Managing Conflict from the Middle

This peer-led affinity group is for middle managers* navigating conflict in Jewish communal workplaces. Managing conflict is challenging at the best of times, but since October 7, navigating our new geopolitical reality and interpersonal conflict has become even more challenging. Middle managers can be caught between differing attitudes and perspectives about Israel among leadership, supervisees, and peers. This affinity group will provide confidential and supportive space for managers to explore how we maintain professionalism and strong working relationships while navigating various viewpoints on Israel within workplaces. Sessions will be facilitated by Laura Mandel, Senior Director of Jewish Community Impact at Third Plateau, in partnership with peer leaders from within the affinity group. 

*Middle managers for the purposes of this affinity group are those who supervise at least one person directly, and who are not part of the Executive/C-Suite leadership team.  

New to the Sector Early Career Professionals

For those new to roles in the Jewish communal sector, the horrific events of October 7 have undoubtedly changed how we connect to and experience our work. We are navigating an unprecedented moment just as we are learning to be Jewish communal professionals. This affinity group, for individuals who are new to the Jewish communal sector and early in their careers*, will provide a confidential and supportive space to discuss common experiences since joining the field, get peer-to-peer advice and support, and build your network of Jewish communal professionals. Sessions will be facilitated by Jonathan Kaufman, Co-Founder and Principal, Third Plateau, in partnership with peer leaders from within the affinity group.

*For the purposes of this affinity group, new to the sector early career professionals are individuals who have joined the Jewish communal field since July 2023 and have less than five years of work experience.  

Non-Jews in Jewish Communal Workplaces

This group intends to provide a sense of pride and connection for the many non-Jewish professionals who enrich and strengthen the Jewish communal field. It is co-facilitated by JPro's Deirdre Munley, Chief Strategy Officer, and author of the article "Non-Jews in Jewish Communal Workplaces" and Laura Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer. Sessions offer opportunities for professional development and networking.

North America-Based Israeli Staff

This affinity group, in partnership with Jewish Federations of North America, supports North America-Based Israeli Staff of Jewish communal organizations. Since October 7, the Israeli community has been navigating deep fear, anxiety, and grief. Israelis living abroad and working within the Jewish community may have different pressures, perspectives, and needs associated with the crisis than other North American colleagues. This group is facilitated by peers from within the North American based Israeli community. Facilitation is conducted primarily in Hebrew, although participants are welcome to engage in discussion in either Hebrew or English.

Community of Practice for Jewish Community Facilitators

JPro launched a new community of practice for facilitators who work within the Jewish community. Since October 7, our Jewish organizations have needed space for discussions on the complexity of Israel and our relationship to the land, varied community viewpoints, and tensions that exist internally and externally. These conversations can create unique challenges for facilitators, particularly as our own identities may be impacted by the Israel/Hamas war and the subsequent rise of antisemitism. The community of practice will be a place for us to learn from one another, examine trends we are seeing in the field, and explore how our roles as facilitators may have shifted since the conflict began. 

 This group is by invitation only, allowing us to build trusting relationships and a supportive network as we navigate this unique moment. The community of practice will initially be facilitated by Jaré Akchin, Vice President at Third Plateau, though we anticipate shared facilitation and leadership in the future. If you are interested in participating in a group in the future, please contact us at programs@jpro.org. 

Senior Leaders Navigating External Relationships

JPro, with Leading Edge, created a peer-led affinity group for senior leaders in Jewish communal workplaces. This community will provide confidential space for leaders to explore the complexity of navigating various viewpoints on Israel with external partners and how we might rebuild and repair relationships that have been challenged over the last several months.  

This group is by invitation only, allowing us to build trusting relationships and a supportive network as we navigate this unique moment as leaders. If you are interested in participating in a group in the future, please contact us at programs@jpro.org.