The United Synagogue

New US Leadership Initiative Targets Lay Leaders

PRESS COVERAGE

London
11th Janaury 2007


NEW US LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE TARGETS LAYMEN


The United Synagogue has announced a new leadership development initiative which it describes as "unprecedented:' 'Champions of Change' is designed to identify outstanding individuals who are active lay members of the US with a view to training them to deliver the best practice in community leadership. It is also designed to nurture innovation within its communities.

US President Simon Hochhauser told the Jewish Tribune this week that he was very excited by the prospect of innovation, but he was quick to assure those resistant to change that the initiative was to work within the time¬honoured boundaries of halocho.

The programme was developed in response to Mr Hochhauser's election manifesto in which he stated: "The US has tended to treat change and new ideas with caution and it is time to encourage people to innovate. “We need new styles of shul, new shul service types, and new social programmes”.

The US president said that the synagogue body was responding to changes that have already occurred. "We are seeing a growing demand for shteibl-like davening; we are keen to respond to such developments. In the field of chinuch Mr Hochhauser noted that there had never been so many educational programmes as the US was currently running. In the social context, he anticipates more friendship clubs and services for the elderly members of the community.

Mr Hochhauser says that the individuals who participate in the project will be encouraged to market their ideas to the communities within which they are members. He envisages a creative partnership between the innovators, the boards of management and the Rabbonim.

The Champions of Change Initiative is a twelve- month scheme designed for individuals in full-time occupations. Participants will receive training in community transformation management alongside coaching and mentoring from a support network of experienced professionals. In addition to taught modules, the programme includes an international seminar and a leadership retreat with the Chief Rabbi.

The new initiative - a partnership between the US and several prominent community foundations - is expected to commence at the end of April.

US Chief Executive, Rabbi Saul Zneimer, said the synagogue body had to devise a creative leadership ethos with which the next generation of US members can identify. "This exciting new programme places us at the forefront of the Community and we are confident it will attract the type of leaders that our communities will need in the future.'

Samuel Klein, who is Director of the Initiative, said that the US is looking to invest in exceptional individuals who have already exhibited strong leadership qualities in the Jewish community. "We will provide them with the support and opportunities they need to make a difference to their local community and to the United Synagogue as an organization.'


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Article Credit, Jewish Tribune

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