Temple Solel in Cardiff is in its first month of an innovative outreach program to draw people to its doors. The project, "Taste of Solel," offers newcomers a chance to try out ---- or "taste" ---- all of the temple's different programs and classes without formally joining.

At a Jewish temple, becoming a member of the congregation means incurring an ongoing financial commitment -- but it also means that opportunities such as the religious school and adult education classes are available, aside from just the Sabbath worship services.

But when Sherwin Chasen, a congregant involved in the marketing committee, was looking for better ways to serve the temple's congregation, he realized that it had programs for virtually every demographic. With 870 member families, Temple Solel covers a spectrum that includes senior citizens, empty nesters, single parents, interfaith couples and same-sex couples.

"There was a program for all those people," he said, "But a lot of people are not members, so they're not aware of all the things the congregation can offer them."

So he came up with a buffet-style menu divided into the categories of starter course (early childhood center), kids' meals (religious school), lighter fare (youth group), main course (adult education and worship opportunities) and dessert (social action and volunteer opportunities).

The program will be offered through the end of June, at which point the synagogue will re-evaluate its effectiveness and whether it should be continued.

As far as Chasen knows, this is a first-of-its-kind program, and it's offered primarily for those unaffiliated with a synagogue. They can try out Temple Solel for the first six months of the year before deciding to commit. And having just moved to a new building, the temple has plenty of room to grow.

Chasen believes that its social action projects ---- focused on combating homelessness and hunger, and on helping the earthquake-devastated Haiti ---- are an especially important part of the temple's work. He also thinks that Taste of Solel is a wonderful opportunity for children in particular.

"They can have lots of fun, meet other Jewish kids and learn Jewish values," he said.

When Chasen approached the leaders of the different programs, he made sure that what was offered on the Taste of Solel menu would be authentic.

"I didn't want to do special stuff or make it a one-time thing," he said. He wanted newcomers to see how the programs operated normally.

"What I like about this idea," said Rabbi David Frank, "is that we go out of the box and step back from our insular community. ... A lot of people are intimidated by the process of the synagogue, and it's letting people know what's available. It’s less threatening because they have a right to be there."

So far, the program has been marketed mostly through word of mouth and the temple's Web site (templesolel.net), and visitors have been only trickling in.

"I'm optimistic and I'm hopeful, though," Frank said. "This is a chance to try out a synagogue and to enter a community. ... I want people to know the invitation is really sincere."