25th cohort of the Adam Science leadership programme celebrates graduation

Lead, the leadership development division of the Jewish Leadership Council, has celebrated the graduation of the latest cohort of the Adam Science leadership programme, marking another milestone for the Jewish community’s longest-running leadership development initiative.

Established in 1993 in memory of communal leader Adam Science, the initiative has supported emerging professional and lay leaders in the Jewish community for more than three decades.

Now celebrating its 25th cohort, the ASLP is designed to build participants’ confidence, self-awareness and leadership practice over 12 months, bringing together professionals from across denominations, regions and organisations.

Among this year’s graduates were professionals from Norwood, the United Synagogue, UJIA, CST and Brighton and Hove Jewish Community Centre.

Led by programme director Nick Young alongside leadership consultant Michelle Janes, this year’s cohort took part in a blend of in-person and online development sessions exploring personal leadership, collaboration, and the opportunities and challenges of leading within the community. The graduation took place at at Chai Cancer Care in Hendon,

Young said: “Their passion, insight and commitment to the future of our community have been evident throughout, and it has been a privilege to bring them together and support them on their leadership journey.”

Sara Peacock, schools engagement worker at Jewish Women’s Aid, said: “The Adam Science Leadership Programme gave me the confidence to lead with purpose, helped me navigate sensitive conversations with greater empathy and understanding, and challenged me to think more deeply about my role within the Jewish community.”

Benji Garfield, services manager at Camp Simcha, added: “The programme has provided me the invaluable opportunity to grow, learn and develop from members of the cohort and senior Jewish communal leaders.”

The ceremony also welcomed Adam Science alumni, including JLC chief executive Claudia Mendoza, whilst David Israel, executive director of Sinai Synagogue, Leeds, a mentor to one of the new graduates and a member of the programme’s 1998 cohort, said: “Nearly thirty years after my graduation, it’s been wonderful to be reminded today of how integral it was in my Jewish community career. The connections I made during the programme, with participants and speakers last to this day.”

The newest graduates join an alumni network of more than three hundred, many of whom are amongst the Jewish community’s most prominent contributors.