Synagogue Leadership Seminar: Being a Good Neighbor

Created for clergy, lay leaders, staff, and engaged members seeking to strengthen their synagogue’s role as a trusted, proactive presence in the broader community, this seminar is led by Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) staff: Director Linda Scherzer, Associate Director Stephanie Abrahams, and Combatting Antisemitism Director Ilyse Shainbrown. The session highlights relationship-building as a core strategy for safety, advocacy, and a deep sense of belonging. 

Participants will explore practical approaches to: 

• Building and sustaining relationships with other houses of worship
  
• Thoughtfully engaging in school board and education-related issues
  
• Participating in local political and civic advocacy to combat antisemitism
  
• Communicating clearly and effectively during moments of tension or challenge 

Through real-world examples and guided discussion, attendees will leave with concrete strategies to help their synagogue be a strong, respected, and effective community neighbor.