With much of the summer behind us and 5777 around the corner, I know that many of you are just now beginning to step into the leadership roles you took on last spring. Mazel tov! It’s wonderful to have you as a congregational leader.
As Rabbi Jacobs detailed in his recent blog post, the Knowledge Network team and The Tent should be your first go-to places for information, resources, and crowdsourcing opportunities related to all facets of congregational life. However, we know that to guide your congregation so it genuinely flourishes, you need additional tools in your toolbox.
The URJ has numerous opportunities and resources that will help ensure not only your own success as a leader, but also that of your entire congregational community:
- Led by URJ-trained lay leaders or staff who create and facilitate specially tailored, dynamic, and interactive day-long sessions, board workshops enrich your team’s leadership skills and help them generate ideas, as well as strategize and plan for the congregation’s future.
- Moving to the Leading Edge is a compilation of articles about “hot topics” in congregational life. Most articles include an accompanying discussion guide, intended to engage your leadership team in reflective conversation.
- With the advent of video conference calls, I can attend congregational board meetings virtually, to discuss how the URJ can help you strengthen your congregation. For more information, email Maxie Kalish.
- URJ Communities connect congregations and their leaders with others in the same geographic area to share best practices, resources, and create a network of URJ support for each other. Find your URJ Community.
- Download Engaging with the URJ to Strengthen Your Congregation and keep it handy.
Several events in the works for 2017 are Reform Movement mainstays so you’ll want to add them to your toolbox – and your calendar. More information will come your way as the dates draw closer:
- The 2017 Biennial is scheduled for December 6-10 in Boston, MA
- The annual Scheidt Seminar for Presidents and Presidents-Elect will be offered twice in 2017: February 9-12 in San Diego, CA (new session and venue), and April 20-23 in Atlanta, GA. Attend the session that works best for you.
- The 2016-17 Shallat Rabbinic Transition Program and Retreat will take place on December 4-5th, 2016, for congregational presidents and their new senior or solo rabbi to build their relationship and help their congregation succeed.
- The 2017 NFTY Convention will welcome thousands of Jewish teens and many adults invested in their future to Chicago over President’s Day Weekend in 2017 (February 17-20)
- From April 30-May 2, the RAC will hold its annual Consultation on Conscience.
These URJ tools and resources are here for you. Using them as part of your meaningful, sacred work will help you keep your congregation thriving and relevant, now and for future generations. The URJ’s bi-monthly newsletter, Inside Leadership, will continue to keep you apprised of new resources; please be sure to receive and read each issue. I look forward to meeting you – in person or via technology – as you serve your congregational community.