Rabbi's Top Ten

Recently, a pastor friend of mine wrote a piece entitled “10 Ways to Get Someone to Come to Church with You.” I decided to sit down and see if I could come up with ten ways to get someone to come to shul with you. I write this with a nod to Pastor Josh Teis and thank him for inspiring some of the ideas. Here goes my Top Ten List:

10. The Kiddush/Oneg Bribe: If you feed them, they will come. That’s our motto. We have a nice Kiddush oneg after services on Friday night and Shabbat morning. When we have a full sponsor it is practically a catered affair. We even have a few people that come just in time for the Kiddush – and that’s ok too. Invite a friend to lunch and tell them it’s right after shul – and its free!

9. Go for a Walk – End up at MKT: Call a friend and tell them you want to go for a walk, run, or even a bike ride. We have great walking paths that lead right up to our doors. Think of the surprise on their face when you end up at our front door.

8. Great Friends: We have a warm and inviting group of regulars that come to services. It’s a great way to introduce your unaffiliated friends with your affiliated friends.

7. Air conditioned comfy seats: Let’s face it, it’s hot out there. Grab a neighbor and tell them to conserve their A/C and come spend a couple of hours at shul.

6. A few moments away from technology: Treat a friend to a technology break. It is Shabbat. It’s a chance to get away from the tv, computer, iPad, iPhone, iWhatever and come spend a couple of hours in the technology-free bliss of our services.

5. A little rope and Duck Tape. Now, I am not advocating this, just sharing a story about a guy who was so desperate to bring a friend to shul he went to Home Depot and bought some rope and Duck Tape and kidnapped a friend and dropped them off in a synagogue parking lot. I am not telling you to do this, just telling a story to help get your creative juices flowing.

4. The perfect Birthday/Anniversary gift. We pride ourselves on recognizing peoples’ birthdays and anniversaries. Looking for a gift for a loved one? Why not sponsor an oneg or Kiddush in honor of their special day and bring them in to celebrate with us.

3. Facebook/Social Media: Link to MKT, Like MKT, Share MKT. Put a shout out to your FB Hive that you will be attending services and would love for them to join you.

2. Wonder Woman is coming to MKT! – It is not likely, but Gal Gadot is Jewish, and sometimes comes to Las Vegas, and might just show up for services. Would you and your friend want to miss the opportunity to see her?

And the number one way to get someone to come to shul with you:

1. Good old Jewish Guilt: Don’t be afraid to use it. We are famous for it!