Lead Together Programme 2026

United Synagogue Community volunteers recently completed the second iteration of ‘Lead Together’, a programme consisting of five in-person sessions aimed at preparing participants for future senior community leadership. 15 attendees from 14 communities participated, made up of current volunteers looking to take on an enhanced leadership role within their community.

In the final session, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion on leadership, where he shared his thoughts, praising those around the table for their commitment to lead their communities.

Presenters at the sessions included the United Synagogue’s Chief Executive Jo Grose, Director of Community Life Barnaby Nemko, as well as Michelle Janes from Kisharon Langdon and Simon Berman from Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue.

Rabbi Kurzer, Rebbetzen Rina Shindler, Paul Belsman (Bushey Chair) and and Vickie Wiltshire (United Synagogue Chief People Officer) held a panel where they shared some fascinating insights into the world of Rabbinic Line management. Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue’s Simon Berman also shared the importance of community strategy.

Participant Michael Ajoodan-Poor, Welwyn Garden City Hebrew Congregation, said: “I really feel like I understand the United Synagogue mission better and how I can better serve my community. I now have great knowledge and confidence in how to take my community forward.”

Fellow participant Nicola Cohen, Hampstead Garden Suburb, praised the programme stating ” Every community should encourage a member to join this course.”

Jonny Ison, Community Development Manager at the United Synagogue, said: “Having now seen 30 people participate from Lead Together in the last two years, I have great confidence in the future leadership of the communities that participated. We have some very talented, dedicated people leading our communities and I am already looking forward to the next iteration of Lead Together later this year”.

March 2025