LHREI Executive Rabbinic Seminars Held 2 Conferences

This year’s LHREI Executive Rabbinic Seminars brought together pairs of rabbis and lay leaders from across North America to facilitate effective, collaborative leadership in running a synagogue. Recognizing that managing a successful synagogue can be similar to managing a successful business, CJF teamed up with Sy Syms School of Business (SSSB) to tackle the challenges of the Modern Orthodox rabbinate by applying contemporary business management skills to the issues facing synagogue leadership. The first of this year’s two conferences, titled “Synagogue Leadership and Management Dynamics,” convened 15 pairs of rabbis and lay leaders on from November 9 - 12 at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center in Weston, FL. The second seminar, dubbed “Leading Successful Synagogue Change and Growth,” involved participants of last year’s programs. Held December 14 - 17, also at the Bonaventure in Florida, the conference addressed specific methods of initiating and sustaining change in synagogue leadership’s roles and responsibility.  Participants at the seminars study contemporary management theory and technique, in an effort to enhance their leadership abilities, increase avenues of communication with other leaders in their synagogues and improve the governance of their congregations. Facilitators included Steven Nissenfeld, PhD, and Brian Maruffi, PhD, both clinical professors of management at SSSB, and Robert Leventhal, a senior consultant at the Alban Institute, which helps religious congregations address contemporary needs. The seminars are part of the Legacy Heritage Fund Rabbinic Enrichment Initiative (LHREI), generously supported by Legacy Heritage Fund Limited.