Community Events Empowering Emerging Jewish Leaders
In June, the focus of the Adam Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) shifted towards the local community and opportunities and challenges in the Northern and Southern regions in which our participants serve as professional and lay leaders.
On 12th June, our ASLP participants from Leeds and Manchester came together with ASLP alumni and locally based participants of the last two Dangoor Senior Leadership programmes- the first time that Lead have been able to hold a gathering for alumni in the North of England. The group, which met at a restaurant in Prestwich, Manchester discussed community challenges, shared ideas, and explored opportunities for collaboration.
David Israel, Executive Director of Sinai Synagogue, Leeds, and an alum of the Adam Science Leadership Programme class of 1999 who was with us at the event, said, “By investing in current and future leaders to meet and discuss their work in this way, the JLC have created space for sharing ideas, best practice and improving our communities. And the focus on the Northern communities means the conversations are more informed and effective.”
Dangoor alum and Director of The Friendship Circle Esty Bruck said, “It was fantastic to get together with likeminded people and given the space and opportunity to talk and listen with people who know what its like to not only work in the Jewish Community but also to be passionate about it!”
On June 19th, members of the Southern cohort reconvened for dinner in Golders Green, London and a panel discussion featuring JLC Vice-Chair and UJIA President Louise Jacobs, Board of Deputies Treasurer and Dangoor alum Ben Crowne, and UJIA Director of Strategic Operations and JVN trustee Eli Gaventa. The group reconnected with each other and appreciated the opportunity of having dinner and chatting with our pannelists.
Daniel J. Levy, Programmes Manager at BICOM and part of the 2025-26 ASLP cohort said of the panel conversation, “We heard a diverse set of leaders drawing on their experiences in lay and professional positions, primarily focusing on the current communal landscape, challenges, and future opportunities. Their feedback was excellent, with lots of actionable points. I found their guidance on developing future leaders particularly useful."
A huge thanks to all of our guests and participants. A very apt message for both groups of emerging leaders coming away from these sessions was shared by Susie Gordon, CEO of the Leeds Representative Council and a current participant in the Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme, as she said, “Leadership doesn’t have to look one way or be in one particular image. When we create space for honest conversation, we open the door for new voices to lead — with authenticity, compassion, and strength.”
In July, the ASLP participants will come together again as one cohort for the first of our online workshops about the essentials of strong charity governance.
To read more about the ASLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.
