Zelikow School Celebrates New Class of Jewish Communal Leaders

This August, the Zelikow School of Nonprofit Management marked the achievements of nine graduates during a virtual graduation ceremony, honoring students who completed either the Certificate in Jewish Organizational Leadership or the M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Innovation (MSOLI).

The online ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, and loved ones from across the globe. Ilana Kaufman, Founder and CEO of the Jews of Color Initiative and the Zelikow School's Scholar in Residence this summer, delivered the keynote address, offering words of wisdom to graduates as they step into the next chapter of their careers in Jewish communal life. Kaufman was clear that "[l]eadership begins with the discipline of wondering," and she left the graduates with four goals: "First, create communities of belonging, free from preconditions. Second, welcome inquiry and project curiosity. Third, model complex, honest, joyful Jewish life. And finally, have the courage to ask for feedback."

Two graduates, Ziva Gunther and Ben Poor, earned their Certificates in Jewish Organizational Leadership. Seven others completed the M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Innovation: Clare Aarons, Ella Cooperman Schachter, Magda Dorosz, Angela Goldstein, Rahel Gruenberg, Liron Regev, and Bruno Ruffier.

The MSOLI cohort reflects the increasingly global reach of the Zelikow School's programs. Aarons completed her studies from the United Kingdom, Dorosz from Poland, and both Ruffier and Goldstein from Brazil, learning alongside classmates based in New York, Philadelphia, and Irvine, CA, and joining together virtually across time zones to build a shared foundation in nonprofit leadership.

Rabbi Shirley Idelson '91, Director of the Zelikow School, reflected on the significance of the milestone for this year's graduates. "Every year, I'm reminded that our graduates aren't just earning a degree or a certificate, they're taking on immense responsibility in shaping Jewish communal life for the next generation. This cohort brought that commitment across continents and time zones, and looking ahead I have no doubt their Zelikow School training will enable them to impact their Jewish communities in tremendously positive ways now and over the long term."

Preparing Rabbis for the Business of Community

For Ben Poor, one of the two Certificate in Jewish Organizational Leadership graduates and a fifth-year rabbinical student, the program filled a gap he had encountered in his rabbinic training.

"There is so much non-profit management knowledge required to be a rabbi today that hasn't historically been a part of the rabbinic school curriculum," Poor said. "The coursework this summer exposed me to many of those fundamentals, and gave me a strong foundation to grow the rest of my career."

Poor said he now feels equipped to manage the practical realities of congregational leadership, including board structures and budgets, freeing him to focus more fully on the people he serves. "I feel prepared to manage the board structures and budgets that will best help me be present with the congregants and communities as we create Jewish life together," he said.

Poor also credited the program with connecting him "to a network of faculty and peers thinking about and experimenting to develop the most welcoming, sustainable, and meaningful future of Judaism."

A Cohort Built on Trust and Shared Purpose

For many graduates, the value of the program extended well beyond coursework. Magda Dorosz, one of the seven MSOLI graduates, described the program as "an incredibly valuable learning experience" that arrived at a critical moment for leaders navigating an unpredictable world.

"In the last 6 years the world around us has changed drastically, and probably will continue changing beyond our wildest imagination," Dorosz said. "To have skills, tools and understanding of how to navigate these complexities is a crucial responsibility and necessity of any leader."

Dorosz said the MSOLI curriculum equipped her to respond more clearly and strategically to the needs of her organization and the community it serves. Just as important, she said, was the confidence the program instilled in her to lead through uncertainty.

"It gave me the confidence to lead my organization into the future, knowing and understanding that we have influence only on part of the circumstances around us," she said. "There is so much that we can't control. Yet, we need to bring our best skills, techniques, and strategies to navigate the areas that we can control, and to responsibly inspire our teams to follow us."

Dorosz also pointed to the relationships formed with her fellow students as one of the program's most lasting gifts. Studying alongside "other extremely dedicated and inspiring leaders" added depth to the experience that went beyond the curriculum itself, she said, and the cohort built a support network she expects will continue to enrich their lives and careers for years to come.

Looking Ahead

As this year's graduates move forward, they carry with them not only new credentials but also a renewed sense of purpose and a community of peers who understand the unique challenges of leading Jewish organizations today. From congregations in the United States to nonprofits in the UK, Poland, and Brazil, the Class of 2026 reflects the global and evolving nature of Jewish communal leadership, and the Zelikow School's continued role in preparing the people who sustain it.