplaced. After completion of thecleaning and restoration process, ifneeded, the sofer may conduct aprocedure to deter further deterio-ration and breakdown of the k’tav ofthe sefer Torah.Sometimes the sofer’s recommenda-tion may be to not invest in restoringa certain sefer Torah. The sefer mayhave deteriorated to a point beyondrepair. The ink and parchment couldhave become so dry and brittle thatthe letters flake off of the parch-ment. If this problem is prevalentthroughout a major portion of thesefer, restoration should not bedone, as the work would not adhere.At times the problem is just found ina few sections. New yeriot can bewritten and replaced. The decisionwhether to replace yeriot or to notrepair the Torah would be made bythe sofer at the time of his appraisal.After all restoration and repairs arecompleted, you may wish to considerhaving a final inspection done bycomputer. The computer will detectany missing, extra or misspelledwords that may have gone unno-ticed. Please note, the computerinspection should only be done afterthe thorough inspection by a sofer.Once your sefarim have been refur-bished and renewed, they should be

rotated in their use. The aronhakodesh should be insulated properlyfor when the sefarim are not beingused. Extreme temperatures, hot orcold, can hasten deterioration of theparchment and ink of the sifrei Torah.

Although the expense of restoring asefer Torah may range from $1,000 to$6,500 it is generally a worthwhileinvestment. The cost of good qualitypre-owned restored sifrei Torah isapproximately $10,000 to $16,000and such sifrei Torah are not easy tofind. The cost of a newly writtensefer Torah ranges from approximately$25,000 to as high as $45,000.Your sifrei Torah are Klal Yisrael’s mosttreasured and cherished legacy.When they were written they werecopied from sifrei Torah, that werecopied from sifrei Torah that werecopied... from Moshe Rabbeinu’s seferTorah. Let us grant them the properhonor and care they truly deserveand preserve this precious legacy ofgenerations past for our children andgrandchildren to come.

Rabbi Zvi Chaim Pincus, a sofer stam andmusmach of the Yeshiva Gavoah of Lakewood,established Tiferes Stam Inc. in 1985. He isinvolved with the writing and restoration ofTorah scrolls, tefillin, mezuzot and megillot,and has coordinated sefer Torah educationaland fundraising programs for many OrthodoxUnion synagogues, for yeshivot, day schools,and conventions throughout the world.

After all restoration andrepairs are completed you

may wish to consider having a final inspection

done by computer.

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6

I would like to share with you some-thing that happened in our shulrecently, in the hope that this information will save more lives inother communities.On Shabbat morning,July 17, 1999 anelderly gentlemanwalked in from theheat to join us forservices. While walking to his seat,he suddenly gaspedand collapsed. We later discovered that he had gone intocomplete cardiac arrest - clinicallyspeaking, he was dead.Fortunately, our congregation isblessed with a number of capablephysicians and laypersons with CPRtraining who immediately came tohis aid. Of equal importance wasthe fact that we have two very valuable pieces of equipment on ourpremises: An oxygen (O2) tankand an automated externaldefibrillator. Because of the quickaction of our congregants and theparamedics - who came to the scenewithin five minutes of the 911 call -this congregant isnow recuperating,and doing very well.According to thephysicians and para-medics who attended to him, with-out the aid of the defibrillator thisperson would not be alive today.I am therefore writing for the following reasons:First, I encourage all ba’alei bayit totake a CPR course. I would especiallylike to encourage synagogues to hosta CPR course (you can contact yourlocal chapter of the American RedCross or American HeartAssociation to arrange a class). Itwould be invaluable to the shul,especially for situations like this. Evenfor communities blessed with theirown Hatzolah or similar volunteer

ambulance corps, having a largegroup of the general populace ableto perform CPR before the ambulance arrives is far better.Additionally, according to Dr. Alex

