Community Leadership Initiative

“Pick from each of your tribes people who are wise, discerning, and experienced, and I will appoint them as your heads.” (Deuteronomy 1:13)

The Community Leadership Initiative (CLI) is a 12-month program designed specifically for lay leaders who are expected to advance to senior level positions in their synagogue or local Jewish nonprofit within the next two to three years. Participants are nominated by their synagogue or agency. CLI helps you make good on the confidence your community has placed in you while also giving you the opportunity to invest in your own leadership development.

Our advanced curriculum provides you with an in-depth perspective on Jewish leadership values and actively engages you in considering your own role and commitment as a leader. Your leadership skills will be enhanced through high-level workshops and seminars. You’ll explore:

  • Principles of Jewish leadership
  • Adaptive leadership and change
  • The role of a community leader
  • Visioning for a Jewish future
  • Risk taking and assessment
  • Breaking down silos
  • Coaching/mentoring and peer-to-peer networking

You’ll also develop relationships with a cohort of rising leaders from across Jewish Greater Hartford. CLI culminates in a group trip to Israel.

For more information please contact the Jewish Leadership Academy at info@jlahartford.org.

2019 CLI Cohort

Benjamin Adler, New England Jewish Academy

Lisa Berman, Jewish Family Services

Jeffrey Cohen, Emanuel Synagogue

Jill Dulitsky, Temple Sinai

Lauren Eisen, Solomon Schechter Day School

Peter Fishman, Mandell Jewish Community Center

Carolyn Gitlin, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

Lance Goldberg, Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford

Jason Kay, Solomon Schechter Day School

Dana Keller, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

Juanita Moss, New England Jewish Academy

Stephen Rabb, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)

Judy Rosenthal, Temple Beth El

Melvin Simon, Emanuel Synagogue

Jeff Smith, Congregation Beth Israel

Pia Rosenberg Toro, Jewish Family Services

David Weiner, Mandell Jewish Community Center

Ben Wexler, JTConnect