Shir Hadash Attends Union for Reform Judaism Scheidt Seminar!
Date: Apr 15, 2025
Author: Stuart Katzman
Following in the footsteps of the past several Shir Hadash presidents, I recently attended the URJ’s Scheidt Seminar. This annual gathering convenes congregational presidents and president-elects to learn, enhance leadership skills, build relationships and network with congregational peers. Held in Dallas over a three day weekend, the URJ’s staff and clergy packed an amazing amount of learning, ritual and networking into our busy agenda.
Many aspects of congregational leadership, management and operations were covered in breakout sessions; each facilitated by a subject expert and in interactive formats that encouraged small group discussions and the sharing of personal experiences. Additionally, all attendees have continual and ongoing access to the presenters, handouts and reference material through the URJ’s leadership portal. The subjects were vast, relevant and included; cultivating leaders, financial management, philanthropy, congregational ethics, advocating for Jewish values and engagement. While I had some expectations and trepidations, in the end, it was so comforting and reassuring to engage with 120+ other individuals also dipping their proverbial “toes” into the pool of congregational leadership at this highest level. The URJ staff did a fantastic job of grouping attendees with peers from similar sized congregations for learning, sharing and socializing.
On a personal note, the entire experience shed a truly deeper understanding and perspective into the very unique aspects of our triumvirate sacred partnership; volunteer leadership, clergy and staff. Whereby, all three must be fully committed to the congregation’s mission and values, each entrusted to lead one the three branches of our organization (business, spirituality, operations) and all dependent on the others to succeed. I come away energized and eager to embrace the work of resolving our challenges, vigorously pursuing opportunities and supporting every tentacle of this communal and spiritual home we call Congregation Shir Hadash.