Welcome to the USCJ Events Page, your central hub for all upcoming trainings, webinars, and events designed to empower and connect our community. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, stay informed on the latest trends in Jewish education, or network with peers across the movement, our diverse lineup of events has something for everyone. Explore our calendar and register today to stay engaged, inspired, and equipped to make a meaningful impact in your congregation and beyond. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to learn, grow, and lead!
Sulam for Synagogue Leaders: Demystifying Parliamentary Procedure
Wednesday, March 5 at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT)
Confused by how to run your Synagogue Board meeting? Parliamentary procedure can be complex but creates a set of rules for conduct at meetings that allows everyone to be heard and to make decisions without confusion. This workshop will focus on Robert’s Rules of Order and will be presented by Michael L. Swift, a certified professional parliamentarian.
Hundreds of synagogue presidents are alumni of our flagship leadership conference. Join USCJ’s leadership consultants Linda Sussman, Daniel Langenthal, and Barry Mael for an impactful three-day virtual conference designed to help synagogue presidents make the most of their tenure.
Sulam for Officers (SFO) is a newly re-imagined skill-building virtual workshop designed for a broader audience of congregational leaders with a variety of portfolios. It will take place over the course of two half days, and the content-rich workshops will cover topics related to leadership, committee work, lay-staff relations, member engagement, financial resource development and more. USCJ faculty includes, Daniel Langenthal, Barry Mael and Linda Sussman. They will guide participants through interactive discussions and important learning sessions, while allowing the cohort to develop into a group of leaders who will strengthen their own roles and become supportive of one another.
New to SFO is follow-up monthly meetings with Daniel and Linda. The goal is to continue to exchange ideas, share best practices, help each other problem solve, and create the opportunity to ask timely questions as they continue on their journey of leadership.
Sulam for Synagogue Leaders: Board Orientation as a Path to a More Effective Board
Evening option: Tuesday, April 8 at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT) Daytime option: Wednesday, April 9 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT)Join us for an impactful 90-minute board orientation workshop! This event will help you to empower new board members by introducing them to the organization’s mission and programs, clarifying time and financial commitments, and fostering connections with fellow members. Enhance your board’s effectiveness and unite under a shared vision. This is a valuable opportunity to kickstart relationships and set the foundation for successful service. Don’t miss out!Register for the Evening SessionRegister for the Daytime Session
Derekh Eretz: Walking Together Amidst Differences
Four Sessions: February, March, May, June
Cosponsored by the Rabbinical Assembly
Presented by Simon Klarfeld, Leadership Consultant
Feelings of helplessness, fear, and grief continue to pile up alongside ongoing violence in Israel and the political turmoil at home. The issues that have arisen in Israel and the US have divided our communities and made it difficult for people to manage their own emotions and to engage with each other. In this age of polarization, echo chambers and hot-button issues, it seems as if we have forgotten how to talk with one another, how to listen to others’ viewpoints, how to respectfully disagree, or participate in civil discourse with people who disagree with us. We would like to provide the opportunity for the USCJ community to engage with their head and hearts through self-reflection and debate.
Creativity for Times of Challenge and Change Presented by Rabbi Adina Allen of the Jewish Studio Project
This program explores human emotion through the sacred words of Psalms and the creative process. Combining the words of Psalms, texts that speak to and can hold every human emotion and the power of creative process to regulate our nervous systems, to sit with our questions, to connect to our hearts and to guide our actions allows our communities and organizations throughout the Jewish ecosystem, to be with each other across difference, across space and time, and through all the emotions that have arisen.
Sulam for Emerging Leaders: An Engagement Program to Inspire Participants to Increase Their Connections Within the Synagogue
Wednesday, June 11 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT)
Unlock your synagogue’s leadership potential with Sulam for Emerging Leaders (SEL)! This transformative program engages your community by inspiring participants to connect more deeply within the synagogue and step into leadership roles. Join us to gain access to this tested and proven curriculum for implementation in your own community. SEL is designed for members with leadership potential to foster personal Jewish growth and develop vital leadership skills. Implemented by your own senior staff and trained facilitators, the program is customizable to fit your congregation’s needs. Join over 1,800 energized leaders and enhance your connection to your community—dive into SEL today to fill your leadership pipeline!
