Our Challenges

Our 75-year-old building—with its confusing entry, inadequate preschool space, and substandard classrooms for Jewish Journeys Hebrew School—no longer supports the vibrant services and programs we aim to offer. 

Instead of fostering unity and purpose, it leaves an impression of disconnection and decline. It doesn’t inspire or encourage pride in one’s Jewishness as it once did. 

As we pass from generation to generation, the needs of Burlington’s Jewish community have shifted. 

Imagine 2025, our initial listening campaign for the strategic plan, revealed a clear shift: younger families and interfaith households are seeking connection and meaning beyond traditional services. Meanwhile, our staffing and financial models are stretched, struggling to meet these emerging demands. External pressures have compounded the strain: COVID-19 frayed our communal fabric and weakened finances, October 7 has introduced new dynamics, and the rise in antisemitism has underscored the urgent need to preserve Jewish identity and deepen our collective bonds. 

Amidst all the change, economic realities also make membership donations a barrier to participation.

Like Rabbis Wall and Chasan before us, we must act with courage and vision for the benefit of future generations.