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Former Soviet Union
Shaping the Future of Jewish Communities
ABOUT
Kaplan Leadership Initiative is a professional development program for talented, creative, mid-career Jewish community
professionals who want to make a difference in their communities and maximize their potential.
Over the course of a year participants join two in-person seminars (including one with peers from Latin America and Europe), where they gain practical skills, confidence, Jewish knowledge, and a peer network that will propel them to future leadership and meaningful contributions in their communities.
PROGRAM DETAILS
The program address three main topics:
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Leadership and Management in Jewish communities
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Community development
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Jewish content and context
Program Details:
The Kaplan Leadership Initiative program consists of the following components:
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Three in-person seminars over the course of a year (mandatory)
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2 webinars on related topics throughout the year (mandatory)
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Jewish learning in virtual study pairs “chavruta” (optional)
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One-to-one Topic-Based Coaching (3-5 sessions)
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English lessons
The seminars are intensive and experiential, offering a dynamic blend of theory, values exploration, and practical skills. Grounded in Jewish context to enhance your learning and empower you to take meaningful action within your organizations and communities.
The detailed program will be provided to successful candidates in advance of each seminar.
Dates of the seminars:
Seminar 1: 18-22 October 2026 [Regional, Israel]
Seminar 2: 7-11 February 2027 [Regional, Eastern Europe]
Seminar 3: 23-29 May 2027 [Global, Western Europe]
Global Webinars:
Dates to be announced
Specific locations will be provided to the selected participants in 2026.
LEARNING METHODS
How will we learn?
Seminars are interactive and participatory, requiring full involvement of all participants, with a wide range of methods and approaches, including, for example:
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Keynote speakers
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Small group discussions
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Exercises for personal and group reflection
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Jewish and other text work
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Case studies and role plays
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Small group project/lab work with presentations to the whole group
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Site visits
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Group building activities
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Skills training and practice
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Some sessions will offer a choice of topic/skills
Language
The seminars in the FSU will be conducted in English and in Russian, simultaneous translation from English to Russian will be provided in case of need.
Kaplan Leadership Initiative will provide a limited number of hours for English lessons, for those who may need it.
It is preferable to have a good level of English in order to fully participate in and benefit from the program. Regional seminars will be conducted in Russian and English, while the Global Seminar will be held in English.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
What will I gain from the program?
The Kaplan Leadership Initiative is designed to support your growth as a Jewish community professional and leader. Through the program, participants gain:
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Leadership skills and practical tools to strengthen their everyday work and create meaningful impact in their communities.
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A deeper understanding of Jewish leadership and the ability to navigate change, inspire others, and lead with purpose.
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Professional and personal growth through reflection on values, strengths, challenges, and areas for development.
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A global network of peers from Jewish communities across the Former Soviet Union, Europe, and Latin America, creating opportunities for collaboration, support, and shared learning.
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A stronger connection to Jewish communal work and a clearer sense of how to contribute to the future of Jewish life.
ELIGIBILITY
If the following criteria apply to you, you are eligible to apply for Cohort V of the Kaplan Leadership Initiative:
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Location: Live and work in one of the following regions: Ukraine, Moldova, Central Asia or the Caucasus countries.
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Professional Role: Be currently employed at least half-time in a professional position within the Jewish community or organization.
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Relevant Experience: Hold a role that includes planning and delivering activities within a Jewish communal framework, such as a JCC, Jewish school, synagogue, educational program, Jewish media, Hesed, JDC, Hillel, or other Jewish organizations.
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Leadership Background: Have at least 2 years of leadership experience and a minimum of 4 years of involvement as a community activist.
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Commitment to the Field: Have an intention to continue work in and for the Jewish community for at least 3 years.
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Travel Availability: The ability to travel abroad is required.
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Professional Achievement: Show evidence of professional accomplishment, including recommendations from your current place of work.
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Motivation for Growth: Be personally motivated to develop professionally in the areas of Jewish literacy, community development, and leadership.
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Program Language: It is preferable to have a good level of English in order to fully participate in and benefit from the program. Regional seminars will be conducted in Russian and English, while the Global Seminar will be held in English. (Translation is provided during the program, and English language support is available for those who wish to improve their skills.)
If you are uncertain whether your role fits our criteria, feel free to reach out to us at: kaplanleadership@jdc.org
If you meet the eligibility requirements and want to grow your potential through this program, we’d love you to apply!
Kaplan Leadership Initiative is a competitive program. You will be interviewed and must submit two professional recommendations.
The recommendation should be filled in a form.
Please be aware that Kaplan team representative will contact the recommender as a part of the screening process.
Applications start on May 20th, 2026, and close on June 24, 2026. Interviews will be held in July 2026.
For more information or to have a conversation with us, please contact kaplanleadership@jdc.org
COST
The Kaplan Leadership Initiative will cover the costs of the seminar program, flights, double room accommodation, and full-board kosher meals during the in-person seminars.
The cost for each participant is 120$ for the entire program.
The sum should be paid by the participant / participant’s organization.
Participants will be required to cover their own insurance, visa expenses, and transport to and from airports in home country.