Why the Scheidt Seminar Is A Transformative Leadership Experience

What's the key to great congregational leadership? The answer largely hinges on your particular congregation, your culture, your mission, and the values your members embrace. While there is no one answer, there are trends and commonalities that we know many successful congregations share. One path to success starts by attending the URJ Scheidt Seminar for Congregational Presidents, Co-Presidents, and Presidents-Elect.

For 25 years, this seminar has helped leaders prepare for and acclimate to their vital and challenging roles. Here are the top five reasons URJ's Scheidt Seminar is so impactful, according to our alumni and recent participants:

• Networking with Other Presidents: Concentrated time to share successes, concerns, hopes, and plans with people who are similarly situated is invaluable. Scheidt participants learn side-by-side with presidents of similarly sized congregations, located in similar parts of the country, and, in some cases, pursuing similar projects. The strong connections formed at these gatherings last well beyond our physical time together and often far outlast presidential terms.
• Thoughtful, Intentional Learning: Our outstanding Scheidt faculty are Reform Movement leaders who deeply know congregations and understand the importance of partnership. The content is relevant, accessible, and designed to be transmitted back to leadership teams at home (fellow board members, clergy, and professional staff) for discussion and strategizing.
• Being Part of Something Bigger: Scheidt Seminar participants gain an appreciation that their presidency is part of something much larger than their congregation: the Reform Movement. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the URJ president, is the first person to welcome them; they then spend four intensive days with Reform Movement leaders - including staff, our URJ Board chair, and representatives from Hebrew Union College - sharing meals, having one-on-one meetings, and enjoying informal conversations. These connections last beyond the seminar, and participants see that their role in congregations is essential to the Reform Movement.
• The Power of Shared Jewish Experiences:The intense four-day seminar is chock full of important learning, but equally important is the time we spend together on Shabbat; in worship; and in our prayerful, spiritual moments. We remind our congregational presidents of the importance of taking time to celebrate those moments and enjoy Jewish life.
• I Am Not Alone: The realization that we hear most from participants is that they begin the seminar feeling isolated but leave with a notebook (or an app) full of resources and a great list of people they can contact. Our Jewish heritage teaches that we are better when we work in partnership with each other and that partnership can take many forms. The connections we maintain after the seminar prove that wisdom in countless ways.

So much more than a leadership training, The URJ Scheidt Seminar for Congregational Presidents, Co-Presidents, and Presidents-Elect is a transformative experience that equips presidents with practical tools, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. By fostering learning, community, and spiritual engagement, Scheidt ensures that no leader walks this journey alone. For 25 years, it has been a cornerstone of strong, inspired congregational leadership. As we enter our next 25 years, we cannot wait to welcome a new cohort of congregational leaders and accompany them on their journeys.

Registration for Scheidt is now open! The URJ Scheidt Seminar for Presidents, Co-Presidents, and Presidents-Elect will take place from April 16-19, 2026, in Denver, CO. Learn more about the seminar and register today. Questions? Contact scheidtseminar@urj.org.