OU West Coast Leadership Seminar Discusses Financial Crisis, Sunday, May 3

25 Mar 2009

The West Coast Region of the Orthodox Union will present the Stern Family Annual OU Synagogue Leadership Seminar on Sunday, May 3, to address the challenges facing synagogues and yeshivot in this time of economic crisis. The program, to be held at Region Headquarters in Los Angeles from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, will feature presentations by Paul Glasser, the Executive Vice President of the American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem; and Rabbi Saul Zucker, OU Director of Educational Services.

This free seminar is intended for OU member synagogues, including rabbis, presidents, executive directors, officers and board members; and for yeshiva day schools, including principals, presidents, executive directors, officers and board members.

West Coast Director Rabbi Alan Kalinsky explained, “Each year, for the past five years, we have offered this program to help our synagogues grow, to give them cutting edge tips on current issues of the day. This year, given the economic meltdown, the issue is survival. Most shuls probably never prepared for a rainy day, for cutbacks. They never put aside endowments to use in case of an economic crisis. This is a very timely, relevant, and meaningful program to address these needs. We look forward to a large and enthusiastic gathering.”

Mr. Glasser will address the topic, “Developing Creative Fundraising Strategies During Turbulent Times.” Rabbi Kalinsky stated, “I heard Paul Glasser address how to develop creative fundraising strategies at the OU Executive Directors Conference in the fall, before the extent of the meltdown became known. As the economy worsened, it became clear that we had to revisit his presentation given what has happened since.”

Rabbi Zucker will present, “Yeshivot and Day Schools in Financial Crisis: Approaches to Solving the Problems.” Rabbi Kalinsky declared, “Rabbi Zucker’s presentation is part of a new emphasis of the OU of extending our reach and expertise beyond the shuls to the schools, to offer them the kind of guidance they need to face the current economic situation. That is why Rabbi Zucker, who is leading the OU national effort to put the yeshivot on a firmer financial footing, will bring his message to the seminar.”

West Coast President David Zeffren will open the program, which will end with a summation by Rabbi Kalinsky. The seminar is being held in memory of Emanuel Stern, who was president of Beth Jacob, Beverly Hills and was a dedicated member of the Region. Mr. Stern a”h was a member of the OU West Coast Board. He and his wife, June, were honored at the Region’s Annual Awards Banquet in 2005

Preregistration is required. To register, call 310-229-9000 ext. 200 or e-mail westcoast@ou.org.