To paraphrase Wikipedia: Unbundling is used to describe how technology and expectations are affecting older institutions (education, broadcasting, newspapers, games, shopping, etc.) by “breaking up the packages they once offered, providing particular parts of them at a scale and cost unmatchable by the old order. “Unbundling has been called “the great disruptor”.
For Shuls the traditional bundle included:
1) a place to daven
2) a place to learn
3) a place for social activity
4) access to a Rabbi for halachic and life consultation
The rise of the young married, yeshivish and hashkama minyanim highlights how nowadays many people are getting their services ala carte and for free. People can get no frills davening, a Daf Yomi shiur, social time with friends and access to a Rav without incurring the higher dues and additional rules that come with the traditional Shul bundle.
I personally think there’s tremendous value in belonging to a Shul because of the closer relationship with the Rabbi, the chesed and middos development opportunities and the positive spiritual influence of friends. Unfortunately many people are coming to a different conclusion and are pursuing more non-membership options resulting from the great Shul Unbundling.
First, I hear what you are saying. Second, I would point out that, regardless of the issue or which side you are on, making statements in a short forum such as this necessarily misses nuances. Almost never is one side completely right or completely wrong.
That having been said, I’d like to speak from the other side.
I feel that when a shul tries to be all things, it sometimes spreads itself thin, either in ability to do it all well, in overworking personnel, in meeting financial obligations, or all of these. There is a saying that if you are a jack-of-all-trades, you are an expert in none.
Speaking personally, there is one shul in my neighborhood in which I am most comfortable davening shabbos morning, but they are a shabbos-only minyan, so I go elsewhere during the week. The rav to whom I ask my shailos is someone who I respect a great deal, is a world-class posek, and someone with whom I am comfortable discussing personal issues, but I am generally less comfortable davening in his shul,. For learning, I have a chavrusa at the kollel. I give financially to all these mosdos.
I understand that there is a benefit to having a one-stop-shop, and knowing that all your needs can be adequately met in one place. But there is also a benefit to being able to go to multiple places and have each individual need being met in an above-adequate manner. Davening in a different shul than your rav does not necessarily mean that your relationship with him is less. Being a part of multiple mosdos at an “associate level” does not mean your financial outlays are less.
I agree that there is “tremendous value in belonging to a Shul because of the closer relationship with the Rabbi, the chesed and middos development opportunities and the positive spiritual influence of friends”. However chesed and middos development opportunities and the positive spiritual influence of friends abound in many places outside of the traditional shul setting. And it is not unfortunate that “many people are coming to a different conclusion”.
Everyone is uncomfortable when things change, kal v’chomer if it is “the great disruptor”. But B’H, those who are happy with the old way still have the large community shuls available. And those of us who would like to take advantage of the improved services caused by unbundling also have the opportunity to do so.
B’EH, all of our communities and our individuals will continue to grow and improve in all areas, gahmiyus and ruchniyus, ad bias goel.
Michael, thanks for the comment and if you’ve been reading this site then you know I agree that every issue is nuanced and almost never is one side completely right or completely wrong. That being said, I write short pieces by design because that is what people will most likely read and I do think you can make a point or 2 in a short piece.
Every issue you raised is nuanced, but let me at least give you some response to your comments:
– Only a minority of people support multiple mosdos. Yasher Koach to you for have the financial ability and financial will to do that.
– Some of my good friends have made choices like you and I completely understand how your arrangement fills your needs.
– Big community Shuls are waning and I belong to a small (~100 active families) Shul, and I’m in no ways a stop-the-change old timer
– I think Shuls are extremely important institutions for the reasons mentioned (plus more) and I am concerned that many good people like yourself are not supporting them with their attendance.