The Senior Faith in Leadership Program (SFLP) aims to facilitate meaningful encounters between people serving different faith communities in different leadership roles – both lay and clerical. It consists of three modules, each of which is three days long.

I was lucky enough to be offered a place on the 2019 SFLP program - I applied after a friend told me of her incredible experience on the 2018 course.

The first module took place in January. As my role as the JLC regional manager in Scotland involves some interfaith and inter-communal work, I was keen to gain a greater insight into different faiths as well as develop my skills when it comes to working across communities and faith groups. 

The JLC was delighted to play a role in the unique Jewish Gathering in Edinburgh over the weekend of 26th to 28th October. Around 160 Jewish people from all over Scotland – from the Western Isles and the Grampians in the north to Galloway in the south came together for a programme that included traditional Shabbat meals, inspiring speakers, music, discussion – and of course a whisky-flavoured tisch.

It’s hard to believe I’ve only been working at the JLC for (just over) three months.

These first few months have been focused on getting to know Scotland’s diverse Jewish community, understanding more about the different communal organisations and the roles they play, and introducing myself to as many people as possible.

I’ve been working very closely with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC) and the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council (GJRC) and supporting the hard work that they do for the community.

The Scottish scene is a little different from the rest of the UK in terms of political engagement, and as such my time is split between engaging with the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament. I’ve met a few MPs and MSPs so far to discuss key issues and look forward to continuing to grow our network of contacts over the coming year.