P’rahim K’tanim (Small Blossoms) Small Congregations Conference – In Person!
Sunday, June 8 to Tuesday, June 10
Join us for the Small Congregations Leadership Conference in Chicago this June! After a hiatus since 2019, this in-person event is the perfect opportunity for small congregations (250 member units or fewer) to reconnect and strengthen our community. Attendees will explore essential tools for enhancing lay-clergy relationships, strategies for building resilience in small synagogues, and engage in Limmud (learning), Tefilah (prayer), and Hizzuk (support). We encourage teams of clergy and presidents to attend together for a collaborative, interactive learning experience, guided by facilitators rather than traditional keynote speakers. Don’t miss this chance to network, share success stories, and develop new ideas—register now!
Are you ready to elevate your lay-professional team and create a thriving work environment? Join us for an individualized two-hour workshop designed for your board president, clergy, and executive director to collaborate and strengthen their leadership skills. Together, we will explore personal leadership strengths, manage communication and conflict, clarify roles and responsibilities, and identify community priorities. This workshop sets the tone for a successful year, empowering your team to reach new heights and enhance your congregation’s overall effectiveness. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your leadership journey!
Contact Daniel Langenthal to schedule a custom leadership workshop for your congregation.
Operational Effectiveness
Countering an Active Threat
“CATT: Countering an Active Threat Training” is designed to teach the principles of responding during an active shooter (or active threat) event. This webinar will follow the national standard curriculum: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT with additional focus on how we can better prepare to persevere in an active threat environment. This course is designed for every member of the community. Join us for this foundational, core training by registering now!
Yes, we’re running a business here! Broadcast live from the NAASE Conference in Portland, this isn’t your average Zoom session. Join us as synagogue executive directors take the mic in a high-energy “masterclass” on how to analyze programs, foster creativity, build relational energy, run tight ships, and raise the funds to make it all happen.
This conversation, led by synagogue executive directors from NAASE (the association of synagogue execs), explores how business excellence lays the foundation for fulfilling your synagogue’s sacred mission. Discover practical strategies to evolve, innovate, and achieve operational and communal success—all while honoring the values at your community’s core.
Unlocking Generosity: A Deep Dive into Family Foundations, DAFs, and Legacy Giving
Thursday, March 6 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
Speaker: Avrum Lapin
When it comes to fundraising, sometimes it is just as important to know what to ask for as how you ask. Wealth can be held in a variety of ways and each one has its own mechanisms for philanthropic distribution. We will explore DAFs, family foundations, legacy giving, and other wealth management tools—and how you can approach and work with congregants who use these mechanisms to contribute to your synagogue campaigns.
10 Things to Consider When Applying for Security Grants and Target Hardening Your Facility
Wednesday, March 5 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT)
Come listen to an expert who has worked with hundreds of synagogues to target-harden their synagogues and apply for security grants around the country. Target hardening refers to the strengthening of the security of a building in order to protect it in the event of an attack. This expert has an incredible background and has worked with hundreds of synagogues around the United States to both win and implement security grants!
Crisis Leadership: 5 Ways to Adapt & Lead in Crisis
Wednesday, April 2 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT)
Join us for an engaging webinar to gain essential insights and practical strategies to navigate challenging situations with confidence. This session will explore critical decision-making skills, communication tactics, and adaptive strategies that empower leaders to guide their teams and congregations through emergencies with resilience and clarity. Whether you’re facing unexpected challenges or preparing for the unknown, this webinar will equip you with the tools needed to inspire and lead effectively when it matters most. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and learn from experienced professionals in the field!
Join us for an enlightening webinar designed for both lay and professional leaders. This session will equip you with essential best practices for the proper use and maintenance of your cherished Torah scrolls. Discover important insights on humidity control, expert handling techniques, and effective preventative care strategies to ensure the longevity of these sacred texts.
