Then there’s the idea of power in numbers. For example, when trying to raise funds for a chesed project, a shul of 30 can raise money but it is less likely to raise an amount that is significant enough to make a difference. A shul of several hundred, however, can bring in a sum that could have a great impact on the organization.
Along the same lines is the idea that several hundred spending time in shul together, sharing in each other’s simchas (and tragedies), will engender a feeling of unity. The irony is that many people eschew big shuls because they want to feel connected.
Finally, a big shul is better for children. Many offer programs for children or, at the very least, space to run around. When children enjoy coming to shulat a young age, they develop positive associations. In contrast, a child who attends a shul with little space to play and no programming may see it as a boring, unpleasant place.
Although large shulsdo not have as many honors to distribute each week, the advantages they offer cannot be matched by the shtieblach. And my years in large shulshave shown me that if one desires to be a macher, there will be opportunities, as most shuladministrators love when individuals show dedication to the shul.
Those searching for a place to daven should therefore seriously consider joining large shuls before they become yet another relic of modern Jewish history.