Lila Foldes, Jonathan Stein Join with colleagues to discuss how they are rethinking their own b'nai mitzvah work with an emphasis on shifting culture towards creating deeper relationships. Join us to think in real-time about your own congregation.

Kirk Jones

David Saperstein Among these are the implications of the recent Supreme Court “Ministerial Exception” case; recent lawsuits on parsonage; “Do’s and Don’t’s” in the 2012 Election; sexual harassment abuse issues; new church-state issues. In addition to an overview of these changes, this session will address any issues that participants face directly or have questions about […]

Sam Joseph There are mainly four types of mentors: Career Guide — promotes development through career guidance, counseling and visibility; Information Source — provides information about formal and informal expectations; Friend — interacts with the mentee socially and provides information about people; and Intellectual Guide — promotes an equal relationship, collaborates on research projects and provides constructive feedback and […]

Dr. Vardit Ringvald The impact of the Hebrew language on our children's sense of self is increasingly in the spotlight. What a different picture when they approach their Bar/Bat Mitzvah training with the organic connection to ancient texts and Israeli culture that Hebrew gives them! To maximize the level of our students’ Hebrew in Synagogue […]

Larry Dressler One of the paradoxes of the rabbinate is that we who are most devoted to repairing the world often find ourselves in a state of disrepair. Too often we and our institutions get caught up in a larger culture that values speed, multi-tasking and results. We learn to "cope" with or suppress our […]

Russ Sabia For all the talk about the importance of teamwork by leaders, it is largely untapped and unrealized in most organizations. Many organizations - filled with talented, committed people - struggle to fulfill their full promise and find themselves bogged down by excessive interpersonal politics and confusion about what is really important. As a […]

Alan Henkin In this informal session we will talk about the preparatory steps rabbis can take before they enter placement. We will take up rabbinic resume writing, as well as crafting a personal statement. We will discuss interviewing techniques, especially internet video-conferencing techniques, and we will review the kinds of questions search committees typically ask, […]

Larry Dressler and Sam Joseph As leaders, tired of the meeting after the meeting in the parking lot? Frustrated by the ‘after-meeting’ in the hallway? The primary goal of the session is how to use consensus decision-making, a cooperative, non-coercive form of decision-making in the setting of Jewish institutions and organizations. This session with be […]

David Altshuler and Steven Fox Setting goals and timetables, understanding philanthropic pyramids, making the case for support, prospect research, choreographing engagement and teamwork--a discussion of some issues and theories, as well as hands-on, "tachlitic" exercises.

Leon Morris and Eddie Goldberg with Janet Marder, Shelly Marder, Elaine Zecher and Peter Berg Through the years, many congregations have taken the opportunity to use creative endeavors at this point in the day, such as healing services, poetry readings, and musical interludes. Other congregations have chosen to harken back to the Avodah service, which […]

Stephanie Alexander, Joseph Meszler This is an exciting opportunity for us to hear from three colleagues serving in solo pulpits. Come hear their stories and experiences – from the wonderful to the not so wonderful; the differences between serving in a small congregation vs. a larger one; and also hear about the exciting and special […]