Membership Affinity Group: Empowering Membership, Engagement, and Program Committees
Thursday, Feb. 20 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
How can we think strategically and creatively about engaging those who sit on membership, programming, and engagement committees (or task forces) in order to enhance the efforts that they make?
Volunteer Appreciation: Approaches to Expressing Thanks
Tuesday, March 25 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT)
Volunteers can be the heart and soul of synagogue life, whether they sit on the board of directors or sit in the office stuffing envelopes. They are motivated to give of their time – there are stories and sightings all around us of synagogue members who want to contribute. So, how do we show them that they are appreciated? Join us for an exploration of approaches to making sure that congregational volunteers know that they are valued.
Creating Safe Spaces: Preventing and Addressing Misconduct in Congregations
Thursday, March 27 at 9:30 am PT / 12:30 pm ET
Presented by Mauria Atzil, Director of Child & Youth Protection
Everyone deserves to feel safe at synagogue. Yet, bullying, harassment, and allegations of misconduct in congregations often go unreported because individuals feel nothing can or will be done. In this webinar, we will explore strategies, policies, and procedures that can be implemented to prioritize safety and respect, reduce negative behaviors, and improve our response when they do happen. Q&A to follow.
Small Congregations Leadership Gathering
Effective Teamwork: Creating and Implementing a Leadership Brit
Tuesday, April 1 at 1 pm ET (10 am PT)
The session will feature Daniel Langenthal, Director of Leadership Development, who will focus on What is a leadership brit (covenantal contract) and why should synagogue leadership have one? Together, we’ll explore how a jointly developed leadership document can help clarify buy-in of role expectations, responsibilities and accountability. This will be followed by an interactive discussion in break-out groups. Please come prepared to share what takes place at your synagogue along with the desire to learn from others. Staff, clergy and lay leadership are welcome.
Join fellow very-small congregations (80 or fewer household units) for peer discussion and networking. This is an open forum for brainstorming and ideating.
Membership Affinity Group: Exploring Membership Applications and Campaigns
Thursday, May 8 at 1 pm ET (10 am PT)
Join an affinity group of peers to discuss membership campaigns. How can we think strategically and creatively about the congregation’s approach to membership renewal, seeking new members and the detailed paperwork, logistics, promotion and follow-up involved?
Join fellow small congregations (200 or fewer household units) for peer discussion and networking. This is an open forum for brainstorming and ideating.
Tuesday, April 8 at 1 pm ET (10 am PT) Cosponsored by the Jewish Educators Assembly, Rabbinical Assembly, and Cantors Assembly The Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA) is excited to invite cantors and rabbis who are also serving as religious school directors to participate in a special cohort of clergy-educators.Register Here
Informed Voices: Equipping Teens to Respond to Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Challenges
Monday, May 5 at 1 pm ET (10 am PT)
USY is excited to partner with Tribe Talks to share concepts and best practices for talking about anti-Israel and Antisemitism that our teens encounter in high school and college. Tribe Talks will share insights on the rhetoric that our teens are hearing, where it comes from, and how to stand up against it, as well as share tools that teens can use to report incidents and get support from their schools. They will also touch on how to talk about these issues with teens and support them when an anti-Israel or antisemitic incident happens to them or at their school.
Tuesday, May 13 at 1 pm ET (10am PT) Cosponsored by the Jewish Educators Assembly, Rabbinical Assembly, and Cantors Assembly The Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA) is excited to invite cantors and rabbis who are also serving as religious school directors to participate in a special cohort of clergy-educators.Register Here
Inclusion
Rimonim for Rabbis: A Cohort Program About Intermarriage, Inclusion & Authentic Judaism for ALL clergy
Cohort IV, 2025 will meet weekly on May 8, 15, 22, and 29
Consecutive Thursdays at 1:00-2:15 pm ET / 10:00 am-11:15 am PT *Cohort registration requires attending 3 out of 4 sessions.
Sessions will not be recorded.
Rabbis in the Conservative/Masorti Movement are facing unprecedented opportunities to build relationships with and engage “interfaith” couples and families. According to Pew Research’s Jewish Americans in 2020 study, 72% of non-Orthodox Jews partner with people of other faith backgrounds. How can rabbis and communities fully embrace all Jews and their loved ones within CJLS guidelines?
