Not Just Services – But Service
In many Jewish settings, “services” are the centrepiece. The community gathers, prayers are led, sermons are delivered, and tradition is upheld – sometimes with beauty and sometimes out of duty. And for those who find meaning in regular prayer and observance, that model is sacred and sustaining.
But for the majority – perhaps 80 per cent or more – it’s something else entirely. It’s something they once did, feel they “should” do or appreciate from afar.
So… what about everyone else?
At the Shtiebel, we don’t just run services. We strive to be of service. We’re not in the services industry in the traditional synagogue sense. We’re a social enterprise operating in the service industry – not focused on stagecraft but on soul work.
We don’t ask for membership fees in exchange for access people rarely use. Instead, we offer meaningful experiences that meet people where they are – bespoke lifecycle ceremonies, personalised learning journeys, creative commemorations and spiritual conversations that honour real lives, not rigid schedules.
Some might call this “transactional Judaism” as if that’s something to avoid. But we see it differently. Investing time, energy and resources in what matters most isn’t transactional – it’s relational.
As Dr Ron Wolfson taught us almost a generation ago, “People don’t affiliate with institutions; they affiliate with people.” Relational Judaism means walking with people through their joys, questions, losses and growth – on their terms, at their pace.
It’s a model that doesn’t ask you to fit into our service. We’ll build something around your story. Your needs. Your moment.
A therapist supports the mind. A coach guides toward goals. A doctor cares for the body. Why shouldn’t a rabbi or Jewish educator help nurture the spirit – gently, personally and without preconditions?
For some, that will mean Shabbat services or traditional prayer. And that’s beautiful. But for others, it might mean learning to say the Shema at age 47. Or mourning a loved one they never had a chance to grieve. Or crafting a b’ mitzvah that celebrates a child for who they truly are. Or creating a wedding ceremony that honours both Jewish and non-Jewish roots.
If this vision resonates with you, we warmly invite you to support our Annual Appeal and help us continue to say yes – Yes to community, yes to connection, yes to a more meaningful Jewish future.
That’s the Shtiebel.
Not just services.
Service.
Photo Credit: The image “Shtiebel” was created with ChatGPT.