In his time there, Winer has become a firm believer in Chabads approach to outreach, especially now that hes experienced it from both sides. Theyre not trying to convert someone, theyre trying to raise Jewish consciousness, and get Jews to be more Jewish. Winer said that the Bay Area is an interesting environment in which there are many Jews, but some of them are exploring other options besides Judaism. Since joining the staff of the San Francisco Reform congregation last year, Kahn said he has several items on his agenda to reach more people. Hes currently working on building up the young professionals group, which he wants to see grow under his leadership.
Synagogues do a lot more outreach than most people think.
Kahn believes reaching out to interfaith couples is one area in which outreach needs to be improved. They dont think synagogues are going to be a welcoming place for them. Indeed, Rosanne Levitt, director of the Interfaith Connection, a program run out of San Franciscos Jewish Community Center, said that she often hears of couples who decide to venture into a synagogue, and no one says a word to them. She spoke of one couple who recently joined a synagogue, and expected some kind of welcome. They feel theyre standing out.