Rockland's Synagogues, Agencies Embrace Innovation

By Barry Kanarek, Director, Rockland Jewish Initiative

On November 10, over 30 professional and lay leaders from Rockland synagogues and Jewish agencies had a wonderful evening with Tal Har-Lev Eidelman from the consulting firm Systematic Inventive Thinking (SIT). The event was part of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Rockland’s community weaving initiative.  

Community weaving is Federation’s process for moving Rockland’s Jewish community into the future. The first phase took place in September with a community-wide conversation regarding the visions and challenges of our various institutions. That discussion resulted in widespread agreement that our different organizations have much in common!  

On November 10 we began the next phase as Tal discussed the nature of innovation and introduced the methodology SIT uses to foster it. Participants then reviewed asset maps they had prepared of their organizations in search of possible areas of innovation. We are proud that 100% of the 16 organizations invited participated in this process. It was truly an evening of community weaving and innovation.  

This process will continue in multiple stages in Rockland and in Israel. From February 4-9, representatives from our community will get a first-hand look at Jewish innovation and meet with SIT consultants in Israel to create a vision for Rockland’s Jewish future. The seminar will combine a historical look at Jewish innovation and the inventive thinking process. Israel’s rich history of innovation is a vast source of inspiration for our Jewish future here in Rockland.

If you’d like to find out more about community weaving and the seminar in Israel, please contact Barry Kanarek at bkanarek@jewishrockland.org or 845-362-4200 extension 170.