JTS Partners with Congregation Chevrei Tzedek to Expand Gladstein Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Lead

The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) is pleased to announce an important partnership with Congregation Chevrei Tzedek of Baltimore, Maryland as part of the Gladstein Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Leadership, a joint project between JTS and United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.  

The Gladstein Fellowship is designed to provide an intensive experience in practical rabbinics and community development for outstanding students studying for the rabbinate at JTS. It inspires entrepreneurial leadership in its rabbinic fellows, teaching them to listen critically, think boldly, craft a vision, overcome obstacles, and lead a community in achieving its goals. Students in the fourth and fifth years of the fellowship reside in one of two teaching congregations-Temple Israel Center in White Plains, New York, and Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel in Riverdale, New York-and serve as rabbinic leaders in a community poised to grow into its full potential. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Chevrei Tzedek,” said Ned Gladstein. “The congregation’s demonstration of shared personal support and level of Jewish engagement create an excellent environment in which our fellows can develop their professional and community building skills. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.” 

“Chevrei Tzedek are gracious hosts and think deeply and honestly about areas of success and challenge,” said Rabbi Lisa Gelber, associate dean of The Rabbinical School of JTS. “The knowledge and leadership-both spiritual and otherwise-that the Gladstein Fellowship fosters will serve the community well.”  

Rabbinical student Emily Barton will serve as the first Gladstein Fellow for Congregation Chevrei Tzedek. “My personal values and the values of Chevrei Tzedek are a great match,” Rabbi Barton said. “The congregation is committed to meeting people in the places they are in their lives without judgment, a value I also hold dear.”

“Emily Barton has not even officially begun, and she’s already energizing our community,” said Debbie Steinig, co-chair of the Chevrei Tzedek Rabbinic Search Committee and the newly-minted Gladstein Liaison Committee. “So many congregants turned out to participate in the Gladstein selection process. We were honored and delighted to receive the fellowship. The kavanah, music, and learning in the one Shabbat we’ve already shared with Rabbi Barton are just tastes of what’s to come.”