Rosenau of theEmergency Medicine Institute of LehighValley Hospital, thechances of someoneneeding to adminis-ter CPR to a lovedone at home are far

greater than emergency situationswith strangers at a mall, restaurant,or market.Second, I encourage all synagoguesand other public meeting places toprocure an oxygen tank and an automated external defibrillator. Thecost is relatively nominal and thereturn on the investment is infinitelyprecious. Any synagogue that wouldlike to know how to go aboutprocuring this apparatus should havea physician - congregant or otherwiseaffiliated - contact the EmergencyMedicine Unit of the local hospital.Additionally, anyone is welcome tocontact me by e-mail and I will point

them in the rightdirection.It was extremelygratifying to knowthat we made a dif-

ference between life and death forthis congregant because we had theproper resources to deal with thesituation. We are all very grateful to Hashem, and to the talented individuals who helped this man.Attendance at shul on Shabbat quiteliterally saved this man’s life! I hopethat our experience will prompt others to be prepared in the future.

Rabbi Daniel N. Korobkin is the spiritualleader of Congregation Sons of Israel inAllentown Pensylvania. He can be reached at the synagogue: (610) 433-6089,via e-mail: rabbidanny@enter.net or see theSons of Israel website on www.ou.orgKo

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Synagogue Trends is published tohighlightsynagogues, as wellas to providesynagogueprofessionals andlay-leaders anopportunity to sharetheir synagoguerelated opinions,experience, andexpertise. Thiscolumn is a place to express theseviewpoints.Synagogue Trendswelcomes yourarticles.

This issue’scontributor is Rabbi Daniel N. Korobkin:

We have two very valuablepieces of equipment on ourpremises: an oxygen tank

and an automatedexternal defibrillator.

I encourage synagoguesto host a CPR course.

Go To Shul.It May Save Your Life.

7

Thanks to the success of Hatzolah, as well as otherlocal volunteer ambulance corps, many synagogues are equipped with a first-responder kit as well as anautomated external defibrillator.

A well equipped kit includes:• an oxygen tank (size D or E) with a regulator,• 1 box of disposable gloves,• 4 adult and 2 pediatric non-rebreather masks,• 2 adult nasal cannulas,• 1 adult and 1 pediatric bag-valve mask,• 1 adult and 1 pediatric blood pressure cuff,• 1 adult and 1 pediatric stethoscope,• an OB kit,• 4 burn sheets,• 2 tubes of glucose,• assorted bandages/ cravats and a scissors,• activated charcoal,• syrup of ipecac, and • a pen light.

Much of this equipment should only be used bytrained and certified personnel. Activated charcoaland syrup of ipecac are only to be used in directorder from your local poison control.

• 6 albuterol doses and • 2 nebulizer masks

may also be added, but as with the automated external defibrillator, these must comply with locallaws and may only be used by trained and certi-fied individuals.

Always have the phone numbers of yourlocal EMS, fire and police departments, andpoison control on or near the synagoguephone.

This list compiled by Mill Basin Hatzolah member, FDNY-EMS paramedic David Rudnitzky.e-mail: sta33dave@aol.com

First Aid KitList

RESERVE THE DATE

A Major Event in theOrthodox Community

Rabbinical Council ofAmerica - RCA

CONVENTION AND LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

In Conjunction with the

Orthodox Union

Tuesday, May 30 - Thursday June 1, 2000

at the Rye Town Hilton,Rye Brook, New York

8

I have a dream: to visit with eachmember of my congregation andshare with them the information andexcitement about upcoming syna-gogue events and special programs. Ithink it is crucial to let the member-ship know the pride they can have inbeing part of our synagogue mish-pachah and its many activities. Wedeal with over 800families, so personalvisits or phone callsfor the most part willnot work. The keyand crucial contactscan be managed, buthow can the rest be reached?To actualize the dream of reachingour members, we have to developeffective channels of communicationwhich not only deliver information,but also spark excitement and asense of urgency in participation.There is a skill and an art to effectivepaper communication. For mostpieces of paper that are sent out, it ispractically an aveirah to have killedthe tree. We therefore also utilizeother readily available mechanisms ofpublicizing synagogue happeningssuch as e-mail, web-sites and even achat box where many of our mem-bers are connected.We have learned from experiencethat not everyone reads a synagoguebulletin. As shocking as this mightseem, the norm is that most of ourmembers do not read what weintend to be a most effective channelof communication. The editor andother professionals spend much timeputting together the holy synagoguebulletin, so we find it dishearteningto hear that too few people botherto read it. But upon the realizationof this fact, we are able to do some-thing about it.The changes we made have provento us that when a synagogue bulletinis made to be attractive, informativeand to reflect professional pride, itwill be read. Professionalism isreflected in appearance as well as incontent. With desktop publishing

