Robert Leventhal presents his Synagogue Visioning and Planning (SVP) model to a wider audience for the first time in this substantial yet accessible volume. Stepping Forward will help congregations uncover hidden depths of vision and vitality as they grow into a clearer understanding of their God-given ministries and gifts.

Background and AcknowledgmentsIntroduction: The Leadership SederPART 1: Trumah: The Gifts of Synagogue Life1. The Gifts of Synagogue Membership2. Developing Leadership GiftsPART 2: Teshuvah: Getting on a New Path3. Planning: Using Different Approaches4. Foresight: Anticipating the Challenge of the Synagogue Organization's Future5. Gathering Data: Understanding the Land6. Authority: Learning to Lead7. Congregational Readiness for Change8. Understanding and Managing the CampaignPART 3: 'Avodah: Putting Ideas of Planning into Action9. Getting Started: The Steering Committee Prepares to Build Community10. Recruiting for Parlor Meetings and Stakeholder Groups11. Conducting and Interpreting Parlor MeetingsPART 4: 'Omets Lev: The Courage to Engage12. Overview of Strategic Workshops: Developing Strategic Direction13. Values: How Will We Work Together? (Workshop 1)14. Strategic Goals: Where Should We Focus? (Workshop 2)15. From Vision to Action Planning: Who Will Do What? (Workshop 3)16. The Accountability Plan: Transparent Planning Invites Healthy FeedbackPART 5: Hoh. ma: Lessons Learned17. Leadership Lessons: Unleashing Congregational EnergyAppendixResource 1: Putting It All Together: The Board Briefing BookResource 2: Congregational Membership ProfileResource 3: Steering Committee DebriefingsResource 4: Temple Beth El Worship Task Force ReportResource 5: Examples of Goal Topics and Strategic Goal StatementsResource 6: Oceanside Jewish Center Values StatementFor Further Reading