Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando’s Jerome J. Bornstein Leadership Development Program is accepting applications for the 2017-18 class.

The Bornstein program is designed to develop future leaders for the Central Florida Jewish community. Bornstein graduates have gone on to serve on boards and hold top leadership positions in Jewish organizations locally, nationally and internationally.

Federation selects 15 or fewer individuals each class year to participate. Much of the Bornstein Program’s success is attributable to the outstanding quality of the people selected to participate. Applicants must show leadership potential, demonstrate a propensity to get engaged with the Central Florida Jewish community and demonstrate civic or community engagement, among other attributes.

The next class commences in October and will include nine monthly in-depth sessions, each devoted to a different Central Florida Jewish agency; one overnight Shabbat retreat; one half-day retreat focusing on leadership skills; and a group capstone project. The program’s modules are designed as a “deep dive” into the local Jewish community, offering sessions on the mission and goals for each local Jewish agency as well as the community’s history and development. 

Upon completion of the program, each participant will publicly pledge involvement with his or her selected local Jewish organization, agency or synagogue. Involvement can be at the board, committee or volunteer level, depending on the individual and the needs and requirements of the organization. Pending a successful Federation Annual Campaign, participants who demonstrate exceptional leadership commitments and abilities may be eligible for certain subsidized travel opportunities under the Jewish Federations of North America’s Leadership Development umbrella.

Professionals younger than 45 are preferable, but outstanding nominees outside that parameter will be considered. 

Those interested in applying can read more about the Bornstein program and complete an online application at http://www.jfgo.org/bornstein. The application deadline for the 2017-18 class is 5 p.m. June 7.