Events & Webinars
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!
Click below to jump to a specific category
Leadership Development
Sulam for Presidents
3-day virtual conference: Dec. 5, 6, 8
Hundreds of synagogue presidents are alumni of our flagship leadership conference. Join USCJ’s leadership consultants Linda Sussman, Daniel Langenthal, Barry Mael, and Robert Leventhal for an impactful three-day virtual conference designed to help synagogue presidents make the most of their tenure.
Guide to Facilitating Successful Board Discussions
Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET
Facilitated by Linda Sussman and Daniel Langenthal
Have you ever found your board or committee meetings not as successful as you hoped? Have you struggled to keep people engaged? Do you have members who make the meetings more challenging? Then this is the workshop for you. Learn some basic skills to make your meetings successful.
Sulam for Synagogue Leaders
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Sulam for Synagogue Leaders is a leadership development program that strengthens the collective performance of your officers, board members, and committees. The result: a shared purpose, energy, and goals to create a sustainable congregation.
Sulam for Synagogue Leaders Daytime 2pm: Register Here
Sulam for Synagogue Leaders Evening 8pm: Register Here
Sulam for Presidents
3-Day Virtual Conference: March 20-23
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.
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.
Operational Effectiveness
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)Thursday, 21 November 2024
2:00 – 3:15pm ET
Ten Commandments for Good Budgeting and Internal Controls
Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
Facilitated by Barry Mael
In preparing for the upcoming budget season, this webinar will assist synagogue leaders in developing a strong financial planning process and provide tips for monitoring synagogue finances and internal controls for the year to come.
Resilient Revenue: Strategies for Sustaining Fundraising During Global Uncertainties
Thursday, Jan. 9 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
Speaker: Avrum Lapin
Some say that timing is everything… but with fundraising, it’s always the right time. There is always an excuse not to move forward with a fundraising campaign—but even more so, it’s usually outweighed by compelling reasons to continue. We will look at the stories and messages that your synagogue can use to confidently move forward with your fundraising campaigns despite global uncertainties. This approach is uniquely relevant today in light of October 7 and Israel’s war against Hamas, the rise in antisemitism around the world, and more generally when local, national, or international events might give you pause to start or continue a campaign.
Live from NAASE: From Good to Great
Tuesday, Feb. 25 at Noon PT / 3 pm ET
Even successful congregations must evolve, build, and produce new levels of excellence to stay relevant, engaging, and impactful. This webinar will explore strategies to take your synagogue from “good to great” by infusing creative and relational energy into every aspect of your operation. With lessons drawn from real-world experiences, participants will learn how to conduct a thorough analysis of current models, programs, and activities, identify areas for innovation, and implement changes that foster a dynamic, vibrant community.
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.
Engagement & Programming
Creative Programming: Breathing New Life into Traditional Holidays
Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET
Cosponsored with NAASE
Holiday experiences are central to Jewish life but don’t have to be predictable. We’ll showcase how synagogues have reimagined traditional holiday programming to create engaging, memorable, and meaningful experiences. Learn concrete examples of creative programming that can be adapted to your synagogue.
Lifelong Learning: Empowering & Engaging Mature Adults Through Programming
Tuesday, Jan 14 at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET
Are you eager to engage the over-65 demographic in your community? Join us for an insightful webinar where we’ll explore successful strategies from congregations that have effectively connected with their mature adult members.
During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about innovative programming ideas that have resonated with older adults and fostered a sense of belonging. Come prepared to share your own experiences, ask questions, and embrace new concepts that can enhance your synagogue’s offerings. Together, let’s create a vibrant and inclusive environment for our mature community members!
Small Congregations Gathering
Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET
Join fellow small congregations (200 or fewer household units) for peer discussion and networking. This is an open forum for brainstorming and ideating.
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?
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.
Youth & Education
December Delights: Celebrating Historical Insights, Inclusion, and Israel
Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
Cosponsored by the Jewish Educators Assembly
The “December Dilemma” phrase has signified the tensions and decision making that interfaith couples and families experience annually. It also represents an opportunity for synagogue educators to invite Jews and their beloveds of other faith backgrounds to fully engage in Jewish life and learning, thereby building stronger communal connections and a deeper understanding of the importance of Israel in identity formation and family dynamics. This presentation will illustrate that Chanukah “grew up” alongside Christmas in America and how celebrating differences fosters mutual respect, Shalom bayit (peace in the home), support for the Jewish state and Jewish continuity. Q & A will follow.
Supporting Teen Wellbeing during the Rise of Antisemitism
Option 1: Tuesday, December 3 2pm ET
Option 2: Sunday, December 15 6pm ET
Antisemitism in the US is more prevalent than it ever has been in any of our lifetimes and this is taking a toll on teens’ mental health. Learn more about recognizing the impacts and explore different ways to support teen wellbeing.
Clergy-Educator Cohort
Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
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. This session will focus on work-life balance and the unique challenges of the dual role.
Clergy-Educator Cohort
Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
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. This session is open-ended: bring your questions!
