By Elana Rivel, Associate Director
Thought leaders are the informed opinion leaders and the go-to people in their field of expertise. They are trusted sources who move and inspire people with innovative ideas; turn ideas into reality, and know and show how to replicate their success.
–Denise Brosseau, Thought Leadership Lab
As highlighted in our recent Innovations report, Jewish Learning Venture staff leverages our expertise to develop programs that are rooted in Jewish texts and values and reflect 21st century realities. We stay ahead of the curve by surfacing trends in American and in Jewish life and applying what we learn to our programs.
Staff members at Jewish Learning Venture are often sought after to share their expertise and thought leadership with others in the Jewish Community, both locally and nationally. Over the last few months, a number of our staff have had such opportunities:
In early February, Dr. Gloria Becker, Director, Learning Initiatives in Jewish Education, attended the Annual Gathering of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators, formerly the National Association of Temple Educators. Two hundred Jewish educators from across the world, and movement, gathered at the Hyatt at Penns Landing in Philadelphia. She presented a “Spotlight on Innovation” workshop entitled, “Technology in Your School.” You can see the presentation by clicking here.
- Rabbi Philip Warmflash, Executive Director, served as the Scholar-in-Residence or the Jewish Federation of North America Conference for Executives from Small, Intermediate and Large Intermediate Federations. His focus was on Engaging Jews: Who is out there and what are they looking for? Through text study and thoughtful sharing of data, participants examined current and potential processes to connect with Jews in their communities.
- Gabby Kaplan-Mayer, Director, Whole Community Inclusion, was invited to speak by the Inclusion & Special Needs Committee of Temple Sholom, Broomall, as the guest speaker during Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month. She spoke about support and inclusion of children and adults with special needs in all aspects of synagogue life.
- And, as shared recently in her own blog posting, Passover Fun on the Road, Lori Rubin, Director, Family Engagement, facilitated a Passover workshop for the families of Congregation Beth Hatikvah in Summit, New Jersey. Lori facilitated a conversation and activities to empower families to find new meaning and to develop ideas that they could incorporate into their holiday Seders.
Our staff takes time regularly to reflect on our work, share data and identify trends in the community, and, based upon that, to develop programs and resources to empower our Jewish community. We are ready and able to share our learnings with you, as we continue to move this community from strength to strength.