capacity available on any computerand with graphics and an assortmentof typefaces readily available, a pro-fessional layout is at hand. As forcontent, the Rabbi’s message shouldbe timely and challenging. The presi-dent and/or chairperson should usethis medium, to publicize goals andaccomplishments. User-friendly

schedules of ongo-ing religious servicesas well as schedulesof upcoming eventswith their descrip-tions are a mainstay.What methods

work to get our people past the firstpage and to really read the informa-tion they need to become active andexcited? We have added a center-fold - black and white pictures ofpeople and events. People tend toidentify with other people.Algebraically, when the “other peo-ple” are made to represent an event,readers identify with that event.When readers see friends and/orneighbors the page and its messagebecome real.We have also added a feature profil-ing leaders and chairpersons ofupcoming events so as to personal-ize these programs. Mazal-tovannouncements, special milestones,the latest community news, and con-dolences add the touch of mish-pachah. Our printing is on glossypaper giving the bulletin’s format anupbeat magazineappearance. Pull-quotes are an effec-tive way to drawpeople’s eyes andattention into thetext of an article. Ifthe quote is interest-ing, people are aptto read the quotedarticle.The bulletin must have rabbinicsupervision so that its content andeven references are in keeping with the religious and philosophicalpolicies of the synagogue.

Congratulations for ‘s’machot’ whichare not s’imachot, and descriptivephrases which have no place in syna-gogue communication have to becarefully reviewed. The details ofactually putting the bulletin togetherare best left in the hands of lay peo-ple. Many synagogues have talentedpeople, men and women, who workin the world of advertising, marketingand aligned fields who would beeager to lend a hand to get the jobdone. Such professionals often justhave to see the open door and agesture of welcome and they willjump on the bandwagon. The Rabbishould check the content and thetone, but he does not have to be theeditor nor the publisher.Holidays afford the opportunity ofsending a user friendly holiday guide

into every home.Many different for-mats exist which canbe adapted for one’sorganizational use.These guidesbecome our directeducational line toconnect with everysingle one of our

families. The trick is to make thecontent useable and practical. HighHolidays, Chanukah, Purim, andPesach are the four times we high-light the holiday with some specialpresentation containing information

Getting the Message:The Synagogue and the World of Communication

There is a skill and anart to effective

paper communication.

Pull-quotes are an effectiveway to draw people’s eyes

and attention into the textof an article. If the quote isinteresting, people are aptto read the quoted article.

Rabbi Dr. Mordechai E. Zeitz

When readers see friendsand/or neighbors, thepage and its message

become real.

about special programs in or aroundthe holiday. The purpose is to makethe holiday part of the congregants’family experienceand to draw familiesinto a synagogueholiday program. Ittakes some ingenuityto create an effectivelayout and incorpo-rate the facts appro-priately to your congregationalneeds. Details and content vary withthe needs of each congregation, buteach brochure should be user friend-ly meeting the needs of that particu-lar congregation. There is an abun-dance of printed material just waitingto be cloned for your specific needs.It is out there to be used - and imi-tation is the highest form of compli-ment.Creating and up-keeping a website isan amazing way of establishing anexciting presence in each of yourmembers’ homes. Most people areon the ‘net’ and seeing your shul onthe net affords congregants a greatsense of pride. There is, in almostevery congregation, a group of com-puter mavens who have the skill toset up a website and to maintain it.Young adults are often especiallyskilled, and would be proud to bewebmasters for shuls. We have sucha system and it is amazing how manypeople visit our site and therebybecome friends of the shul.

