Reform urged for Yeshivah

THE Yeshivah Centre this week said it is planning to remedy a set of problems identified in a recent survey conducted among synagogue members.

Responses gathered from congregants revealed dissatisfaction with services; a need for a greater focus on youth minyans; greater efforts at inclusiveness, particularly towards women; a need for improved governance; and a demand for renovations to the building. Also suggested was the removal of the controversial Yechi sign from the centre’s shul.

The one-off poll, conducted late last year, canvassed members of the centre to obtain a snapshot of attitudes since the passing of Yeshivah’s leader, Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner.

Although all 614 members received the survey, only 155 responded, with survey firm Platinum Edge Consulting stating the centre has 371 members regularly attending the main Yeshivah shul.

More than half the respondents thought the minyan in the main synagogue, particularly on Shabbat, “requires considerable improvement”, with two-thirds calling for improvements to youth minyans. Less than 10 per cent of those surveyed believed there was enough emphasis on the needs of the congregation’s youth.

A survey summary stated that “one of the most contentious issues … is whether congregants feel a sense of community and belonging to the shul”. Just over half of the respondents did not fully agree that “their family feel[s] part of the community formed by this congregation”, with more than a fifth stating the shul “is not at all warmly and openly welcoming to visitors and newcomers”.

There was strong demand for women to play a greater role in the running of the shul, with suggestions that women be admitted to the committee.

The survey found dissatisfaction with Yeshivah shul’s governance, with a majority calling for the committee to be elected, not appointed. There was also concern about congregants not being kept in the loop on major developments.

Issues about the physical state of the building and its upkeep figured prominently, with a third of respondents identifying air conditioning and basic facilities needing a facelift.

Yeshivah Centre general manager Nechama Bendet told The AJN the centre commissioned the survey “to assist with the process of identifying the current and future needs of our shul community, particularly in light of transition issues” since Rabbi Groner’s death almost two years ago.

“Based on feedback from the survey, there will be particular focus on creating a greater sense of belonging for congregants, increasing pastoral care services, ensuring that the shul is meeting the needs of the youth and making women feel more connected. In addition, improvements to the shul environs and facilities will be undertaken.

“Shul life is an integral part of the Yeshivah Centre community, and we are committed to ensuring that we are providing quality programs and services to our shul community.

PETER KOHN