The goal of this RA/USCJ cohort program is to emphasize the authority of the rabbi as pastor, teacher, ambassador, and mara d’atra to lead their community with wisdom and compassion. Participants will learn about relevant research, share fears and challenges, and exchange ideas. These conversations are intended to connect rabbis working across our Movement to each other and to the organizations supporting them.
Join us for this four-week intensive program to discuss new narratives on interfaith families and Jewish engagement. We will explore both the theoretical and best practices for rabbis working in all settings of Jewish life.
Session I. May 8 Dr. Keren R. McGinity, USCJ Director of Intermarriage Engagement & Inclusion “Gender Matters: The New Narrative about Jewish Intermarriage and Our Movement”
Q & A with Special Guest Andy Kirschner, 18Doors Chicago Director
Session II. May 15 Rabbi Aaron Brusso, Strategic Planning Standards Committee Chair
“Rabbi, Will You Do Our Wedding?” Pastoral Approaches to Interfaith Couples
Session III. May 22 Open Mic for Constructive Collaboration What Have You Tried in Your Community? What Would You Like to Try? What questions do you have for USCJ/RA leadership to be able to best serve your community?
Session IV. May 29 Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO USCJ/RA
“Tradition and Modernity: What Does an Inclusive Movement Look Like?”
Cohort IV, 2025 will meet weekly on May 8, 15, 22, and 29
Consecutive Thursdays at 1:00-2:15 pm ET / 10:00 am-11:15 am PT *Cohort registration requires attending 3 out of 4 sessions.
Sessions will not be recorded.
Rabbis in the Conservative/Masorti Movement are facing unprecedented opportunities to build relationships with and engage “interfaith” couples and families. According to Pew Research’s Jewish Americans in 2020 study, 72% of non-Orthodox Jews partner with people of other faith backgrounds. How can rabbis and communities fully embrace all Jews and their loved ones within CJLS guidelines?
The goal of this RA/USCJ cohort program is to emphasize the authority of the rabbi as pastor, teacher, ambassador, and mara d’atra to lead their community with wisdom and compassion. Participants will learn about relevant research, share fears and challenges, and exchange ideas. These conversations are intended to connect rabbis working across our Movement to each other and to the organizations supporting them.
Join us for this four-week intensive program to discuss new narratives on interfaith families and Jewish engagement. We will explore both the theoretical and best practices for rabbis working in all settings of Jewish life.
Session I. May 8 Dr. Keren R. McGinity, USCJ Director of Intermarriage Engagement & Inclusion “Gender Matters: The New Narrative about Jewish Intermarriage and Our Movement”
Q & A with Special Guest Andy Kirschner, 18Doors Chicago Director
Session II. May 15 Rabbi Aaron Brusso, Strategic Planning Standards Committee Chair
“Rabbi, Will You Do Our Wedding?” Pastoral Approaches to Interfaith Couples
Session III. May 22 Open Mic for Constructive Collaboration What Have You Tried in Your Community? What Would You Like to Try? What questions do you have for USCJ/RA leadership to be able to best serve your community?
Session IV. May 29 Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO USCJ/RA
“Tradition and Modernity: What Does an Inclusive Movement Look Like?”
Sulam for Officers (SFO) is a newly re-imagined skill-building virtual workshop designed for a broader audience of congregational leaders with a variety of portfolios. It will take place over the course of two half days, and the content-rich workshops will cover topics related to leadership, committee work, lay-staff relations, member engagement, financial resource development and more. USCJ faculty includes, Daniel Langenthal, Barry Mael and Linda Sussman. They will guide participants through interactive discussions and important learning sessions, while allowing the cohort to develop into a group of leaders who will strengthen their own roles and become supportive of one another.
New to SFO is follow-up monthly meetings with Daniel and Linda. The goal is to continue to exchange ideas, share best practices, help each other problem solve, and create the opportunity to ask timely questions as they continue on their journey of leadership.
