Program Objectives

• Develop confident, capable lay leaders who are prepared to serve on boards, committees, and other leadership roles within the Jewish community.

• Foster a sense of connection, belonging, and shared responsibility among participants through a strong cohort experience.

• Expand participants' understanding of the Jewish communal landscape.

• Encourage thoughtful, values-driven leadership rooted in Jewish wisdom.

• Equip participants with concrete skills in governance, communication, strategic thinking, and partnership building.

Program Goals

By the conclusion of the program, participants will:

• Affirm their identity as leaders and articulate their leadership story and values.

• Understand how to evaluate opportunities for engagement and identify the right fit for their time, interests, and skills.

• Be prepared to serve as effective and responsible contributors on boards and committees.

• Build a network of peers who share a commitment to strengthening the Jewish community.

• Engage in generative conversations and navigate complex issues with care and curiosity.

Who this program is for

This program is intended for Jewish individuals who have some leadership or volunteer experience and are seeking to deepen their engagement. Ideal participants:

• Have served in leadership roles professionally, in volunteer work, or within the Jewish community.

• Are exploring their next step in communal leadership and seeking clarity about how and where to engage.

• May not yet see themselves as leaders but are ready to grow and contribute.

• Are committed to building a stronger Jewish community and are curious about how to do so thoughtfully and effectively.

• Represent a range of backgrounds, life stages, observance levels, and Jewish experiences.

The program is designed to support those who are actively building their leadership path—not those who are already at the highest levels of communal leadership, but those in the process of growing into that space.

Program design features

Cohort-Based Structure: Participants move through the program together, building trust, connection, and a network of mutual support.

Interactive Workshops: Sessions focus on leadership presence, board basics, philanthropy, difficult conversations, and systems thinking.

Salons: Intimate, home-hosted gatherings led by community leaders that foster informal connection, meaningful conversation, and shared learning in a relaxed setting.

Jewish Communal Exposure: Participants learn from other Jewish communal leaders and key institution representatives.

Reflective Practice: Through peer dialogue and structured reflection, participants connect personal values to their leadership.

Practical Application: The program emphasizes actionable leadership skills and prepares participants to step into meaningful roles following the experience.

Intended Outcomes for the community

A stronger, more diverse, and more confident pipeline of Jewish communal leaders.

Increased cross-organizational collaboration initiated by lay leaders.

A broader base of leadership with new individuals stepping into visible roles.

FOUNDING LEADERSHIP ALUMNI

We launch a new chapter in Jewish leadership here in Orange County with deep gratitude for the leaders who helped pave the way. As we introduce The Leadership Initiative, we honor the commitment of our founding leadership alumni, whose service continues to inspire and guide our community’s future.

COHORT I

COHORT II