“The Scheidt Seminar for Congregational Presidents and President-Elects seminar was one of the most meaningful professional development experiences of my entire career….Not only was this an inspiring leadership development experience, but it was a meaningful Jewish experience as well. By praying and studying together, my fellow presidents and presidents-elect formed a connection that links us back to the very roots of our spiritual heritage.”
– Congregational President, Bet Shalom, Minnetonka, MN
What does it mean to be a leader, and how does one learn to be a great leader? Whether you’re born into leadership or rise through the ranks, leadership comes with certain responsibilities. In our congregations, all leaders are responsible for ensuring that individuals feel that they matter and are connected to the core values of the community.
Indeed, being a congregational leader is different than being a leader within a corporation, or even another non-profit organization. How? Considering these differences is vital for all those who assume leadership positions in our congregations, because what we do in our congregations is sacred and holy work. The ways we approach and interact with each another and the community we create together has both practical and spiritual dimensions. This duality is present in the work of congregational leaders at all levels – from the new committee chair getting involved for the very first time to the seasoned veteran who has “done it all” at the congregation.
And yet, being president of a synagogue is a unique leadership role. It is a task both sacred and challenging, and with it comes both the glory when things go well and the responsibility of addressing the many thorny issues that are inherently a part of congregational life. Each temple president brings his or her own experiences, skills, and talents to the task – but no single individual, no matter his or her background, can be expected to step into the presidency knowing everything about how to keep a synagogue running smoothly.
Rudi Scheidt learned this lesson during his tenure as president of Temple Israel in Memphis, TN, during the 1990s. Following his presidency, he articulated the need for congregational presidents to communicate with one another and learn from each other’s experience and skills, as well as from experts in the field. Through the generosity of Rudi and his wife, Honey, the URJ’s Scheidt Seminar for Congregational Presidents and President-Elects came into being. Since its inception, the Scheidt Seminar has sought to enable congregational presidents to fulfill their task effectively and to create a network of colleagues to advise, support, and counsel each other as necessary.
Since its inception 17 years ago, more than 1,400 new congregational presidents have participated in the annual Scheidt Seminar, learning leadership skills through a Jewish lens. During their time together, participants learn from URJ and HUC-JIR leaders and create and rekindle meaningful relationships with fellow temple presidents from across North America. They return to their congregations armed with the tools and inspiration necessary to strengthen their individual communities.
In an effort to offer intentional and strong leadership development to congregational presidents throughout their tenure, this year’s Scheidt Seminar will provide ongoing opportunities for participants to learn and network with each other. This expanded leadership development process is designed not only to empower temple presidents, but also to help them acquire additional skills and resources so that they can more effectively work with their staff and board, engage with those in the synagogue community, and strengthen all facets of congregational life.
Keyn y’hi ratzon, may this be God’s will. May all who take on the mantle of leadership feel connected to one another and to the Jewish ideals that are at the core of their congregation.
This year’s Scheidt Seminar, April 23 to 26, will bring together more than 90 presidents and president-elects from URJ congregations throughout North America. Together and with guidance from URJ staff, they will learn, worship, and network, returning to their own congregations inspired, energized, and with newfound colleagues to support their sacred work. The next Scheidt Seminar will be held in April 2016.
Lisa Lieberman Barzilai R.J.E., Director of the Leadership Institute, is a member of the URJ Strengthening Congregations team.