Mahloket Le-Shem Shamayim: The Jewish Value of Debate
Presented by Sefi Kraut, Pardes Institute
Wednesday, January 15 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
In a hyper-polarized world, in which dismissal and demonization of the “other” is the norm, what wisdom does the Jewish tradition offer regarding the importance of multiple perspectives and the positive power of constructive disagreement? What are the practical skills necessary to productively engage in challenging conversations and to solve problems with those with whom we are in community? We will begin exploring these questions through a combination of Jewish text study and social psychology.
Teen Spirit: Revitalizing Synagogue Life for the Next Generation
Presented by Rabbi Ilan Schwartz, USY Director of Leadership Development
Three session options on Monday, January 27
Option 1: 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
Option 2: 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET
Option 3: 7 pm PT / 10 pm ET
Delve into the dynamic world of teen engagement! We will explore trends in teen programming, share best practices for starting and sustaining your program, and discuss how to empower teen leaders to create a youth engagement engine in your synagogue. This session is designed for educators, community leaders, and anyone passionate about fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for today’s Jewish teens.
Register here for option 1 1pm
Movement Events: Save the Dates!
USCJ General Assembly
Sunday, Dec. 8
Noon PT / 3 pm ET
Hear an annual report and state of the movement from USCJ President Andy Schaer, USCJ CEO Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, and our executive leadership. Every USCJ member has the opportunity to vote on USCJ’s Board of Directors slate and any new proposed bylaws.
Kol Tefilla – Shabbaton
Jan. 10-12
Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles, CA
Register today for Kol Tefilla! Back by popular demand at Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles January 10-12, 2025. Featuring the Jewish Studio Project and Rabbi David Ingber. Click the button to learn more and register.
JTS & RA Present: Rabbinic Training Institute
January 12-16 – In Person
Reisterstown, MD
Open to all rabbis affiliated with the Conservative Movement.
Sunday, Feb. 9
Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs
Questions about the 2025 World Wide Wrap?Reach out to FJMC World Wide Wrap Chair:
Len Abrams [email protected].
NAASE Conference: Sustainability in Action
Shabbaton: Feb. 21-22
Conference: Feb. 23-26
Portland, OR
Early bird deadline: Nov. 30
World Zionist Elections begin March 10
Vote for MERCAZ USA to represent the Conservative/Masorti Movement in the World Zionist Congress.
Mahloket Le-Shem Shamayim: The Jewish Value of Debate
Presented by Sefi Kraut, Pardes Institute
Wednesday, January 15 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
In a hyper-polarized world, in which dismissal and demonization of the “other” is the norm, what wisdom does the Jewish tradition offer regarding the importance of multiple perspectives and the positive power of constructive disagreement? What are the practical skills necessary to productively engage in challenging conversations and to solve problems with those with whom we are in community? We will begin exploring these questions through a combination of Jewish text study and social psychology.
Clergy-Educator Cohort
Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
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. This session is open-ended: bring your questions!
Clergy-Educator Cohort
Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
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. This session will focus on work-life balance and the unique challenges of the dual role.
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.
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?
Small Congregations Gathering
Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET
Join fellow small congregations (200 or fewer household units) for peer discussion and networking. This is an open forum for brainstorming and ideating.
Lifelong Learning: Empowering & Engaging Mature Adults Through Programming
Tuesday, Jan 14 at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET
Are you eager to engage the over-65 demographic in your community? Join us for an insightful webinar where we’ll explore successful strategies from congregations that have effectively connected with their mature adult members.
During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about innovative programming ideas that have resonated with older adults and fostered a sense of belonging. Come prepared to share your own experiences, ask questions, and embrace new concepts that can enhance your synagogue’s offerings. Together, let’s create a vibrant and inclusive environment for our mature community members!
Live from NAASE: From Good to Great
Tuesday, Feb. 25 at Noon PT / 3 pm ET
Even successful congregations must evolve, build, and produce new levels of excellence to stay relevant, engaging, and impactful. This webinar will explore strategies to take your synagogue from “good to great” by infusing creative and relational energy into every aspect of your operation. With lessons drawn from real-world experiences, participants will learn how to conduct a thorough analysis of current models, programs, and activities, identify areas for innovation, and implement changes that foster a dynamic, vibrant community.
Resilient Revenue: Strategies for Sustaining Fundraising During Global Uncertainties
Thursday, Jan. 9 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
Speaker: Avrum Lapin
Some say that timing is everything… but with fundraising, it’s always the right time. There is always an excuse not to move forward with a fundraising campaign—but even more so, it’s usually outweighed by compelling reasons to continue. We will look at the stories and messages that your synagogue can use to confidently move forward with your fundraising campaigns despite global uncertainties. This approach is uniquely relevant today in light of October 7 and Israel’s war against Hamas, the rise in antisemitism around the world, and more generally when local, national, or international events might give you pause to start or continue a campaign.
Sulam for Presidents
3-Day Virtual Conference: March 20-23
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.
Support USCJ with a donation today.
Your gift is an investment in the future of synagogue life, the next generation of Jewish leaders, and advocacy for an authentic and dynamic Judaism.