The Changing Synagogue

The synagogue has been the central institution of Jewish life for nearly 2000 years. Today it is (as has occurred in the past) grappling with serious change. While the synagogue has long been a center of worship, study and social relationship - the needs of the 21st Century constituency are different from those of the 2nd half of the 20th Century.
The synagogue I grew up in during the 60s - was a large edifice, with a 3-day a week Hebrew school, an awe-inspiring Sanctuary, and a diverse program of learning (mostly with the rabbi). For my parents it was a place to see friends: for study groups, for holidays, and for social events (New Year's, etc.). My parents wanted this kind of community and their friend network (along with childhood friends) was and is central to who they are.
There is better writing on this than I can articulate, but today we live in multiple communities, spiritually and technologically. We have recreational, cultural, intellectual and spiritual networks that are not all serviced by a synagogue. Fewer people seek out a synagogue to be their primary social community. Most people join a synagogue today for a particular service: early childhood education, for a Bnai Mitzvah or to have a rabbi on retainer. It appears that most young families are looking for smaller, more intimate experiences with their contemporaries in general - and certain not a "big box" experience where everyone does everything together.
Especially in this economic downturn, synagogues are stressed to meet their financial needs. Large buildings, great professional staffs and diverse programs used to be maintained by people who wanted the community to be there and meet diverse needs.
The synagogue today is looking to transform itself. For decades we have constructed amazing facilities and people came ("If you build it they will come!"). Today technologically, socially and spiritual we are seeking new ways to make synagogue more accessible, more personalized, more integral to the lives on our members. I hope this reflects a shift of the spiritual pendulum - synagogues will empower the home and families to be more the center of Jewish life.