It’s all about relationships. People will come to synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, Jewish Federations, and other Jewish organizations for programs, but they will stay for relationships. Programs are wonderful opportunities for community members to gather, to celebrate, to learn. There is nothing “wrong” with programs; every organization has them. But, if the program designers have given no thought to how the experience will offer participants a deeper connection to each other, with the community and with Judaism itself, then it will likely be another lovely evening, afternoon, or morning … with little or no lasting impact….
It’s not about programs. It’s not about marketing.
It’s not about branding, labels, logos, clever titles, website or smartphone apps.
It’s not even about institutions. It’s about relationships.
—Relational Judaism, pages 2–3