[From the Nov./Dec. Bulletin]
During the first week in November, Rabbi Rosalind Glazer will attend the initial seminar of a year-long training program in Professional Education for Excellence in Rabbis (“PEER”). Rabbi Glazer was recently interviewed [by BIJ Bulletin reporters] to find out more about this unique program.
Q: What exactly is the STAR PEER program?
A: Presently in the fifth year since its inception PEER is a program of the congregational think-tank Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal (“STAR”) whose mission is to implement innovative synagogue based initiatives in congregations throughout the United States. STAR seeks to help synagogues meet the growing needs of an ever more diverse Jewish population, a population with different expectations than previous generations, while also preserving core practices and values of Judaism. With dramatic changes in synagogue demographics and membership over the past generation, rabbis’ responsibilities have also changed. This requires rabbis to expand their skills to better meet their congregations’ needs. As a rabbinic leadership program, PEER helps early career rabbis build congregations that will infuse greater meaning, connection, joy and inspiration in the lives of members.
Q: It sounds like a great opportunity. Why do you think you were you selected for this program?
A: I was one of 20 rabbis selected from a pool of about 80 applicants for this prestigious program whose costs, other than transportation to and from the retreats are all covered by a generous grant from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. I believe I was chosen in part because of my abilities, accomplishments, and vision, but also for my capacity for continued growth. I was an ideal candidate for PEER since I am entering my fifth year in the rabbinate. STAR also has a program called, From Good to Great, for more senior congregational rabbis. The admissions committee was impressed by the dedication of the lay leaders of Congregation Beth Israel Judea and our commitment to building a vision for our future. (With Rabbi Glazer’s initiative and guidance, a strategic planning group has been meeting since last winter and as of this writing, an immanent day-long planning retreat is scheduled with synagogue consultant and acclaimed author Rabbi David Teutsch.)
Q: What will you do in the PEER program?
A: There will be two week-long seminars in Pheonix, AZ; the first is in early November and the second is in August 2008. At the first retreat I will meet STAR faculty, participate in training activities with my peers, and receive assignments to enhance my leadership skills and help me develop management techniques required to direct a synagogue in the 21st century. Between the seminars I will participate regularly in conference calls, take several on line courses and have monthly coaching sessions with a member of the STAR faculty. I am also required to implement a synagogue-based project which I imagine will probably be based in our current strategic planning process. I am really excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to starting the program.
Q: What are the time demands of the PEER program and how will this affect your work with the congregation?
A: PEER typically requires about ten hours of commitment each week. This will start in November and end in August of next year. As I am already balancing the daily needs of our congregation with planning for BIJ’s future, this program will shift more of my energy to the planning end of things. Practically this means that it will sometimes take longer than normal for me to respond to messages and emails, but I will always remain available to congregants in times of emergency. Our president Kathy Chaikin Bernstein and Board of Trustees fully support my participation in this program as a necessary step toward a solid future. Presently they are working diligently with lay leaders, the synagogue office and volunteers to ensure that the congregation continues to run smoothly during this time.
Q: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. I think that congregants appreciate hearing about the many and varied ways in which you serve our community. Will you keep us posted on developments as the year with PEER unfolds?
A: I will gladly fill you in anytime, just give a ring!