By: Eric Roher, Temple President

The Scheidt Seminar was developed 25 years ago by the Union of Reform Judaism to train and develop Presidents of congregations and other leaders in the Reform movement.

Since 1998, the Scheidt Seminar has engaged over 1,700 congregational presidents. Funded through the generosity of the Scheidt family, the annual Scheidt seminar convenes congregational presidents to learn, network, build relationships and enhance leadership skills.  It serves as a springboard for learning throughout a president’s term. I attended the Scheidt Seminar in Dallas for four days from March 6, 2025, to March 10, 2025. I was joined by 90 other Temple presidents from across North America.

It was truly an exceptional experience. I found the sessions uplifting, relevant and engaging. Led by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the President of the URJ, we learned and studied from an incredibly impressive faculty of scholars, professionals and instructors from the U.S. and Canada.

Among other things, we learned how the concepts of vibrancy, belonging and intentional engagement are critical to congregational change and in creating equitable places of belonging. We learned about the importance of creating sacred partnerships with our fellow congregants, our amazing clergy and professional staff. Our sessions tackled some of the most significant challenges in congregations, such as cultivating new and diverse leadership, initiating change, and creating a culture of philanthropy.

The conference focused on insights and strategies to address the most pressing Jewish issues of today.  It was an opportunity to meet other Presidents from across North America, connect and build relationships to become more involved in the landscape of the URJ Network and the Reform Movement.

A highlight of the week was the Havdalah service led by the melodies, prayers and songs by Cantor Rosalie Will.  It was quite an uplifting and emotional experience having 90 Temple Presidents with our arms around each other, over candles, wine and spices, chanting prayers in harmony to celebrate the end of Shabbat.

Needless to say, I came home with a few program ideas to share with our Holy Blossom clergy, professional staff and Board members.

The Scheidt Seminar was an empowering and inspiring opportunity to share views and perspectives with leaders of the Reform Movement about how we move our congregations into the future.