Young Leadership Program

The Birmingham Jewish Federation’s Young Leadership Program


Launched in February 2022, this year-long leadership experience takes young Jewish members of our community through a dynamic process that will enhance their lives and enrich our community. The program includes a free 7- day Jewish experience trip for participants who complete the program criteria. This program has been generously underwritten in part by The Birmingham Jewish Foundation.

How the program works

Limited to 10 participants, members of our community may be nominated by local Rabbis and community agency heads. Self-nominations will also be accepted. A panel will select participants through an application and interview process. Community leaders will facilitate the sessions- sharing their expertise and passion for Judaism and our community.

Upon completion of the program, participants must agree to serve on a Jewish communal board or committee. Participants must also contribute $180 towards a giving circle with funds matched by the Birmingham Jewish Federation. 

Applications for the 2024-2025 Cohort have closed

 2024-2025 Young Leadership Cohort

  • Mathew Banker
  • Deanna Danalevich
  • Eli Foree
  • Lindsey Humphries
  • Rachel Honan
  • Abby Litovsky
  • Samantha Palmer 
  • Mitchell Spielberger 
  • Zoe Weil
  • Alex Wittner

 2022-2023 Young Leadership Cohort

  • Andrew Newcomb
  • Aaron Nelson
  • Alex Grodner
  • Isa Dorsky
  • Kent Haines
  • Andrew Miller
  • Rachel Mazer
  • Nadav Raviv
  • Carlie Stein Somerville
  • Sarah Schaeffer
  • Danielle Rosenbaum
  • Mark Schaeffer
  • Sarah Kunin
  • Todd Doobrow

Leadership Development Program Curriculum


Saturday-Sunday November 2 & 3, 2024

Program Kickoff

Beginning with a Saturday night Havdalah and dinner, participants will submerge themselves in weekend-long “staycation” retreat here in Birmingham where they will get to know their fellow cohort members, overview the next few months of programming, learn about Federation, Jewish philanthropy, and how to best represent their community.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Public Speaking and Presentation Workshop

As a lay leader, public speaking and giving impactful presentations are integral to your role within a group and community at large. It not only matters what you are saying, but also how you say it. Participants will engage in a workshop to enhance public speaking and presentation skills.  Participants will also tour the Day School.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Finance 101

When serving on a board, basic fiduciary knowledge is necessary. From reading spreadsheets and understanding pnls to creating budgets, participants will get a crash course on the important role finances play within organizations. Participants will also learn about differences in donations, such as designated gifts and what it means to honor the intent of a gift.

 

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Jewish Ethics & Zionism

In preparation for the trip to Israel, it is important to discuss the place of Israel in current discourse. What does it mean to be a Zionist? Why has this become such a contested term? How can Jewish leaders wrestle with conflicting personal beliefs and community stances? Jason Harris, Creator and host of “Jew Oughta Know” podcast will lead participants through a discussion of what it means to be a Jewish leader in a post October 7th world.  At the end, participants will also hear from Victoria Kimerling Oliphant about the Israel World Jewry Bureau (IWJB) and the different organizations supported through this unique allocations process.   

March 23-March 29, 2025

Israel Solidarity Trip 

Participants will travel to Israel for a week-long solidarity mission. Further itinerary to come. In the event that travel to Israel is unavailable, there will be an alternative Jewish learning trip. This trip is subsidized by the Birmingham Jewish Federation, but participants are responsible for their own airfare

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

The Holocaust

The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered 6 million Jews across German-occupied Europe, approximately two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population. This was, and continues to be, one of the darkest periods in Jewish history. Participants will learn about the Holocaust and tour AHEC.  

Monday, May 19, 2025

Governance & Board Member 101

What does it mean to be a board or committee member? What are the governance structures that make up a board? What are by-laws? How do they relate to one’s role in a committee or board? Danny Cohn, BJF CEO, and members of JFNA will teach participants the roles and responsibilities of a board member.

Monday, August 28, 2025

Program Wrap Up

As the final official session of the program, participants will go over major takeaways from the program. Participants will engage in their final giving circle and announce their funding decisions. There will also be an overview of open board and committee positions for participants to join.

Friday, September 12, 2025

End of Program Shabbat Dinner

Shabbat is our opportunity to rejuvenate ourselves in order to continue our work to repair the world. We will celebrate Shabbat together and enjoy a delicious meal while discussing how to use Shabbat as a tool of leadership. 

Inaugural Young Leadership Cohort in Israel