A shul website can display the bul-letin, offer special information ornotices, as well as serve to connect

with other Jewisheducational websites.Use of e-mail as ameans of communi-cation provides aninstantaneous per-sonal link betweenthe Rabbi, shul and

member. You must be careful regard-ing the easy accessibility unwantedoutsiders have to your website, espe-cially to e-mail listings. You must takeevery precaution to safeguard theintegrity of your list and of any infor-mation you want sent. Internetproviders are normally eager to helpset up a website and to providebackup at exceptional rates for insti-tutions, as this affords the providerspotential introductions to new sub-scriptions. It’s a win win situation ifnegotiated carefully. Announcementsof funerals, and of special synagogueevents can then be immediatelyposted for rapid communication.

We have recently intro-duced

an e-mail to our members containinga dvar Torah from the weekly portiontogether with the schedule of ser-vices for Shabbat and the week.Since its introduction we have hadtremendous feedback from congre-gants who appreciate the personalcontact as well as the message whicharrives Erev Shabbat which they canuse at their Shabbat tables. It is justanother way of personalizing thesynagogue for the individual member.The purpose of communication is tofeel that you are talking to and con-necting with each member. The goalis for each member to feel that theyare a somebody and not just a num-ber or a name on the synagogueroster. Shul communication is ameans of education for each family.It is an opportunity that should notbe missed. It is a goal easily reachedwith some imagination, proper plan-ning and the use of readily availabletechnology.

Rabbi Dr. Mordecai E. Zeitz is the spiritualleader of Congregation Beth Tikvah inMontreal. For more information about orsamples of Beth Tikvah’s mailings contactthe synagogue office: (514) 683-5610. Youcan also see their website on www.ou.org

9

Creating and up-keepinga website is an amazing wayof establishing an exciting

presence in each ofyour members’ homes.

10

All too often the best laid plans are left in shambles when the unex-pected rears its ugly head. Manyunforeseeable events are just farbeyond our control. Adequate insur-ance coverage allows synagogues,like individuals, the opportunity tobuffer themselves, and to readjustafter a destructiveoccurrence.Too often we hearnews about syna-gogues that are dam-aged throughextreme weather, fire,(and/)or anti-Semiticacts of destruction. But the newssomehow feels worse when we hearthat a damaged shul did not haveproper or adequate insurance toassist in the shul’s recovery. Suchnews is worse, because it is unneces-sary. The translation of “Sorry, you’renot covered” is, you either boughtminimal insurance because you didn’twant to spend the extra money, oryour insurance agent failed to pointout some of your insurance needs.When purchasing institutional insur-ance it is important to think aboutyour institution as an extension ofyourself. As an individual you wantinsurance that will cover you for asmany pitfalls for which you can becovered. It is similarly important that

your synagogue purchase the rightpolicy.The synagogue’s first insurance con-sideration should be property cov-erage. Always ask for the broadestform available. This type of coverageis known as ‘special’ or ‘all risk’ prop-

erty insurance.Don’t let the nick-name fool you;although this is thebroadest generalproperty coverageavailable this type ofpolicy does notnearly cover even

all damages from the elements. Oneimportant example is if you live in anarea that is subject to earthquake orflood – earthquake or flood insur-ance must be purchased under aseparate policy in most cases.Along with property coverage besure to have specific coverage onyour sifrei Torah. You should fill out aschedule listing the specific value ofeach sefer Torah, along with a sched-ule of the silver adorning the sifreiTorah and any other scrolls, sefarim,or other kelim - synagogue adorn-ments - of major value.You also want to remember toinsure computers. Many policieshave limited protection in this areaand if you don’t ask for it and the

