January 24, 2025
When I think about what makes a vibrant Jewish community, one word I keep coming back to is leadership. Leadership that is curious, compassionate, and courageous. Leadership that guides us through challenges, uncovers new opportunities, and transforms Jewish life.
That’s why I am so proud of the Francine R. Loeb Leadership Institute, a program we announced this past October, building on its predecessor, the Courageous Leadership Incubator. Thanks to a visionary gift from the Loeb family, this institute will ensure our commitment to leadership development continues in perpetuity.
This program is designed to prepare and empower the next generation of Jewish leaders in the Seattle area. Over the course of a year, Loeb Leadership Fellows will gain hands-on experience serving on a local Jewish organization’s board, work 1:1 with coaches and mentors, and participate in dynamic workshops and retreats—all with the goal of building a strong personal foundation and shared network for Jewish leadership.
We’re looking for individuals aged 28–42 who are ready to deepen their involvement in Jewish communal life and make a meaningful impact. The deadline to apply or nominate someone is February 28.
We are at the point in our yearly cycle of Torah readings where Moses — one of our foremost leaders — is called to leadership. When God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, Moses responds that he is not a man of words and is slow of speech, and asks if there is someone else to send to talk to Pharoah. God responded, pushing Moses to lead, and agreeing to send his brother, Aaron, with him.
I can’t help but think about Moses’ rise to leadership when I think about the Loeb Leadership Institute. Just like Moses, we don’t always get to choose the time we lead in, sometimes we are called to it. And, just like Moses, we may not feel ready or able to lead or to lead alone, but there are always people by our side ready to lead with us.
That’s what this program offers — the chance to step into leadership and to be surrounded by others supporting you. We are living in difficult times as Jews, but if ever there was a moment calling for leadership it is now. If you are on the fence about whether this program is right for you or someone you know, I hope you will treat the moment we are living in as a burning bush moment and that you answer the call and consider applying to join us.
I look forward to seeing how our Fellows will strengthen the fabric of Jewish Seattle for generations to come.
Solly Kane, President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
