Judaism is multidimensional. It is sometimes described as a civilization, combining religion, culture, ethnicity, peoplehood, nationality, a value system and a way of life. Judaism embraces the totality of diverse Jewish beliefs and practices. However you define and express your Jewish identity, we welcome you to become a part of J Leaders. Jewish wisdom and culture are woven into the fabric of the entire Leadership Academy experience.  Core to this vision is the importance of empowering today’s generation of Jewish young adults to be prepared to step-up as value-driven leaders in the community today and in the future. <For More>

We believe that….

• Leadership can be learned. Everyone can be a better leader.
• Leadership development begins with a commitment to continual self-discovery, personal growth and learning.
• Leaders align personal and professional decisions with their values.
• Great leaders are humble. They have more influence, attract more capable team members, and earn more confidence than those who rely on ego and power.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging empowers successful teams.
• Trust and vulnerability is foundational to high performing teams.
• Leaders catalyze systems and relationships in the pursuit of measurable positive change.

J Leaders is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where all stakeholders – fellows, faculty, staff, board members, participants, partners and donors – feel a sense of belonging regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or identity, Jewish denomination, national origin, disability, language, political affiliation, socio-economic status, or any other bias. We understand that success in this work demands attention to addressing systemic exclusion operating in both the Jewish community and the larger secular community. We know that honoring these differences lead to unique ways of thinking and approaching challenges—something we truly value as an inclusive community of leaders. <For More>

One of J Leaders’ guiding values is that a meaningful life happens in the context of community. As Jews, we have both the opportunity and the obligation to come together with others to build stronger Jewish communities. The Jewish community thrives most when we are inclusive and responsive to others.  J leaders strengthens the future of the Jewish community by empowering young adults to connect with their own Jewish core values and work towards making the world a better place.

Learning by doing is the idea that we learn more when we actually “do” the activity. Almost 2400 years ago, Aristotle wrote “for the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them. 100 years ago John Dewey said, “Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results.”

Powerful learning experiences engage learners where they are and builds the motivation for more learning. It connects what is learned to what is felt. It makes learning interesting, relevant and meaningful.

J Leaders is committed to empowering and engaging Jewish young adults through collaborative partnerships with other Jewish organizations. Working together towards our common vision, we can deliver stronger and better programs, better services, and increased organizational efficiency and effectiveness.  In the end, win-win partnerships help us reach and more profoundly impact more Jewish young adults. We enthusiastically embrace and welcome organizational collaboration. Please reach out to us about ways we can work together.

When we give back to others, we not only help to help to repair the world, but we bring to our own lives increased meaning. A core component of the Leadership Academy is small group community engagement projects. Community projects provide Academy fellows the opportunity to collaborate with local Jewish community organizations on projects of benefit to the organization and the larger Jewish community.