Growing as a Leader: My NATA Journey

From throwing axes at the Mall of America to shaping the future of Jewish temple administration, my recent journey with NATA (National Association of Temple Administration) has been anything but ordinary. This past year has taken me from San Diego to Minneapolis to Arizona, each trip deepening my understanding of what it means to lead a vibrant Jewish congregation.

A Year of Leadership Growth

My NATA journey this year has included three significant milestones:

• Our annual conference in San Diego, where I connected with Executive Directors from across the country

• Being selected as one of just five participants in the prestigious Aspiring Leaders Program in Minneapolis

• Co-chairing and conducting a site visit in Arizona for our upcoming 2025 conference

Why This Matters for Temple Sinai

NATA has become more than just a professional organization to me - it's become a second family, right alongside our Temple Sinai community. The skills and insights I'm gaining through NATA directly strengthen our temple's operations and future planning. I'm deeply grateful for Temple Sinai's support in allowing me to take on these leadership roles.

About the Aspiring Leaders Program

For those curious about what this program entails, it's designed to build strong foundations for NATA's future leaders. The program focuses on:

Core Goals

• Developing leadership skills for specific roles within NATA

• Expanding participants' involvement in the organization

• Building a diverse, motivated pipeline of future leaders

Learning Journey

Participants gain comprehensive insights into:

• Volunteer engagement opportunities

• NATA's mission, vision, and operational structure

• Best practices in nonprofit leadership

• The path to serving on NATA's Board of Directors

Let’s Connect

I'd love to share more about how these experiences are helping shape Temple Sinai's future. Whether you're curious about temple administration, interested in leadership development, or just want to hear about the axe throwing (I promise there are pictures!), please reach out to me by email or stop by my office.