Community Blueprints

Zichron Yaakov with Pnina and Judah

Pnina and Judah came to Zichron Yaakov at different times and fill different leadership functions in their diverse community that doesn't specifically surround a certain shul or neighborhood. Pnina volunteered to join the city counsel to ensure budgets were set aside to build their local school and to get resources for the olim . Judah was looking for more space and air, leaving his place in Jersualem and, with his wife, took on the leadership at their local shul. A lot to unpack including the role of politics and how to manage changing demographics, and avoiding burnout. Rate 5 stars and share this episode along!

The 80 / 20 Rule - Reuven's Reflections

What if the biggest problem in your community isn’t a lack of volunteers, but a misunderstanding of human nature? In this episode of I reflect on how previous episodes led me to understand why the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) that 20% of people will do 80% of volunteering work should not be “fixed” but embraced. This episode delivers practical, immediately useful shifts you can apply right away: * Why broad calls for help (like WhatsApp messages) don’t work and what to do instead * How to reduce volunteer burnout * The hidden flaw in incentive systems that reward the wrong people * How small actions, like personal asks and visible gratitude, can transform participation * Why the 80/20 dynamic is not a problem, but a powerful feature of healthy communities If you’ve ever felt frustrated trying to get more people involved, this episode offers a refreshing, realistic framework for engagement, one that values both your core volunteers and the quieter majority. Because building a thriving community isn’t about getting everyone to do everything but appreciated the role each person contributes to the greater community. And until next time, keep building y'all!

Golf Manor Synagogue, Cincinnati with Yosef Kirschner

When Yosef returned from his gap year, Golf Manor Synagogue, an icon of the Cincinnati Jewish community dating back to the 1800s, was a shell of itself. After a breakaway split the membership, the once-vibrant congregation was on life support. Despite initial hesitation because of his age, Yosef stepped up to serve as Chairman and partnered with incoming Rabbi Alt to begin revitalizing the institution. In this episode, we explore how they used strategic partnerships and community feedback, both formal and informal, to experiment, adapt, and bring people back through the doors. Enjoy the episode, comment, share, and rate it 5 stars so more people can discover it. Until next time, keep building, y’all.

Neve Shamir, Ramat Beit Shemesh with Raphy Sassieni

Neve Shamir is one of the newest communities in Ramat Beit Shemesh and has been rapidly growing since 2022. Raphy was an early adopter who moved from the nearby Mishkafayim neighborhood but initially was making the 15 minute walk to his old community. Fast forward a couple years and 15 locations, Avnei Shamir has over 80 families, an incredible rav, and has become a soft landing for Anglo Olim which make up the majority of their membership. Raphy shares his vision for a broader communal feel outside his shul and how to engage the community to keep maximum participation. Rate this episode 5 stars and share it around so others can be inspired as well. And, until next time, keep building y'all!

Mishkafayim, RBS with Aaron Katz and Netanel Goldstein

Mishkafayim is an extension of Ramat Beit Shemesh that feels like its own enclave. Aaron moved in the early days of Mishkafayim and has helped build a couple of the many shuls in the few blocks including Mevakshei Emes. Although there are many micro communities they, like a yishuv, come together at different points of the year for joint programming. Netanel joined Mevakshei Emes and played a key role in the growth and ongoing success. This rabbi led community continues to find creative ways to service their community beyond the walls of their shul which are bursting at the seams. Enjoy and share episode 10 of the Community Blueprints podcast and rate us 5 stars. Until next time, "keep building y'all"