OU Executive Directors Conference to Bring Together Synagogue Adminstrators, November 9 to 11

08 Oct 2009

OU EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS CONFERENCE TO BRING TOGETHER SYNAGOGUE ADMINISTRATORS IN SOUTH FLORIDA, NOVEMBER 9-11; SESSIONS TO EMPHASISE THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT SHULS FACE

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Orthodox Union Executive Directors Conference, the OU will once again bring together synagogue administrators from around North America to discuss the ever-changing environment they face and how their role shapes synagogue policies. The conference is a project of the Pepa and Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue Services.

It will be held at the Boca Raton Synagogue in Florida from Monday, November 9-Wednesday, November 11. Early registration ends on October 15. Already, executive directors from the following communities have made commitments to participate, with more to come: Baltimore, Boca Raton, Dallas, Hollywood (FL), Kansas City (MO), Long Island (NY), Malden (MA), New Orleans, New York City, Riverdale (NY), Teaneck (NJ) and Washington (DC).

Last November, some 35 executive directors met in Teaneck and laid the groundwork for future meetings. The emphasis once again is on professional development and networking, with sessions scheduled on best practices – how to save money on the synagogue dinner and newsletters, fundraising strategies, and marketing, among others. Particular attention will be paid to security.

OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Steven Weil will be present throughout the conference. Speakers will include Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Boca Raton Synagogue; Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn of New York and Rabbi Steven Burg, Managing Director of the OU. Much of the discussion will consist of interaction among the participants themselves, with the sharing of information and ideas.

“The Orthodox Union is a network that helps connect synagogues across North America,” explained Rabbi Weil. “By presenting this conference, the OU provides an opportunity for executive directors who would never have a chance to interact with one another to share their expertise so as to bring their synagogues from good to great.”

“A rabbi who has a strong executive director knows that he can attend to the spiritual, while the executive director assures that the synagogue functions smoothly and efficiently, with fundraising/finances, marketing, security, administration, and maintenance of the facility as major priorities,” Rabbi Weil said. “It is a most significant partnership, and an important building block of a shul’s success in serving its community.”

For further information contact Synagogue Services at 212-613-8225 or synagogue@ou.org.