Leadership Development

National Young Leadership Cabinet

Founded in 1963, National Young Leadership Cabinet is Jewish Federations of North America's (JFNA) premier young leadership development program — a five-year journey that develops promising volunteers ages 30–40 for future community leadership.

With more than 400 current members and 4,200 alumni across North America, Cabinet members receive personalized training and networking with peers nationwide, building lifelong connections that can mobilize collective action for the global Jewish community.

Membership

• Ages 30–40 in the application year
• A minimum annual gift of $5,000 to Federation
• A demonstrated interest and passion for community leadership
• An eagerness for future growth

Candidates are nominated by a Federation professional, complete an application sharing their interest in the program, and interview. Acceptance is on a rolling basis from March through June.

What the program includes

• Summer retreat — a 5–6 day experience with the annual campaign caucus
• International mission — an immersive annual opportunity abroad
• Domestic missions — advocacy in Washington, D.C., civil-rights learning in Alabama, and other regional experiences
• Distance learning — year-round virtual education
• Mentorship — connection with 4,000+ alumni across 195 communities
• Applied local leadership — putting learning into practice throughout the five years

Applications

Applications for new members are open each year from March through June.

The Leadership Circle

A program of the Center for Jewish Leadership at Jewish Federation of San Diego.

Leadership Circle is a platform for curated leadership convenings that brings together alumni of Federation leadership programs, board and philanthropic leaders, and other engaged community members who are navigating complex questions of leadership, values, and impact.

It creates space for thoughtful conversation around the issues shaping Jewish life in our community, designed for leaders who are already guiding organizations, initiatives, and networks and who value continued growth alongside peers. Leadership Circle is not a course or a cohort; it is an ongoing space where leaders come together to think deeply, wrestle with complex questions, and grow as leaders in community.

What to expect

• Substance, not soundbites — deep engagement with big ideas through Jewish text, lived experience, and facilitated discussion.
• Pluralism in practice — exposure to diverse perspectives in a values-based, respectful learning environment.
• Meaningful connection — the opportunity to build relationships with other leaders navigating similar communal challenges.
• Renewal and inspiration — space to pause, reflect, and return to leadership roles with clarity and energy.