In this episode, Rabbi Yossi and Dr. Malamet discuss the pros and cons of virtual Shul in the age of Covid- a welcome experience or one foisted on us by a pandemic.

Will people come back to Shul after COVID?

The question is, can we ever undo the fact that we’ve found a new way to deliver something that people really want?

Elliott thinks there is a way, but that Shuls will need to bring their A-Game and create experiences that are more engaging, and different from what we’ve always done for so many years. When people return to Shul after 12 months or so and the services are continuing in teh same old way, it will be difficult to inspire that commitment to attend. But, since there has been a freeze in the norm, there’s an opportunity to change things up and re-inspire people to come to Shul.

Will the social experience bring people back?

So many people attend Shul for the social experience, but will that be enough to get people to come back to the “grinding” service that has become the norm? Rabbi Yossi asked the question – Would you be interested in coming to Shul if you couldn’t go, but we could find a way to bring it to you? The overwhelming response is YES. This really puts into perspective, that perhaps the social element isn’t as much of a priority as we might think.

So what can change? Shorter services, longer Kiddush. Less sermonizing, shorter Torah, more social experience after the services. Or, maybe it’s both virtual and in-person experiences combined so that the community elements can be shared even if people choose to tune into the livestreams or pre-recorded videos.

The key takeaways:

1. Young people are saying that High Holidays are their favourite thing in the Synagogue – maybe that means more of this type of programming throughout the year will drive more engagement and desire to attend Shul.

2. A lot of people struggle to get to Shul that want to participate, so it’s important to think of Shul as a spiritual broadcaster for those that want something meaningful but can’t physically attend.

3. People are now willing to say “I can sit with my family and have an engaging conversation with them about what’s being said without being shushed” and it’s more meaningful to them. They are still creating the shared experience in their close-knit communities at home.

It will change.

Maybe, prayer can actually be a social element of synagogue, and maybe there are new ways for us to nurture our sense of community. Either way, whatever the future holds, it will be a completely renewed experience for everyone.

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