Scheme for star leaders returns after Covid break

THE FLAGSHIP Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme for lay and professional leaders has relaunched after being paused during the pandemic.

An initial event for the third cohort of 18 leaders was held at The Grove Hotel in Watford on Sunday. Its theme was “exploring possibility” and it was led by programme co-directors Larry Shulman and Michelle

Janes. The group also heard from alumni of the scheme, who reflected on “community challenges” and “big picture leadership”.

Participants in the 15-month programme are cross-denominational with representation from Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Glasgow, as well as the London area.

They include Rabbi David Mason, who currently serves Muswell Hill Synagogue but will shortly become CEO of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality; Raphi Bloom, fundraising director of Manchester welfare charity The Fed; Limmud’s new director of innovation and engagement, Joe Hyman; and Finchley Reform Synagogue chief executive Sam Clifford. Mr Bloom said it was “empowering and motivating to be part of a dynamic group committed to our community. Ensuring our UK Jewish community — and specifically the Manchester Jewish community — is sustainable is a huge priority for me and I feel confident that participating in the course will help me develop skills to play a key role in meeting these challenges.”

The United Synagogue’s incoming chief executive, Jo Grose, is among graduates of the Dangoor programme, which she described as “a turning point in my Jewish community career.

“Not only did it introduce me to a set of tools and models which I still employ when developing organisational strategy. It also provided me with a lasting network of trusted lay and professional colleagues. I came out of the programme with an appreciation of the importance of ongoing learning and reflection and a confidence in my own leadership style.”

Ensuring our community is sustainable is a massive priority for me