One of my self-appointed tasks this year has been to work with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), the Conservative Movement’s governing organization, to increase our participation in their activities and put our synagogue’s membership with them to better use.

Earlier this year, our synagogue applied to the USCJ to participate in their Sulam for Emerging Leaders program (SEL). The focus of this program is to take younger members of a congregation and teach them leadership skills. A couple of members of our congregation will be trained in running this program this coming November and will then plan a series of discussions that will take place at our synagogue over a few months next year. There is no requirement for participants in this class to then take on leadership roles in the synagogue and there is no cost to participate. All materials are provided by the USCJ and an anonymous donor.

This program will be the synagogue’s first step toward renewing its relationship with the USCJ and allow us to build a stronger community. The USCJ states that the ideal candidate would be between 35 and 45 years old, but if you or someone you know could benefit from this free program please contact me regardless of whether or not they meet this criterion. I can always be reached through the synagogue office or via my contact information listed here in the bulletin.

Brian Lakin
TBS President