What is the Behrend Institute for Leadership?
The Behrend Institute for Leadership is a nine session, multi faceted program designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles within the organizations which nominate them and for community wide positions of leadership. It was developed by the United Jewish Federation in partnership with local synagogue and Jewish agency leadership. The program is being offered at no cost to participants as a result of a generous grant provided by Stephne and Kerrin Behrend. 

Have you ever considered a leadership role in your synagogue or agency? Or perhaps you are unaffiliated with any one organization but still feel you have the potential to become a leader of the Jewish community? If you answered yes to either of these questions, The Behrend Institute for Leadership is the perfect place for you.  The Institute will help you to acquire or hone the skills necessary for lay leadership positions in the Jewish community.

"I want to thank you so much for the privilege and the honor to have participated in such a powerful program. All of the sessions were thought-provoking and motivating on so many levels. Little did I know when I was accepted, how rich the experience would be and how it would broaden (and in some cases change) my perspective on leadership. I met great people that I would not have met otherwise (how ironic that we all serve the same Jewish community!) and have engaged in lively and deep conversations. The skills and knowledge that I have learned will certainly be put to good use as I become a more effective and progressive leader.  I clearly understand that along with the privilege of becoming a Behrend fellow comes a responsibility to be a better Jewish leader."
          - Melissa Spiesman, representing Temple Sinai

Testimonial of Sharon Kaplove, Behrend Graduate ('06-'07)
Representing Temple Sinai
My experience as a Behrend fellow has been an enlightening one. Month by month we have had a brilliant array of experts in a variety of fields...

Personal Accounts from Behrend Fellows
What Graduates Have Said About the Behrend Institute
“Really well done & truly worthwhile. Hat’s off for putting this group together. Every presenter was terrific. One truly impressive aspect was the brainpower of the group. Smart, smart, smart – and you just can’t buy that. Well done!”                                                                                      -- Rich Vogel, Representing the Stamford Jewish Community Center