Thriving Communities Leadership Calls
This page contains a regularly updated list of leadership calls offered to congregational leadership, along with accompanying resources. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jacob Weinberg, Associate for Thriving Communities, at JWeinberg@ReconstructingJudaism.org.
FY24 Calls
Transgender Awareness with Keshet – 9.27.23
Recordings
Resources
- Presentation from today’s call
- LGBTQ+ terminology glossary
- “What’s in a Pronouns?” guide
- Gender Inclusive Aliyah Cards
- Institutional Self Assessment for LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Resolution on affirming transgender and non-binary Jews
The following resolution was passed by the plenum of the Reconstructionist movement on December 4, 2016, and approved by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association at its convention on March 28, 2017.
FY23 Calls
High Holiday Speeches = 8.16.23
Recordings
Breakout Room Recordings:
Session 2 Resources
Presidents’ Guide to Writing a High Holiday Message 2023.pdf
Tips for Creating a High Holiday Speech
Sample President’s Messages:
- Or Hadash: Or Hadash President’s Message
- Temple Beth Israel – TBI High Holiday Appeal & TBI Presidents’ Address
- Kehilat Sukkat Shalom – Kehilat Sukkat Shalom President’s Message
- Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue – Malibu President’s Message
New Presidents’ Workshop Part 2 – 7.19.23
Recording
Resources
- Thriving Communities Favorite Tips for Presidents
- President’s Primary Relationship – Slides
- The Rabbi-Congregation Relationship or The Purple Book
- 2018 Synergy, Role of the Executive Director
- Teutsch Guide to Jewish Practice – Volume 1
- Sanctifying Digital Communication
New Presidents’ Workshop Part 1 – 6.14.23
Recording
Resources
- Presentation by Rabbi Maurice Harris
- Making a Difference – Rabbi David Teutsch – Decision Making Models
- Jewish Communal Leadership and Congregational Governance
- Compass Point Board Model
- Blessing for Community Work
- Opening song: L’dor Vador by Rena Branson
Engaging Communities – 5.17.23
Recording
Resources
- eJewishPhilanthropy – Is anyone ever coming back to the pews?
- Evolve – Re-imagining Synagogues and Communities
Rabbinic Field Study Program – 4.19.23
Recording
Resources
- Field Education Overview
- Year 4 and 5 – Student Compensation Guidelines
- Student Salary Guidelines 2022
Staff Supervision & Reporting Structures- 3.8.23
Recording
Meeting Resources
- Slides from Call
- Center for Congregations List of Resources
- Policy for Staff Evaluation
- HR Policies and Procedures
- Staff Job Descriptions and Example Contracts
- Organizational Charts
Rabbi – Congregational Relationships- 2.15.23
Recording
Meeting Resources
- The Rabbi-Congregation Relationship (Purple Book) PDF
- Liaison Committee – the how’s and why’s – Rabbi Elyse Wechterman
