Jewish Community Professionals’ Conference returns to unite Jewish sector employees

The 2024 Jewish Community Professionals’ Conference brought together 120 professionals across 45 different organisations, at different levels of their career and working within the Jewish charity sector.

They came together for a full day conference on Wednesday 5th June at the Finchley United Synagogue, where participants focused on a host of topics including building emotional resilience and wellbeing during these incredibly challenging times. The purpose of this Conference was to provide participants with an opportunity for self-development, whilst meeting and connecting with fellow colleagues from across the community who can support one another.

JLC CEO, Claudia Mendoza noted the mood of this years’ conference was decidedly different after October 7th and the unprecedented rise in antisemitism but reminded the audience that “to pause

everything is to allow the hate to win. Something we must never do.”

Zoom Rockman; award-winning satirist, editorial cartoonist, puppet-maker, animator and director, gave an inspiring keynote address on how he has fostered resilience in his profession and the tools and techniques he has learnt. Addressing the participants on how he managed to stay resilient after October 7th, Zoom stated: “The week before I had met Ivor Perl BEM who was a Holocaust survivor.”

Participants were able to choose two breakout sessions that most resonate with them from the following: Building Emotional Resilience and Well-being, a CEO panel looking at Leading Through Challenging Times, Navigating the Multi-Generational Workplace, The Art of Connecting, How to Effectively Measure and Evaluate Your Impact, an Open Question Time, Navigating the Middle Management Compass and Speaking with Confidence.

A wide range of attendees joined on the day, with participants commenting:

“The JLC professional conference isn't just about gaining knowledge; it's about making an impact. Here, we connect, learn, and translate insights into tangible results for our communities.” - Stuart Diamond CEO at Mitzvah Day.

“Attending the JLC and Lead Jewish Community Professionals' Conference was an inspiring experience. I had the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, engage in meaningful conversations, and learn from industry leaders. The connections and knowledge I gained are invaluable, and I look forward to applying these insights in my professional and personal life." - Shosh Greenberg Director of Operations at Seed.

Laurence Rosenthal, Head of Programmes at the JLC and Lead said: “The JLC and Lead prides itself on following best practice and we were delighted to welcome sector experts from both inside and outside of the community to support with this year's conference, the largest one we have ever held! Considering the environment professionals are currently working in, this event provided a timely opportunity for participants to come together and discuss pressing issues and widen their networks. We are already looking forward to plan next year's event!”

Reflecting on the day, Zoom said: “I met so many interesting people and it was great to be able to show a clip from my forthcoming film and get so much support from the community.”