Developing Leaders

Funded through the generosity of the Scheidt family, the annual URJ Scheidt Seminar for Presidents and Presidents-Elect convenes congregational presidents to learn, network, build relationships, and enhance leadership skills. It serves as a springboard for learning throughout presidents' terms.

A URJ board workshop is a 5-6 hour workshop, included in your URJ membership, tailored to your congregation’s individual needs and interest. URJ-trained lay leaders or staff will work with your congregation to create and facilitate an interactive session at your congregation.

The URJ Congregational Benchmarking and Assessment Project gives congregations the opportunity to take an inward look in a way that is consistent with other congregations and empowers them to act upon data.

The URJ is developing a resource of self-guided modules, to strengthen your congregation as you identify and train a pipeline of competent, engaged future leaders. In this guide, there are a variety of materials to help you train the next generation of leaders.

The URJ will be offering a series of online financial training courses for congregational leaders, to broaden their understanding of synagogue finances

In July, many congregations begin or continue the process of rabbinic transition. The URJ can help congregational leaders and clergy through this process.

The URJ Had'rachah Program trains lay leaders from small congregations with a single clergy member or no full-time clergy to conduct worship services and life cycle events.

Raising money is a fact of congregational life, but many congregations are finding that the tried and true practices that worked for generations no longer resonate with today’s synagogue members.

Review of clergy, professional staff and the role of lay leadership is essential for the health and vitality of 21st century congregational communities.