We are excited to launch New Ideas Around Engagement: a URJ Series! In this series, you'll explore ways to create a community of belonging alongside others who want to go beyond hospitality and think differently about their communities' engagement goals.

We are excited to announce a new program for URJ Congregational Presidents and Presidents-Elect: The URJ Presidential Bootcamp.

One of the most consistent messages we hear from congregational presidents is that they often feel alone with the heavy weight of responsibility for their congregation. While we encourage and work with them to build sacred partnerships with professionals, clergy, and fellow lay leaders at their congregations, we also hear that they want to be connected to people who are in the same role at other congregations.

On the Jewish calendar, the start of the month of Elul signifies the beginning of the High Holiday season. As individuals, it is during this time that we begin the process of cheshbon hanefesh (accounting of the soul), reflecting on the past year. So too, it is important for your leadership and community to reflect on the past year and consider how to do better moving forward.

It is hard to believe that we are entering the third High Holiday season with the words "new normal" ringing in the back of our minds. This year, our leaders - clergy, professionals, and volunteers alike - are leaning into the possibilities and making plans for the new Jewish year of 5783.

The URJ's Introduction to Judaism is an online course for adults interested in exploring Jewish life through a Reform lens. We make every effort to connect students to their local congregations, but if their local congregations do not offer an Intro to Judaism course, these students can sign up for online classes.

The URJ's Leading Change Summit will empower and enable you to lead through these waters with more skill and confidence. Join hundreds of Reform Jewish leaders - clergy, staff, and lay - from across North America for this virtual three-day leadership gathering.

Are you motivated to become a focused, intentional leader of transformation in your congregation and community? If so, Leading Change: A URJ Summit is for you! In this moment of hopefulness and transition, the timing is perfect to take stock, look ahead, and take big steps to transform our communities.

According to conventional wisdom, congregations will look different in 10-15 years. If this is the case, we need leadership that can come together to actively create our future. Otherwise, we will be reacting passively to forces and trends, and are less likely to be successful.