Leadership Cohorts to Strengthen the Soul and Structure of Congregational Life

The Deborah Fellowship: Presence, Purpose & Power for Women in the Rabbinate

A practical, spiritually grounded cohort for female identifying rabbis with 3–10 years of pulpit experience who want to get real work done, grow leaders, run purpose-driven teams and have some fun along the way. Learn more here. Nominate someone here. Launching January 2027.

All Together Now (Cohort 2) / A Collaborative Cohort for Congregational Leadership Teams

In today’s volatile and demanding landscape, congregational leadership has never been more challenging—or more essential. Amidst political polarization and the relentless pace of congregational life, clergy, executive directors, and lay leaders are carrying extraordinary emotional, spiritual, and logistical burdens.

Teams from 5-6 congregations will journey together through a practical, hands-on process to:

  • Clarify shared vision and priorities

  • Run purpose-driven, efficient meetings

  • Better understand each other’s work styles

  • Navigate conflict with more skill and less dread

  • Have braver, more candid conversations

  • Build a more intentional and sustainable lay leadership pipeline

What past participants are saying:

“The Amen Center’s All-Together-Now cohort has been an invaluable experience for our synagogue leadership team to explore some of the most foundational aspects of who we are (separate and together) and who we aspire to be… They know how synagogues work and have endless wisdom in helping us understand who we are, here and now, even as we dream into the future… I’m walking away from the experience inspired to lead, grateful for the synergy of my team, and even more clear about next steps we can take to fulfill our mission, vision, and spiritual calling.”
— Rabbi Jenny Solomon, Beth Meyer Synagogue (Raleigh, NC)

“What we learned surprised us, realigned us, and showed us exactly where our internal foci were a bit… off-center. Working with these three dynamic leaders changed how we operate as a team. I still catch myself saying, “Remember that thing Rev. Cameron said?” whenever we hit a tricky spot. If you’re on the fence about joining All Together Now—honestly? Jump in.” Amanda Greenwalt, Executive Director, Temple Beth Israel (Port Washington, NY)

“The Amen Center gives me the space to think about all things I don’t normally give myself time to think about (e.g. leadership development, improving communication with and between staff, goal setting for professionals and lay leaders) AND invites two of the most important partners for me as Senior Rabbi into those conversations in real time: my Executive Director and Temple President. Setting aside the time alone is a gift; learning, reflecting, and laughing with other synagogue teams, as well as the facilitators.”-Rabbi Dara Frimmer // Temple Isaiah (Los Angeles, CA) 

All Together Now: Collaborative Cohort for Congregational Leadership Teams with Rabbinic Leadership(2025–2026)

South Philadelphia Shtiebel — Rabbinit Dasi Fruchter — Philadelphia, PA

Temple Isaiah — Rabbi Dara Frimmer — Los Angeles, CA

Beth Shir Shalom — Rabbi Alex Kress — Santa Monica, CA

Beth Meyer Synagogue — Rabbis Eric & Jenny Solomon — Raleigh, NC

Temple Beth Israel — Rabbi Michael Mishkin — Port Washington, NY

Bamidbar: Congregations Walking Together // Reimagining and Strengthening Leadership Formation Systems 

This consulting cohort is designed by Rabbi Benjamin Ross and Larry Dressler for congregational teams ready to reimagine how leadership is discovered, nurtured, and integrated as both a spiritual and strategic practice. Rooted in Jewish wisdom and grounded in practical organizational development, Bamidbar guides participants and congregations through a deep and transformative journey—from individual formation to team alignment, from assessing current realities to designing future-ready systems.

Over the course of a year, teams will engage in a shared path that begins with an internal examination of their leadership culture and capacity, includes an immersive three-day retreat, and continues through structured online gatherings and personalized coaching. The goal is to cultivate a sustainable leadership culture—routinized, ritualized, and anchored in purpose.


Building Teams & Vanquishing Committees

Building teams as a secret sauce for making things happen, growing leaders, deepening spirit, strengthening community, and actually enjoying the process.

The challenge: A primary way congregants are invited into synagogue life is through committees, yet too often those experiences fall short of their potential. Instead of being places where energy, creativity, and shared responsibility can flourish, committees can feel uninspiring, overly procedural, and unclear in purpose. As a result, talented leaders may steer away from them, and clergy may hesitate to convene them. When they are not thoughtfully designed, committees can leave people feeling that their time was not well used rather than deepening their sense of ownership and connection.

The opportunity: Lead teams animated by a shared sense of purpose, follow an intentional and iterative process, enjoy lots of laughter and curiosity, and create space where friendships are cultivated, cohesion to the institution is strengthened, and leaders are animated ambassadors for the work.

Questions?

Email Benjamin Ross