Thousands take part in United Synagogue survey to shape post-pandemic community

The United Synagogue is surveying its almost 40,000 members about returning to shul and the future of engagement online and offline – as lockdown restrictions ease.

Almost 3,000 have already filled out confidential forms, giving their views about everything from how congregations handled the pandemic’s many challenges, to moving many activities online, as-well-as what post-coronavirus communities may look like.

The survey, launched on Monday, ahead of the easing of national restrictions on 17 May, is an “extremely important piece of work”, according Michael Goldstein, President of the United Synagogue. He called it one of “the biggest listening exercise the United Synagogue has undertaken for many years.

“The results will help us understand how we have performed during the pandemic, and, crucially, will help our communities think through how to plan for the coming months and years ahead. I warmly invite all our members to spend just ten minutes completing the survey. The survey is completely confidential and all responses will remain anonymous.

“More than 3,000 people have already taken the time to let us know what they think. This is a fantastic response and we thank everyone for taking the time to complete the survey. The survey will remain open for another two weeks and we invite all United Synagogue members to share their opinions with us.”

Run by its Communications Director, Richard Verber, and Head of Organisational Impact, Richard Marcus, the IntelliSurvey will be open to 38,000 people across its 57 member communities. Participants must be over-18 to take part.