UJA Federation of Greater Toronto has launched a comprehensive, year long leadership development program for communal leaders. The Joshua Institute for Jewish Communal Leadership will identify and nurture community leaders for Toronto, one of North America’s leading Jewish communities, home to a population of 200,000 Jews.
 
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto has partnered with the internationally respected Rotman School of Management Executive Programs at University of Toronto to work with Toronto’s leading agencies, schools and synagogues.
 
“Ours is community that is in the midst of exciting growth and change.  The Joshua Institute will develop a corps of passionate, innovative, caring and visionary leaders who will work collaboratively to strengthen our community and, together, guide it into the future”, said Ted Sokolsky, President and CEO, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.
 
The curriculum will integrate Jewish values, learning, social responsibility, and an intensive 5-day program in Israel.  Participants will work with world class faculty and experts who will cover issues such as strategic planning, board governance, financial literacy, effective communication and media training, fundraising and strategic philanthropy.
 
Upon completion of the Joshua Institute, participants will be awarded certificates from the Rotman School of Management Executive Programs at University of Toronto and the Joshua Institute for Jewish Communal Leadership.
 
According to Joshua Institute Director Zeeva Milman, the program is unique among North American Jewish communities because “it brings together participants from different agencies to develop a shared vision for the community as a whole, and collaborate for the benefit of Toronto’s Jewish community”.
 
Participants in the Joshua Institute are chosen by community agencies that have identified their incoming board presidents.
 
The inaugural participants in the Joshua Institute are: Alan Berdowski (Hillel of Greater Toronto), Alan Winer (UJA Federation of Greater Toronto), Blake Teichman (Beth Tzedec), Helen Goldlist (JVS), Judy Engel (CHAT), Sharon Shore (JF&CS), Shawna Granovsky (USDS), Rammy Rochman (Schwartz Reisman Centre), Tali Nizic (Reena), Beatrice Traub-Werner (JIAS).