Survey: Synagogues feel economic downturn

All New York synagogues have felt the impact of the economic downturn, according to a new survey from SYNERGY: UJA-Federation of New York and Synagogues Together.

Every synagogue reported that congregants had lost jobs, and the numbers of members seeking counsel from rabbis and Partners in Caring social workers increased significantly from a year earlier.

“In the face of painful loss and anxiety for so many of their congregants, New York synagogues have been amazing in the creative ways they have found to help—giving new meaning to ‘caring community,’ ” says Dru Greenwood, director of SYNERGY.

According to the survey, approaches to helping congregants have most often included special dues arrangements, referral to UJA-Federation of New York’s Connect to Care, and use of clergy discretionary funds for emergency needs. Others have started economic response teams or groups to help in person or online.

Synagogues are using multiple strategies to mitigate the effects of the financial crisis on themselves, the survey reports. More than two-thirds increased fundraising activities, although results varied. While synagogue membership appears to be stabilizing overall, approaches are evenly split between between raising dues and freezing or lowering dues. In response to economic challenges, more synagogues than a year ago said they had eliminated staff positions, and nearly half had collaborated with other institutions, including on programs.

Sixty-eight congregations from New York City, Long Island, and Westchester responded to the online survey taken from in late November, which had about a 20 percent response rate.

Read the full summary from the survey.