New initiative supports emerging leaders

Ensuring the success and growth of local Jewish organizations is essential to the work of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, and that includes supporting leaders.

On May 16, 15 emerging leaders from Jewish organizations, synagogues and the Jewish Alliance gathered at a private home to discuss effective change management with Rabbi Josh Elkin. Rabbi Elkin, who has deep family ties to Rhode Island, is a seasoned Jewish educator and leadership coach based in Newton, Massachusetts. Members of this initiative, chaired by Mark Feinstein, met in December with Rabbi Elkin for an introductory session.

The attendees, many of whom serve on boards or are incoming board members representing eight organizations, had the opportunity to discuss their insights on change. The content was diverse, and included best-practices from experts in the field and exploring change in relationship to the story of the Jewish people leaving Egypt.

Brauna Doidge, incoming president of Congregation Beth Sholom said, “Rabbi Josh Elkin wove together contemporary thinking on leadership with Jewish sources in a masterful, practical way. It was wonderful to meet with other active members of the greater Rhode Island community to talk about the common challenges we face.”

This group will continue to meet in the fall. If you are interested in nominating someone for the program or being a participant, please contact Jennifer Zwirn at jzwirn@jewishallianceri.org

Submitted by Stephanie Hague of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.