local
in person, but he thinks it can function
even better with a digital addition.

“We have two doors,” Englander
said. “A physical door and a virtual
door.” He sees two ways in which a syna-
gogue can use the digital space.

Th ere’s the add-on option to Shabbat,
High Holiday and other services, which
Englander views as a more passive
experience for people at home but still
“high quality.” Th en there’s the more
active and personal use for “classes for
all ages,” Englander said.

“Th ere will be much more opportu-
nity for interaction and for people to
feel like they’re part of a conversation,”
he added.

While Englander believes the virtual
part is important, he thinks another
frontier may even be more important.

He said more and more people today
are looking for volunteer opportunities
and so, as a synagogue leader, he hopes
to focus on “harnessing people’s desire
to do good,” he said.

Th is means emphasizing volunteer
opportunities that will make an impact
From left: Congregation Beth El President Stuart Sauer and Rabbi David Englander sign the
contract for Englander to become Beth El’s new rabbi.

Photo by Alicia Drozen
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14 MARCH 10, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM