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!
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Leadership Development
Annual Big Read Conference: Nonprofit Imagineers
Option 1: Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
Option 2: Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET
Author Ben Vorspan will discuss how to cultivate and embrace a true Dreamer’s spirit in an organization designed to celebrate tradition. We will explore what it means to be innovative in a synagogue setting, how we can best set ourselves up for success when trying new and exciting things, and how to address the concerns of those who might not understand why “because we have always done it that way” can be detrimental to planning for a vibrant future.
Sulam for Imagineers
Seven-Month Cohort beginning Nov. 12
Application deadline is Sept. 18!
Sulam for Imagineers Action Cohort is a new 7-month curriculum for synagogues interested in transforming their congregations into inventive and creative environments. The program is led by Ben Vorspan and based on his book, The Nonprofit Imagineers. Click here to view the recording of the informational webinar.
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.
Strengthening the Lay-Pro Relationship
Custom Workshops Scheduled For Your Team
USCJ leadership consultant Daniel Langenthal will conduct a custom two-hour workshop with your president, clergy, and executive director to strengthen relationships and make the most of your work together. Limited availability.
Operational Effectiveness
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.
Engagement & Programming
Let’s Talk Social Action Beyond the Basics
Thursday, Nov. 7 at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET
Facilitated by Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak
Social action is a cornerstone of synagogue life and a meaningful gathering point for many communities. Join us in finding inspiration through the experiences of other synagogue leaders as they come together to share the creative social action projects that they have implemented and the helpful lessons that they have learned.
Affinity Group: Engaging Your Current Members
Thursday, Nov. 14 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
How can we think strategically and creatively about engaging continuing members? Please join us for a new peer discussion group open to every synagogue leader (staff and lay) involved in membership, engagement, and 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.
Youth & Education
Clergy-Educator Cohort Group Kick-Off
Thursday, Nov. 12 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.
December Delights: Engaging Interfaith Families Around the Holidays
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.
Movement Events: Save the Dates!
Conservative/Masorti October 7 Commemoration
Sunday, October 6 at 9 am PT / Noon ET / 7 pm Israel
Join Conservative/Masorti leaders from around the globe to commemorate and remember the fallen of October 7 and the ensuing war. This will be a powerful reflection for healing.
USCJ General Assembly
Sunday, Dec. 8
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.
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