agent does not suggest it you arelikely to end up underinsured.A synagogue’s next insurance cover-age concern is general liability.Again, it is important to have thebroadest policy form available. Someof the coverage such a policy shouldinclude are personal injury, slander, andfalse arrest. If the institution has aprofessional staff such as a Rabbi,cantor or youth director the cover-age should include pastoral liability.Another important coverage to con-sider in a similar vein, although it isnot commonly used by synagogues, isdirectors and officers liability.This coverage protects professionaland lay leadership against penaltiesfrom law suits regarding their deci-sions. Such suits could otherwisestand to imperil a synagogue’s networth.Other forms of insurance that shouldbe considered include fidelity pro-tection against dishonest employ-ees. With this protection if, forexample, an employee were toabscond with synagogue coffers, afidelity bond would return the stolenfunds. Money and securitiesinsurance should be included toprotect against theft, burglary, as wellas other mysterious disappearance.Many synagogues do not own auto-mobiles, and should carry hired andnon-owned auto coverage. Thiscoverage is important. When anemployee or volunteer goes to thebank or makes a delivery on behalfof the institution in the individual’sown vehicle and has an accident,without this coverage the institutionis not insured. Most insurance com-panies will provide up to $1,000,000non owned auto protection. If youbelieve you need more protection, itwould be wise to secure anumbrella policy. An umbrella poli-cy provides coverage over and abovethe basic or primary policy.Each state has different rules andregulations concerning workers’compensation for employees.Be sure that the employees areprotected for injury. As for

The broadest form ofproperty insurance isknown as “all risk”

insurance. Don’t let thenickname fool you.

Protecting Your Synagogue With Insurace Coverage

TORAH SEMINARS FOR

W OMENIn response to numerous requests, the Orthodox Union is expanding its newand highly successful Torah Seminars For Women to synagogues throughoutthe country. We would be pleased to schedule a Yom Iyun (day of learning) inyour community.

C LASSESSign Up Today!Call Frank Buchweitz at (212) 613-8188to schedule a program in your synagogue.

Sponsored in part by The Avi Chai Foundation

A program of theDepartment of

Synagogue Services

11

employee health insurance, gen-erally a minimum of three employeesare required in order to qualify for agroup policy. Courtesy and kavodrecommend that the clergy be provided with life-insurance anddisability policiesas well, so their families would beprotected, after ahundred and twentyyears.Many synagogues purchase theirinsurance from a member of theirown congregation. I suggest andstrongly recommend that synagoguesdesignate an insurance committee. It

should be the duty of this committeeto sit down with the insurance agentand to comprehensively review thesynagogue’s insurance coverageneeds, the insurance policies -

coverage and price -available, and the synagogue’s currentinsurance policy.Remember the classic rabbinic jokeabout the flood inwhich a faithful

homeowner sat on his rooftop refusing help from a rescue car onthe basis of his belief that Godwould help him. As the water gothigher he refused help from a boat,

then a helicopter, then he drowned.In Shamayim he had the chutzpa toask why God did not help him - towhich he was reminded that Godsent him a rescue car, a boat and ahelicopter. We have insurance.Insurance does not protect us fromdisaster, but adequate insurancemakes recovery much more manageable.

Larry Brown, a National Vice President of theOrthodox Union, has 42 years experience inthe insurance business. He is the President ofLarry Brown Insurance Inc. and a partner inBerclair Insurance Center. He is a past president and the present gabbai ofCongregation Anshei Sphard Beth El Emeth inMemphis, an Orthodox Union member synagogue.

Courtesy and kavodrecommend that the Rabbi

be provided with alife-insurance policy.

SYNAGOGUES,Do you know that

yOU r Department of Synagogue Services works with synagogues in multi-faceted ways?

Here are just a few examples:

■ Discounts on Siddurim, Chumashim and sefarim

■ Educational materials - Pardes Program

■ Kashruth consultation

■ Online services

■ Public relations support

■ Resource materials

■ Shabbat youth group programs

■ Singles programming

■ Speakers programs

■ Synagogue consultation

■ Torah Seminars for Women

■ Torah tape libraries

■ Weekly “Torah Insights”

■ And assistance in the placement of Rabbis, chazanim, executive directors & youth leaders.

How can Synagogue Services service yOU r synagogue?

