For aspiring rabbis, the curriculum is rich with spiritual texts, ethical dilemmas, and the nuances of pastoral care. Yet, nestled among these profound teachings, there’s a practical lesson that often goes unheeded, a skill as vital as interpreting ancient scripture or delivering a moving sermon: understanding finances. It’s not about literally handling Piles Of Money, but rather about responsibly managing the financial health of a congregation, a skill many, including myself, wish they had grasped earlier.
Reflecting on my own rabbinical training from over two decades ago, three pieces of advice come to mind, none of which I fully internalized at the time. The first two are anecdotal and lighthearted – avoid tripping on your robe during Yom Kippur’s Grand Aleynu, and resist buying every book recommended in Jerusalem, as the library has you covered. However, the third lesson, the unspoken need for financial literacy, resonates deeply throughout my rabbinate.
Many of my colleagues, including the esteemed senior rabbi at my synagogue, possess an exceptional financial acumen. They navigate synagogue boardrooms with the same ease and expertise they would command in a Wall Street setting. Sadly, this is not a skill set universally imparted in rabbinical school, and it certainly wasn’t for me. This absence has been my most significant professional regret.
My passion for the rabbinate is unwavering. I cherish my synagogue, my dedicated clergy team, our engaged congregants, and even our finance director, a truly wonderful individual. However, when discussions turn to budgets, spreadsheets, banking matters, or interest rates in board meetings, a sense of being adrift washes over me.
This feeling is profoundly uncomfortable. It mirrors the alienation felt by congregants who struggle with Hebrew, liturgical melodies, or unfamiliar texts, sometimes leading them to withdraw. In budgeting season, I too, experience a similar reaction – avoidance, confusion, and a sense of inadequacy.
Therefore, I was genuinely thrilled to discover the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)’s initiative: Congregational Finances Courses. My initial enthusiasm only grew upon enrolling in the first course. Allison Gelman, our instructor, presented a wealth of information in an accessible and insightful manner. My effusive praise even led to an impromptu elevator monologue for Allison’s supervisor at the URJ Biennial.
My apprehension towards finance courses stemmed from a less-than-stellar experience – a C grade in freshman year Economics at the University of Wisconsin. However, the URJ Congregational Finances Courses proved to be transformative. Their approachable style, coupled with easily digestible videos, articles, and real-world examples, made them one of the most impactful learning experiences in my rabbinate. Synagogue finances, a seemingly vast and intricate domain, became demystified through these courses. The progressive structure, spanning three consecutive modules, enabled participants to gradually build a solid foundation in financial management. We started with spreadsheet basics and advanced to more complex topics encompassing accountability and ethical financial practices.
Crucially, the courses seamlessly integrated Jewish tradition and the spiritual essence of our work. We were consistently reminded of the sacred dimension inherent in all aspects of temple life, drawing insights from Jewish texts, diverse faith traditions, and the wisdom of experienced lay leaders who generously shared their expertise as part of the curriculum.
Beyond synagogue administration, these courses have fostered personal and professional growth. I’ve become more financially aware in my daily life, more mindful of spending habits, and more attuned to business ethics in a broader context.
As rabbis, we dedicate ourselves to creating synagogues that are warm, welcoming, and conducive to learning and spiritual growth for our congregants. I found that same welcoming atmosphere within the URJ Congregational Finances Courses. This experience has significantly expanded my knowledge base and imparted invaluable lessons with far-reaching implications, ensuring that managing finances – even metaphorical piles of money – becomes a less daunting and more empowering aspect of my rabbinate.
To delve deeper into congregational finances, enroll in the URJ Congregational Finances Courses or join our informational webinar on May 15th, 8pm ET. These three online courses are designed to enhance foundational understanding of congregational finances. Furthermore, in the summer of 2018, a specialized cycle tailored for congregational professionals will be offered alongside the general course cycle.
