February 2007 Bulletin Message

      Time Magazine puts “You” on the cover of its year-end issue and proclaims that a revolution is taking place in our time. We have entered the era of the individual where anyone can make a movie or publish an opinion. Where three television networks seemed sufficient for America of the 1950’s, now there are 50 or 1000 options on our screens. One traditional newspaper or maybe two in a city are supplemented now by 50 blogs.
      Author Chris Anderson writes, “The era of one size fits all is ending, and in its place is something new, a market of multitudes…The mainstream has been shattered into a zillion different cultural shards. Increasingly the mass market is turning into a mass of niches.”
      Which presents some very interesting options for the synagogue.
      If one size no longer fits all, the smart synagogue is going to be one that figures out how to speak to many individuals in many different ways.
      That’s why Sinai is canceling services this coming Friday, March 2. Or to be more exact, that’s why Sinai is experimenting with something called Showcase Shabbat. Like a multi-screen theater, we are going to present a whole weekend in March where variety is the name of the Jewish game.
      If you like sports, we’ve got something for you. If you like yoga, rhythm, prayer, literature, laughter, or Torah, we’ve got something for you.
      And, besides all that, the beginning of March brings us Purim with every opportunity for the spirit of a Jewish Mardi Gras.
      Young, old, male, female, gay, straight, scholarly, athletic, social, or private, I think we’ve got a spot for you in Showcase Shabbat and The Whole Megillah weekend that follows.
      If one size no longer fits all, Sinai is thinking outside the bimah. I hope you will find your niche with us.