The essentials every shul site needs
Most visitors arrive on a phone with one question: when are services, or how do I get involved. Lead with the answers.
- Accurate, automatic Shabbat and holiday times (candle-lighting & havdalah)
- A clear service schedule and directions
- An events calendar with RSVPs
- A simple, secure way to donate and pay dues
- Membership information and a way to inquire
- Mobile-first design — most visits are on phones
Community and engagement
- Divrei Torah, bulletins, and announcements
- Lifecycle and yahrzeit information
- Photos that convey warmth and belonging
- Livestream links for services and classes
- Newsletter signup tied to email
Trust, accessibility, and performance
A site that loads fast and works for everyone signals a community that cares. Accessibility is also a halachic and ethical value — and increasingly a legal expectation.
- WCAG-minded color contrast and keyboard navigation
- Fast load times (good Core Web Vitals)
- HTTPS / SSL on your own domain
- Readable type and large tap targets
Found online: SEO basics for synagogues
- A descriptive title and description on every page
- Structured data so search engines understand your services and events
- A sitemap and clean URLs
- Local presence — name, address, service times