Let us know:Orthodox Union Department of Synagogue Services

11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004Phone: (212) 613-8226 Fax: (212) 564-9058 E-mail: shuls@ou.org

12

Citrus Tree of Life

Etz Chaim Synagogue of Jacksonville,Florida instituted an innovative threeweek program entitled, “The OpenUniversity of Judaism and Kollel ofJacksonville.” The goal of the pro-gram was stated in the brochure asfollows: “This program has been cre-ated to offer opportunities throughwhich all Jews will beable to develop andstrengthen theirJewish identitythrough the study ofTorah.” Thebrochure was mailedas an insert in theJacksonvilleFederation newspa-per which arrived atover 4,000 Jewish homes.The Kollel was coordinated by theRabbi of the congregation, RabbiAaron Goldscheider. The programbrought a scholar from Jerusalem’sYeshivat Hakotel, Rabbi HaimPerlmutter, to Jacksonville. RabbiPerlmutter is the author of Tools forTosafos, - a comprehensive and sys-tematic guide to the study of Tosafot- and is now completing a secondbook on the methodology of teach-ing Talmud. The kollel consisted often talented undergraduate studentsfrom Yeshiva University. RavPerlmutter and the kollel studentscreated a yeshiva atmosphere in theshul by keeping regular morning and

afternoon study sessions - sedarim.The day-times were programmed forthe kollel students, and the eveningsessions were designed for commu-nity participation. The evening for-mat featured a lecture followed byone-to-one chavruta study for allinterested participants.

In a shul and com-munity with only asmall number ofobservant families,70-100 peopleattended the lec-tures each evening,with more than 30people staying tolearn b’chavruta until

midnight. These were unprecedent-ed numbers for Torah study in theJacksonville community.Here are some of the special fea-tures we employed to successfullyattract many people from beyondour congregation toour nightly lectureand chavruta study:• We put great

effort into produc-ing a brochure ofthe highest quality.It was aestheticallyimpressive and wellorganized.

• A three week Scholar-In-Residencefrom Israel was an attraction.People came to hear and see a

prominent Rabbi and teacher fromJerusalem.

• The topics and titles of the lec-tures were interesting and timely.Lecture titles included

“Mysticism and JewishNumbers”

“Improving Our RelationshipsWith Our Parents, Spouse, andChildren”

“Different Voices of the Torah”“State of Israel: Fulfillment of theWords of the Prophets?”

“Curiosity of the Kaddish”• The entire program of lectures and

chavruta study was free of chargeto all participants.

FundingThe program required a budget of$12,000. Our Rabbi approachedmembers of our synagogue whoresponded to his appeal. A major

donation of abouthalf the cost camefrom one individual.Rabbi Goldscheiderthen presented anoutline of the kollelprogram to ourlocal UJA FederationAllocationsCommittee and was

granted a modest contribution. Oursynagogue allocated $1,500. These

The Department ofSynagogue Services

extends a great

THANK YOUto Orthodox Union

member synagogues forcooperation in paying

synagogue dues. Your loyal membership

strengthens our OrthodoxUnion and helps us toserve your synagogue

more effectively.

This program has beencreated to offer

opportunities throughwhich all Jews will be ableto develop and strengthen

their Jewish identitythrough the study of Torah.

One of the uniquefeatures of the program

was the way it reached outto many segments of our

Jewish populationin Jacksonville.

13

figures lead us to believe that ourKollel of Jacksonville is the kind ofprogram that can be duplicated inmost small to medium size congrega-tions.TimingWe chose the month of June to hostour kollel program for two main rea-sons:• We were able to attract ten stu-

dents from Yeshiva University dur-ing a time when they are notbound by school or summer com-mitments.

• High School age students in ourcommunity had completed theirschool year, as school in Floridaends in the beginning of June.Consequently our high school stu-dents were able to spend a signifi-cant amount of time with the kollelfellows, both during the day andlate into the night. The YeshivaUniversity students had an extraor-dinary impact on our young adults.

OutreachOne of the unique features of theprogram was the way it reached out

to many segments of our Jewishpopulation in Jacksonville. Weaccomplished this by offering specialstudy sessions to specific groupswithin our community:• Rabbis from the Reform,

Conservative, and the Chabadcongregations in the greaterJacksonville area were invited andjoined together for a shiur on atopic - sugya - of Gemara BabaKama with Rabbi Perlmutter.

• Judaic Studies teachers from thelocal Solomon Schechter DaySchool and CongregationalHebrew Schools were offered aspecial session by our Rosh Kollelregarding teaching-methodology.

