In a first-time event, representatives of Baltimore Orthodox synagogues attended a Regional Seminar on Synagogue Administration presented by the Orthodox Union at Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim, and in the process received a wealth of information to guide them in running their shuls.
In addition to Toras Chaim, the event was sponsored by Shomrei Emunah Congregation, Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation, Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh, Beth Tfiloh Congregation, Congregation Tiferes Yisroel, Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue, and Kehilath B’nai Torah.
The seminars, a presentation of the OU’s Pepa and Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue Services and the OU Department of Community Services, are held around the country and are directed at synagogue rabbis, presidents, executive directors, board members and other congregation leaders.
“On behalf of Rabbi (Shmuel) Silber and the officers of Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim, I want to thank you for the Orthodox Union Leadership Workshop yesterday,” wrote Eileen Creeger, Executive Director of Toras Chaim. “The feedback we heard after the program was very positive, and in particular for Suburban’s officers and Board members, extremely inspiring and motivating. It is reassuring to know that we have a resource in all of you.”
The seminar consisted of the following sessions:
• Synagogue Governance: Board Dynamics and Structure, presented by Leonard Silverman, Executive Director of New York City’s Congregation Kehilath Jesurun;
• Recruiting Committed Volunteers Within the Synagogue and Board, presented by Frank Buchweitz, OU National Director of Community Services and Special Projects; and a session on
• Synagogue Needs and OU Programs to Meet These Needs, with Frank Buchweitz and Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Director of the OU Synagogue Services Department.
According to Rabbi Waxman, “There was obviously a very dedicated group of participants. They were sharing information with their colleagues for the betterment of the greater Baltimore Jewish community.”