He launched the drive at the last convention two years ago, when he initiated a movement-wide Jewish literacy program. At the sessions devoted to spirituality, panel members and attendees voiced a deep desire for more Jewish feeling in their lives, though some also expressed hesitation about how much of a commitment they were willing to make to Jewish practice. He asked that every Reform Jewish child read a Jewish story or play a Jewish game before going to bed. Each synagogue evaluation team visit at least four other Reform congregations to see what they do in their services. A Reform movement-wide online dialogue on the topic of worship be started, to involve thousands of participants.
All synagogues undertake a serious effort to improve Hebrew literacy among their congregants.
But that is only part of the story. Far too often, our members pray without fervor or concentration. Far too often, our music is dirge-like and our Torah readings lifeless. In many congregations that have embarked on such a process, however, the differing needs of congregants have provoked resentment as the temple tries to please everyone. On top of the competing interests is the fact that 40 to 50 percent of her congregants are part of interfaith families, she said.