• The senior class of the SolomonSchechter of Jacksonville spent amorning studying b’chavruta withthe kollel students in the atmos-

phere of a beit midrash.• Leaders of the Jewish agencies of

Jacksonville gathered for a studysession focusing on the demandsand ideals of Jewish leadership.

• A Rosh Chodesh lecture for

A Scholar-In-Residencefrom Israel was an

attraction. People came tohear and see a prominent

Rabbi and teacherfrom Jerusalem.

T HE ORTHODOX UNIONNATIONAL RABBINIC

CENTENNIAL AWARDS DINNER

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2000 GRAND HYATT HOTEL, NEW YORK

As part of the Orthodox Union Centennial Celebration we are proud to pay tribute to

RABBI YOSEF ADLER & Congregation Rinat YisraelTeaneck, NJ

For information, please call 212.613.8134 or fax 212.613.0734

Orthodox Union, 11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 www.ou.org

RABBI MARK DRATCH & Congregation Agudath SholomStamford, CT

RABBI SHAYA KILIMNICK& Congregation Beth SholomRochester, NY

RABBI ADAM MINTZ & Lincoln Square SynagogueNew York, NY

RABBI MOSHE M. BOMZER & Congregation Beth Abraham JacobAlbany, NY

RABBI JOSEPH GRUNBLATT & Queens Jewish CenterForest Hills, NY

RABBI ZVULUN LIEBERMAN& Congregation Beth TorahBrooklyn, NY

RABBI ARTHUR SCHNEIER& Park East SynagogueNew York, NY

RABBI REUVEN P. BULKA& Congregation Machzikei HadasOttawa, Ontario, Canada

RABBI BASIL HERRING& Jewish Center of Atlantic BeachAtlantic Beach, NY

RABBI YISROEL MILLER& Congregation Poale ZedeckPittsburgh, PA

RABBI HARVEY A. WELL& Congregation Or TorahSkokie, IL

14

women was devoted to the studyof women in Tanach. This lectureattracted many women fromthroughout thecommunity.

Special ShabbatProgramsShabbat was a focalpoint of the program.All three Shabbatotstarted with a Fridaynight “Carlebach Style” davening.Each Friday night there was a ‘tisch’,either at our Rabbi’s home or in theshul. The tisch featured singing anddancing, as well as divrei Torah fromour kollel students. Each Shabbatafternoon a kollel fellow offered ashiur to the community. EverySaturday night, Shabbat concludedwith a festive melave malka.We entitled the final Shabbat of theprogram “Kollel Shabbat”. AllShabbat meals were held in the shulat minimal cost. The Rosh Kolleloffered the Shabbat morning drasha.The Shabbat took on the atmos-phere of a siyum-celebration in whichboth the shul and the communitycelebrated the completion of thethree weeks of learning and Jewishexperiences.AchievementsThe Open University of Judaism andKollel Jacksonville has met and farexceeded its goals. Some of theimportant outcomes include:• Significant numbers of people

came to our synagogue and stud-ied Torah. Many had never attend-ed a program in an Orthodox syn-agogue before.

• Etz Chaim Synagogue of Jacksonvilleexperienced an increase in atten-dance of our daily minyanim andclasses which we attribute to thekollel experience.

• Etz Chaim Synagogue has nowestablished a regular open-beit-midrash program once a weekwhich offers a shiur and chavrutastudy.

• We hope to establish weeklylearning sessions with members ofour UJA-Federation and leaders ofour Jewish community in the same

style that they experienced duringthe kollel program.

• Plans are alreadyunderway fornext year’s kollel.

