The United Synagogue

'Champions of Change' Sharpen Leadership Skills With Israeli Experts

PRESS RELEASE

London,
5th September 2007


‘CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE’ SHARPEN LEADERSHIP SKILLS WITH ISRAELI EXPERTS


United Synagogue’s ‘Champions of Change’ have returned from Israel having attended a week-long seminar designed to develop their leadership skills. The participants were introduced to Israeli religious leaders as well as a broad spectrum of political and communal leaders, giving them the opportunity to learn from different leadership techniques.

During the seminar, the group met with distinguished leaders including Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, founder of Ohr Torah Stone Network, Dr. Daniel Polisar, President of the Shalem Centre, and Jonathan Ariel, Executive Director of Makom. They also spent time with the TRIBE Israel team including Rabbi Gideon Sylvester, the TRIBE Israel Rabbi and Merissa Gross, Tribe Israel executive, along with graduates from Tribe's own leadership training programme, TILT.

The group also travelled to various UJIA projects supported by United Synagogue communities, including the Educational Kibbutz Eshbal, and a barbecue with participants of the Magic Moments scheme, a programme designed to bring Israeli and British families together.

Daniel Ruback, a participant from Finchley United Synagogue said: “The trip exposed the group to a wide variety of people from different areas of Israeli society and representing a range of different leadership styles. To hear the thoughts, philosophies, motivation and experiences of these individuals was a powerful experience for me. After reflecting on the key themes that I took away from each session, I feel I now have a better developed skill set with which to tackle projects that I hope to facilitate in the community.”

Samuel Klein, Champions of Change Director commented: “This Israel Seminar highlights the United Synagogue's commitment to invest in its future. By developing this cadre of leaders, the United Synagogue will be better able to meet the challenges and needs of its next generation of members.”


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