[by Niki King, Public Relations Specialist]
Ever wonder what Louisville’s Jewish community can be for you? Or what you can be for the community? Here’s your chance.
LEADS (Leadership Education and Development Series) is a free, three-session program that offers adults in their 20’s to 40’s educational and social experiences to acquaint them with local Jewish services and leadership opportunities.
The program is back after a several-year hiatus and Bob Bornstein will chair it. Tzivia Levin Kalmes, development director of the JCL, said Bob Bornstein will make a great leader. He’s friendly, relates well to others and is familiar with the Louisville Jewish community.
The 41-year-old attorney practices law with his father at Bornstein & Bornstein, is a life-long Louisvillian and is an active member of Congregation Adath Jeshurun. He and his wife, Shifrah, have to sons, David, 10 and Jonathan, 6, both of whom attend LBSY Hebrew School.
Bornstein said he was excited to work with other young people and help them find ways to volunteer, get involved and learn about what Louisville was like for Jews of their grandparent’s generation and how it works today.
“I’m happy to help,” he said.
Bornstein said LEADS is perfect for newcomers to the city and those who just want to become more involved.
“We want people to have fun and I think they will,” Bornstein said.
Participants will enjoy Shabbat dinner at 6:30 p.m. December 19 at the home of Karen Abrams, Jewish Community of Louisville Board president. They’ll also learn a little bit about Jewish Louisville through an interactive game.
In January, the group will go back and explore old Jewish Louisville through a virtual tour led by Sonny Meyer of Herman Meyer & Son.
The series will conclude with a workshop about the Jewish perspective on giving tzedakah and how to make tough decisions when faced with many pressing needs. Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport of The Temple will lead this discussion on February 23 at 6 p.m. at The Temple.
Bornstein said the experience will give participants insight into what it’s like to make tough funding decisions, not unlike what the Jewish Community of Louisville must do annually.
LEADS participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy to attend the Jewish Federation of North America’s Tribefest conference in New Orleans March 16-18. Kalmes said Tribefest is a great way to connect with other young adults and learn about issues facing the Jewish community in an exciting location.
Kalmes said this year seemed the right time to offer the LEADS series again, as there are a number of newcomers to the community and there are lots of ways for volunteers to get involved.