VISION 2032

Planning BHS’s next five years—and beyond!

Brooklyn Heights Synagogue is developing a five-year strategic plan to help our congregation build on its strengths, respond to emerging needs, and make thoughtful choices about its future.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

The congregational survey response period has concluded.

Thank you to the hundreds of you who already have shared your views. The survey has ended, but the planning continues, and this is far from the final opportunity to participate in this process. Next, we’ll bring together what we’ve been learning from the survey, conversations, and assessments, share what we've heard so far, and ask how it resonates. Look out for updates from the Steering Committee and more opportunities to participate later this year.

WHAT IS VISION 2032?

Vision 2032 is BHS’s process for developing a five-year strategic plan. Through congregational input, institutional research, and focused discussion, we will identify a limited number of priorities and translate them into practical goals and strategies.

The final plan is expected to be presented at the May 2027 Annual Meeting.

WHAT WILL THE PLAN DO?

The plan will help BHS determine where to focus its energy and resources, how to strengthen congregational life, and how to prepare responsibly for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Questions Guiding Our Work

1. What creates a lasting sense of belonging at BHS?

2. How should BHS support members through different stages of life?

3. What kinds of Jewish experiences do members most value?

4. What helps—or prevents—members from becoming more engaged?

5. What kind of congregation should BHS become over the next five years?

Our Process

1. Listen and learn
Spring–Summer 2026
Exploratory conversations and institutional research.

2. Congregational survey
September–October 2026
Gather input from members across the congregation.

3. Follow-up conversations with members
October–November 2026
Explore important differences, questions, and emerging themes.

4. Share preliminary findings and priorities identified from the gathered input
November–December 2026
Identify the emerging issues that should guide the plan.

5. Develop goals and strategies
January–April 2027
Through further discussion with members, translate priorities into specific directions and actions.

6. Refine and adopt the plan
May 2027
Present the final plan and implementation framework for adoption.

HOW MEMBERS WILL PARTICIPATE

We hope to engage as many members as possible through the strategic planning process. Members will have several opportunities to help shape Vision 2032, including the congregational survey, targeted follow-up conversations, small-group discussions, and opportunities to respond to emerging priorities and the draft plan.

If you would like to be notified of opportunities to participate and share your feedback, please let us know by emailing Vision2032@bhsbrooklyn.org. Invitations also will be shared periodically in email announcements to the congregation and in-person at events.

WHO IS LEADING THE PROCESS

The Vision 2032 Steering Committee is guiding the planning process in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, clergy, staff, and congregation:

Adam Riff, Chair

Andy Akers

Alan Gertler

Lisa Kopel

Rabbi Serge Lippe

Joyce Raskin

Melissa Rothberg

David Simins

Dory Weiss

Steve Yankauer

Molly Zaentz

Alycia Zimmerman

Contact: Vision2032@bhsbrooklyn.org

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The first step is to complete the congregational survey. After that, there will be opportunities to share additional feedback, including through small-group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and a visioning workshop

  • We want to hear from you! Either email Vision2032@bhsbrooklyn.org or call Eric Munson at 718-522-2070 extension 122, and we’ll make arrangements that work for you.

  • Teens and religious school students (fourth grade and up) will be asked to complete a separate survey tailored to their BHS experience.

  • Because each person's hopes and expectations for BHS may be different, each individual member should complete the survey for themselves - not for their household.  This survey is intended for adult members only -- teens and religious school students (4th grade and up) will be asked to complete a separate survey.

  • Member input will help identify widely shared experiences, important differences among groups, and questions requiring further discussion. The Steering Committee will report what it heard and how that information is influencing the plan.

  • The survey is intended for BHS members. To help protect the integrity of the results, members receive the survey link directly by email rather than through the public website.

  • BHS will share major themes and aggregate findings from the survey. Additionally, no responses will be attributed to any individual without first receiving permission.

  • The Steering Committee will report back to the congregation about its findings and progress throughout the year. Look out for these opportunities, which will be shared in emails to the congregation.

  • The final plan is expected to be presented for adoption at the May 2027 Annual Meeting.