Congregational Consulting Cohorts: Addressing Challenges Together

The sessions will be led by a name familiar to many: Rabbi Lou Feldstein of Dynamic Change Solutions. Feldstein is also a well-regarded leader of the URJ Scheidt Leadership seminars, where congregational presidents build relationships and sharpen their leadership skills.

"Lou Feldstein's skills as a strategic thinker and facilitator were key to successfully bringing our disparate groups together to help us understand the importance of change, and to constructively address collaboration moving forward."
- Helen Kashtan, Nonprofit President, Rochester, NY

This four-month program includes up to two hours of 1:1 strategic consultation, six workshops, and invaluable peer support. This cohort will be comprised of four to six congregations and is intended for congregations with 300-700 member households.

Sign up for an info session to learn more!

Launching in March 2025:

Building Strategic Plans for Long-Term Impact

Specifically designed for congregations that are challenged by changing landscapes and need guidance on how to set and act on strategic priorities. If your congregation is looking to define success and aspirational goals, this cohort is for you!

Amy Asin, former URJ vice president and director of Strengthening Congregations, will lead this cohort. Participating congregations will address new ways of thinking, learn how to keep long-term plans vibrant, gain an understanding of the need for change, set strategic priorities, and plan for pilots and resources.

"Amy Asin is a compassionate listener. Her teachings, blended with the understanding she gained about our own congregation, have helped us integrate her wisdom into our work."
- Rabbi Jill Maderer, Rodeph Shalom, Philadelphia, PA

Participating congregations will pay a flat fee which covers all materials and sessions with the cohort consultant. The URJ has negotiated pricing that is only available to affiliated congregations and is a fraction of the open-market price.

Each cohort has a separate cost depending on complexity, length, and content. Congregations will be billed in two equal payments, with one payment due prior to the start of the cohort and the second payment due at the midpoint of the program.

What are the benefits to URJ-affiliated congregations?

• Established expertise. Direct and 1:1 access to proven experts from well-known, trusted sources.

• Unmatched value. URJ's consulting cohorts are a fraction of the cost that a congregation would pay to find and hire an independent consultant on their own. Our curriculum was created to address the specific needs of URJ affiliated congregations.

• Better outcomes. By working alongside peers with similar goals, congregational leaders will benefit from information-sharing and problem-solving with a broad group vs. working on their own.

• Custom design. Our cohorts are not a cookie-cutter solution. Participants will benefit from small groups and structured curriculum on a specific topic with tangible, actionable outcomes.

How can I find out more?

That's easy! You can learn more and register for the upcoming info sessions below (if these dates aren't convenient, please register to receive a link to the recorded session afterward). In each info session, you'll hear from the cohort consultants and leaders and have opportunities to ask questions.

Info Sessions:

• Foundations of Strategic Planning: Monday, January 27, 2025, Noon ET

• Building Strategic Plans for Long-Term Impact: Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 1:00 pm ET

• Exploring a Free-Will Membership Commitment Model: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 7:00 pm ET

Have questions in the meantime? Please contact Lisa Langer, RJE, Director, Strategic Congregational Initiatives.