U.S. Synagogues’ Promotion of Physical Activity to Adults: An Online Media Content Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT We completed systematic line-by-line analyses of 1383 U.S. synagogues’ websites’ – publicly accessible webpages, online brochures/newsletters, online calendars – to assess content that mentioned physical activity. Mention of physical activity opportunities was tallied overall, by program category (social justice, worship, social group, exercise), and by specific physical activity. Crosstabulations were used to detect differences by denomination. Only 35% of synagogues mentioned even one physical activity opportunity/program, and for these 482 synagogues, programs mentioned by category and proportion included: social group (67%), worship (32%), exercise (31%), and social justice (27%). Post hoc analyses of cell standardized residuals (z scores) revealed denominational differences were most pronounced among Conservative (mentioned more frequently than expected exercise programs and >1 program category) and Orthodox (mentioned less frequently than expected social justice and exercise programs, and >1 program category) synagogues’ websites. Most synagogues underutilize their multimedia platforms to promote engagement in physical activity. Future research should endeavor to understand the beliefs and attitudes rabbis/synagogue media gatekeepers hold toward physical activity, in general, and their perceptions of the synagogue’s role in promoting it to congregants.