The OpenUniversity and Kollelprogram was theculmination of avery successfulseries of synagogue

programs this past year. In less thanone year, Etz Chaim Synagogue,under the leadership of RabbiGoldscheider, has attracted over 40new families to its existing member-ship of 200 families. It has also suc-cessfully erected an Eruv. It has cre-ated a vibrant NCSY chapter which

won a prestigious award at this pastyear’s regional convention. This yearwas also highlighted by the openingof a local kosher bakery in theAlbertson’s supermarket under thehashgachah of the Orthodox Union.Young professionals have moved intothe area and a number of familieshave chosen the vibrant Etz Chaimsynagogue as their home to davenand to learn Torah.For a copy of the “Open Universityof Judaism and Kollel of Jacksonville”brochure or for further information,please contact Rabbi AaronGoldscheider at Etz ChaimSynagogue, 904-262-3565. Visit theinformative Etz Chaim website onwww.ou.org

In less than one year,Etz Chaim Synagogue has

attracted over 40 new families to its existing

membership of 200 families.

Please fax names, addresses, and contact numbers of your local

Chevra Kadishato 212-613-0667

Attention Rabbi Waxman

The Orthodox Union Department of Synagogue Services

is reestablishing our informative and helpful initiative to develop

standards, educational resource material, and updates for the

community chevra kadisha.

Please respond today.

15

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SPECIAL OFFER: When you order the two-volume “The Rav” print edition, you can order the Orthodox Union Torah Dimensions doubleaudio cassette on the Rav at the same time for only $59.99.This three-hour biographical presentation of the Rav by Rabbi Aaron Rakeffet is

the perfect audio companion piece to the seminal print work on the life of an individual who helped fashion twentieth century Judaism.

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This newly published two-volume work explores the lifeof the “Rav,” the great Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt”l,(1903-1993). In our time, the Rav was the foremostrepresentative of the renowned Soloveitchik family whohave been a major influence in the Torah world for over acentury. The first volume offers details of the lives of theRav and his forebears, including his travels and his manydisciples. The second volume views the Rav’s world as heattains far-reaching recognition in the United States.The two pivotal events for Jews in his generation, theHolocaust and the creation of the State of Israel, arescrutinized through the Rav’s insight. His impact uponAmerican Jewry is delineated in light of his leadership ofthe Boston and New York communities.

Written by the eminent historian Rabbi Dr. AaronRakeffet-Rothkoff and published by Ktav PublishingHouse, the work is accompanied by numerous previouslyunpublished photos by Rabbi Irwin Albert as well asscholarly citations. The Rav: The World of Rabbi JosephB. Soloveitchik will become an essential source to theresearch and understanding of the foremost Torah thinkerof the twentieth century. It is a set that belongs in everyJudaic library.

THE WORLD OF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY JEWISHMIND OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY HAS NEVER

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ORTHODOX UNIONDepartment of Synagogue Services.11 BroadwayNew York, NY 10004

Building and Strengthening a Healthy Marriage and Family Life

Series IThe Early Aspects

of MarriageFor Engaged, Newlyweds, and

Those in the First Years of Marriage• Self Esteem and its Impact upon

Marriage

• Effective Listening/CommunicationSkills

• Roles and Expectations

• Balancing Work, Finances, and FamilyLife

• Recognition and Meeting Needs: His,Hers, Ours

• Individuality and Competition

• Constructive Conflict Resolution

• Changing Relationships: Spouse,Parents, In-Laws, Friends, Children

• The Impact of Children on Marriage

Series IIEstablishing Growth

in MarriageFor Those Married Three or More

Years• Strengthening Effective and Loving

Communication Skills:

• Learn How to Express Feelings in aPositive Manner

• Understanding Feelings Expressed andSuppressed

• Diplomacy in Expression

• Conflict Recognition and Resolution

• Creating Time to Talk and Share

• Criticism and Blame: A Blueprint forDestruction

• Areas of Trust, Honesty, and Privacy

• Intimacy in Marriage.

• Tension and Stress Reduction

• Positive Jewish Parenting

Series IIIPositive Jewish

ParentingChild Rearing and Family Ties

• Raising Children in a Secular Society

• Mixed Messages Given to Children byParents

• Television, the Internet and ComputerGames

• Peer Pressure

• Parents Role in Homework andEducation

• Disciplining Your Children: Working asa Team

• Single Parenting

• The Teenage Years

• Preparing for Marriage

Call Frank Buchweitz at 212-613-8188for information on implementing any ofthese series.