Dec. 2025
Oliver Borr

As the new director of community engagement for the Adas Israel synagogue and the HHA, my guiding philosophy is “Growth Together.” Whether I'm receiving feedback or executing new ideas, I believe that the best type of growth happens when we work, together.

This approach was essential when I received feedback on Shabbat programming. The message was clear: “This is the time to take Shabbat Youth Groups to the next level!” With shul attendance at an all-time high, both kids and adults are seeking a meaningful and uplifting shul experience now more than ever.

I took this feedback and immediately began building new Shabbat programs to cater to kids of all ages and affiliations.

Practically, what does this look like? In the past two months, our Shabbat programs have included a weekly parsha puppet show, parsha-themed escape rooms, jumbo games, Jew-pardy, parsha charades, teen and youth-led services, deluxe meat kiddushes, and much more.

The result? Every Shabbat, we have between 70 and 100 kids excited and eager to go to shul! And in true Adas-fashion, we still have more to come.

This momentum is the perfect example of our "Growth Together" philosophy in action. It started with community feedback, was brought to life through the energy of our community, and is succeeding because of your participation.

This success belongs to all of us, and I’m so excited to see what we will build next, together.