Florida Synagogue Spotlights Jewish Holidays, Values with Swank’s Vast Movie Library
Learn why Swank is their go-to source for movie screenings.
As the first Tampa synagogue, formed in 1894, Congregation Schaarai Zedek has a rich history. But it is its strong ability to stay engaged with its congregation that has helped it progress into the future. A quick look at their Facebook page produces a slew of events, lunch n learns, family-friendly activities, young adult socials, and even a series called ROME Lunch Bunch, which stands for “Retired Old Men Eating Out.” One of the easiest events the synagogue regularly programs is their movie screenings.
Sarah Alexander, the synagogue’s communications coordinator, says they primarily show movies to engage the congregation. Not only are they an easy and cost-effective programming option, they also provide a new way to talk about Jewish values and issues with post-show discussions. Sarah said, “Our Rabbi chooses movies that coordinate with Jewish holidays or values. We screen the movie and then follow with a group discussion around specific topics.”
“Swank’s movie selection is unrivaled. It’s always the first place I look when my congregation wants to have a movie screening.” Sarah Alexander, Congregation Schaarai Zedek Communication Coordinator
To target specific audiences, the synagogue hosts two different movie series. Their Summer Movie Nights program is a family-friendly event where families enjoy pizza and ice cream together. Once they’re done eating, the kids go off and watch a family-friendly film – like “Moana” – while the adults enjoy a more stimulating film – like “Fences.” The events are always free, only an RSVP is required. Their other movie series is Wine and Movie Nights. Also free but not family-friendly, adults enjoy wine, a dinner and a relevant film always followed up with a post-show discussion.
To promote the events, Schaarai Zedek creates Facebook events and shares custom-made images on their social accounts and website. For movie and programming inspiration, Sarah says they rely on our toolkit PressPlay. “Every time I get a new PressPlay catalog, I share it with the events coordinators to help give them ideas.” And when it comes time to license their film, Sarah said Swank is their go-to source. “Swank’s movie selection is unrivaled,” she shared. “It’s always the first place I look when my congregation wants to have a movie screening.”
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