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Accreditation Training for Rabbis and Lay Leaders

Equip yourself to lead courageous conversations that strengthen your congregation

Overview:

01. Tools to Transform Your Congregation's Israel Conversations

Host "Israel argument" sessions for kids and adults while making thoughtful changes to public communications, such as newsletters that present opposing viewpoints on the same issue. You'll develop your own indicators of a healthy argument culture that reflects your community's values.

02. Confidence and Skills

Gain the confidence to run argument sessions and develop the skills to respond to arising conflicts using essential questions. Learn to talk about arguments from a deep Jewish perspective, incorporating texts and tradition in complex, meaningful ways that resonate with your congregation.

03. Board Leadership and Partnership

Ensure your lay leadership is bought in and supportive of your congregation's new approach. Your board member will be equipped to run argument sessions and partner with you to set up your congregational plan, serving as your ongoing accountability partner.

04. Sustainable Systems

Work together as a rabbi-lay leader team to create lasting change in your synagogue culture. You'll leave with a framework for ongoing collaboration, including a structured support to ensure successful implementation.

Two Formats to Choose From

Online Cohort

5 three-and-a-half hour zoom meetings

(Each meeting will have a 15-30 minute break.)

Dates

January 6
January 7
January 27
January 28
January 29

Time

10:00 am 1:30 pm Eastern

In-Person Retreat

2.5 days of deep learning and community-building.

Dates

March 15-17. 2026 (Chicago Area)

Workshop Details

Duration:

2.5 days

2.5 days in person  or 5 sessions online

Group Size:

20
participants

Location

In-person;

We’ll choose a location that’s most convenient for the cohort participants

Accommodations:

All meals and lodging included

Investment

Registration: $500 per participant

Cost of domestic flights and accommodations are covered by a generous grant from the Hayom Fund.

This session is for rabbis and one key lay leader from each participating synagogue. Together, you'll bring these tools back to your community and create a culture that welcomes meaningful, engaging arguments.

The investment includes all training, materials, accommodations, meals, and ongoing support.

Implementation Support:

Content & Resources

Receive stories, slide decks, and ready-to-use materials for your synagogue.

Financial Aid

Access to a micro-grant to help implement a healthy argument program.

Consulting

Consulting support from the FSA team.

"The FSA approach breaks down barriers in sensitive conversations. Learning tools to help people meaningfully engage, even when it's difficult, was both professionally and personally rewarding. These skills transfer beyond the workspace to all interpersonal relationships, helping me stay engaged in difficult discussions while remaining attuned to others' responses."

Matt R
Accreditation Training Alumni

Book this Retreat

Lead your community into bold conversations

Join a growing network of 60+ Jewish organizations and thousands of leaders who believe our communities can be stronger because of disagreement–not in spite of it.

Spots are limited.  
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until January 5th.

Start Your Application

This program is made possible through the generous support of the HaYom Fund.

Overview:

Two Formats to Choose From

Workshop Details

Implementation Support:

To Be Announced

Lead your community into bold conversations