When the rabbis first approached me to coordinate their first Sweet Tastes of Torah project, this past February 6, they had modest expectations for this community-wide night of learning, education, schmoozing, music, and fun. It was the first time they had banded together as a group to produce such an event. When I asked how they would define success, they answered they'd be happy with 100 attendees. Twenty-four rabbis volunteered their time to teach, learn, share, laugh, and learn. Topics ranged from the serious (Practical Lessons in Rabbinical Jurisprudence) to the more entertaining (Bubbe Meises), and everything in between.
The UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey quickly came on as one of our partnering sponsors, providing a website, publicity help, online registration, and moral support to me. We were also lucky to be hosted by Temple Emeth in Teaneck, who provided prayer and classroom space in a beautiful facility. Dessert and a goody bag (more about that another time) were provided by kosher.com. Music was provided by Migdal Oz, a Jewish blues, rhythm, jazz band headed by a rabbi!
With help from my hubby (who distributed posters around the county, schlepped endless boxes, and helped with the evening's logistics), my daughter (who directed traffic to classrooms), a slew of friends and volunteers (who manned registration tables and kept me sane), the evening was a tremendous success. More than 300 people participated, and the feedback was tremendous.
But...how to repeat the success?
