“For far too long, we have…[been] underinvesting in the ongoing professional development of the individuals that work in the field full time”
For far too long, we have overly praised volunteers for bringing outside expertise to our organizations, while underinvesting in the ongoing professional development of the individuals that work in the field full time. While some funders have recognized this imbalance and are investing deeply in strategies that try to elevate the professionalism of the field […] continued…
“One of the greatest paradoxes of ‘the American Jewish establishment’ is that it is only believed to really exist by those who fear or despise it”
One of the greatest paradoxes of “the American Jewish establishment” is that it is only believed to really exist by those who fear or despise it, to whom it is a rhetorically helpful bogeyman. Inside said establishment are deep, essential divisions and a widespread belief that its institutions are ideologically, financially, and politically free-agents. As […] continued…
There is a “political phenomenon in the Jewish community…on the disincentivizing of all forms of ‘courageous leadership’ by relatively small numbers of individuals who can drive a community agenda”
…a larger political phenomenon in the Jewish community…on the disincentivizing of all forms of “courageous leadership” by relatively small numbers of individuals who can drive a community agenda because of the flattening of power structures, the power of social media, and growing anxieties by Jewish institutional leader about the cost of political embarrassment. It often […] continued…
“…the great divides are about how or whether American Jews feel essentially safe and at home or eternally vulnerable and vigilant…”
The basic political theory behind organized Jewish communal (read: establishment) politics in America since World War II has been to applaud and appreciate public gestures of support for gestures that are seen in the collective interest of the Jewish people; and to do whatever is needed to stay within the good graces of political power […] continued…
“At the core of the problem with synagogues is how the life of the synagogue is oriented”
I have witnessed firsthand the benefits and challenges that synagogues face today. I have seen the ability of community to help those who are suffering, and the struggle of even large synagogues to meet the needs of a daily minyan. While I am not a demographic expert, I believe that there is an iceberg dead […] continued…
“Our criminal justice system punishes only the clearly guilty, and our media absolves only the clearly innocent — but that does not tell us whom our schools, synagogues and other institutions should employ”
We have to think long and hard as a community as to how we want to handle cases where abuse is alleged but no charges are brought, despite the fact that many people think that the accusation is “plausible” or “reasonable” or even “very likely true.” Our criminal justice system punishes only the clearly guilty, […] continued…
“The legacy rabbinate and top-heavy institutions are not sustainable in the long term”
Religious leaders have no right to complain about intermarriage rates in the US when the religion is being priced out of affordability. And don’t even get me started on the shidduch crisis, although if you look honestly at the problems of matchmaking and failure to find a mate, there too you find that much of […] continued…
“Do moms and dads of 7-year-olds know whether they want their kids to lead the Jewish community?”
…do the soul-searching and idea-wrestling that lead you to a concept. Use that concept and develop a universal benefit. Consistency is important. Create programs and educational tools that support your brand. Dismiss ideas that conflict. Are you fun or serious? New or old? Qualified or enthusiastic? If you saw the Star of David Yeshiva sitting […] continued…
“…if the theme of sorts for Jewish organizational life over the past 10-12 years was “innovation”, the next big theme should be “mergers and acquisition”
I strongly believe that, if the theme of sorts for Jewish organizational life over the past 10-12 years was “innovation”, the next big theme should be “mergers and acquisition.” … …I hope that the folks with the influence (and affluence) to guide these process will do so with foresight. The alternative – bigger organizations kneecapped […] continued…
“The reasons that the federated and legacy systems have been teetering are not simply size, but about capacity to pivot into trends, a weakness that innovative organizations have exploited effectively”
As we are all aware, the good processes of innovation – which changed communal priorities, shone light on the marketplace that Jewish organizations are meant to serve, and promoted a wide array of new voices and leaders who were able to lead organizations sooner than they would have through toiling in the legacy system – […] continued…
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