Signs Of The Times: The Professional Leaders Project

Over the past year or so, I've had the opportunity to join other Jewish Young Adults in speed mentoring, studying Jewish ethics, discussing issues vital to the American Jewish community, and fantastic networking. All of this was organized and paid for by the Professional Leaders Project, which just announced that, due to lack of funding, it would no longer be able to hold the events for which it had become known.

I was first connected to PLP through Moishe House. We were asked if we wanted to participate in an 8 month program which would consist of monthly flights to Washington, D.C. for which our only expense would be a fairly small registration fee.

Zuz and I jumped at the opportunity to get free flights to a city in which a number of friends lived. It was only after attending the events that we began to realize their true value.

Now, I won't say that the program was perfect. Sessions consisted of approximately 5 hours on a Sunday, beginning with discussions, culminating in a satellite broadcast of Donniel Hartman from Jerusalem, followed by more discussions.

For the several hundred dollars they spend on us per session, one might have expected a richer program, perhaps consisting of longer hours, deeper discussions, and fewer breaks. That being said, the true value that emerged, for me personally, was in the network of interested and engaged emerging Jewish leaders that I had the opportunity to meet. Their energy and perspective was a welcome change and I always felt re-enthused upon returning to St. Louis. We met other Moishe House residents from D.C., Philly, and elsewhere, and got to hear about all of the interesting programs and movements emerging all over the country.

Now, falling victim to both the economic situation and the unfortunate passing of one of the main donors to the organization, PLP is being forced to figure out how to maintain the connections and spirit of the organization without the capital it had counted on.

PLP has responded to the crises by creating a 'Virtual ThinkTank', which it hopes will keep the embers burning until the current crisis blows over. We certainly hope to see the organization get back on its feet and continue the great work they began.

Learn more about the Professional Leaders Project here.
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Reflections on Obama's Cairo Speech

A lot of people are talking about Obama's speeches in Cairo, and his visit to Buchenwald. I wanted to pass along the reaction from PLP's Rhoda Weisman, with some strategic edits! A big Shabbat Shalom to everyone, hope to see you at either Brewer's festival in Forest Park on Saturday, the New Jewish Theater, or the Gramophone Saturday night, or the RFT's Music Showcase on the Loop on Sunday

To our PLP Community,

I hope you were able to watch the historic speeches made by President Obama this week. I was deeply moved and energized by his words, and reinvigorated to truly make lasting change..

President Obama is strategic in utilizing his leadership and visioning talents to shape the future. He understands that entrepreneurial leaders inspire great change, a belief shared by PLP.

Additionally inspiring was the President's belief that peace is paramount to global change and that America and Israel's bonds are both enduring and unbreakable. As he said, "the Talmud tells us: 'The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.'" Peace requires not only vigilance against intolerance, but also the strength to be proactive in creating the world we want to live in. I was awed that, at Buchenwald today, he was "reminded of the human capacity for good." He recounted the many "acts of courage and kindness" that have sustained our community.

It's is a good time for all of us to reflect on the kind of change we hope to make in the world. Consider your contributions to the Jewish community, and if needed, increase your involvement through volunteering, in your professional role, and Tzedakah.

As our President said, I too believe that we, as leaders, share the obligations that are the "price and promise of citizenship" of our Jewish community. PLP Talent embody the "spirit of service" that defines next gen leadership, and I want to hear what you are doing. Click here to post on our Facebook group how you are answering the call to make our community even better in the 21st century.

All my best and Shabbat Shalom
Rhoda
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Pre-Shabbat Roundup: WILD, Save HUC, and a weekend in New York

Just in time for Shabbat, it's the round up. What is going on, you might ask? Look no further.

WILD, the biannual music and merriment festival on Washington University's Brooking Quadrangle is upon us again, with music from The Black Keys, the Cool Kids, and B.O.B. starting at 6PM

If you have a Wash U ID laying around, show up and get down!

An quick update on Save HUC, the site has surpassed 2,200 views, with new letters posted. It seems as though a member of the board even noticed, you can find his comments on the main page.

This tale of online activism is building momentum, we'll be interested to see where it goes.

In regards to the New York campus of HUC, Zuz and I will be there this weekend for another round of the Skills Summit, presented by the Professional Leadership Project. It should be a good time, and definitely will give me the chance to catch up with some friends and family.

There is a lot happening, so be sure to let us know if you have a story we should cover. Hit us up at thestloujew@gmail.com
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Professional Leaders Project SkillsSummit

Zuz and Y? Accepted to Cutting Edge Jewish Leadership Program in NYC

That's right, Zuz and I have been accepted to participate in the Professional Leaders Project (PLP) SkillsSummit Program, a cutting-edge, 3-part Sunday Summit series for Generation Y Jewish leaders, taking place in New York City and Los Angeles in 2008-2009.

SkillsSummit focuses on innovative initiatives that strengthen Jewish leadership effectiveness, tackling pressing issues in contemporary Jewish society, and building community.

We are both pretty excited to have the opportunity to connect with some cool people, and to spend a few hours in NYC catching up with friends and family.

The Summit series will strengthen participants' Jewish leadership effectiveness in three, daylong intensive skill-building Summits with renowned experts and practitioners. Participants will apply new skills to real-life Jewish volunteer and professional settings. Both Zuz and I will be attending the sessions focusing on community organizing, where we will have the opportunity to be mentored by some of the foremost thinkers, organizers, and philanthropists.

Did I mention that we also get a trip to NYC, Medina to Israel's Jewish Mecca?

The Professional Leaders Project is an entrepreneurial nonprofit founded three years ago that selects Jewish Talent in their 20s & 30s around the country, connecting them to forward-thinking seasoned leaders for networking, mentoring, coaching, skill-building, and positive organizational change. PLP is dedicated to increasing the recruitment and retention of outstanding leaders who will lead the Jewish community into the future. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.jewishleaders.net.
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