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[…]
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[…]
…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 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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
…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.[…]
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[…]
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[…]