Graduate Fellowship Conference 2026:
Emotional Intelligence for Effective Jewish Leadership
One of the central responsibilities of Jewish leaders is to inspire meaningful change in individuals, organizations, and communities. But we also know that real and lasting change is not easy. With this in mind, the 2026 Graduate Fellowship conference will focus on Emotional Intelligence for Effective Jewish Leadership. This seminar will give Graduate Fellows tools to better understand themselves and others, and to strengthen their ability to guide sustained growth in the organizations they will lead and the communities they will serve.
Why Emotional Intelligence?
Today’s world is fast-moving and complex, and it calls for leaders who are resilient, adaptable, and able to build authentic relationships. Research shows that emotional intelligence (EQ) is the single strongest predictor of leadership success. More than professional expertise or cognitive ability, it is the ability to understand yourself, connect meaningfully with others, and navigate challenges with balance that distinguishes great leaders.
For Jewish professionals, these skills are not just helpful - they are essential. They shape how we teach, guide, organize, and inspire. In a time of rapid technological change, it is the deeply human qualities of empathy, collaboration, and trust-building that make leadership effective and enduring.
What Our Fellows Will Experience
During our time together, Graduate Fellows will take part in a dynamic mix of learning, practice, and reflection, including:
- Conceptual Foundations – Key frameworks for understanding EQ, the neuroscience of emotions, and the role of self-awareness in leadership.
- Personalized Assessment – A professional leadership style assessment with individualized feedback to identify strengths and areas for growth.
- Practical Skills Training – Workshops on active listening, storytelling, engaging in difficult conversations, giving and receiving feedback, and strategies for resilience.
- Jewish Leadership Journeys – Exploration of Jewish wisdom and personal narratives, with opportunities to share one's own story and learn from peers and communal leaders.
- Collaborative Learning – Coaching circles, group challenges, and experiential activities that bring learning to life and strengthen your cohort connections.
Launch of the Spring Practicum
The conference will also launch Peer Coaching Circles for the spring semester. These small groups will meet regularly to help fellows apply emotional intelligence to real-world challenges. The practicum will keep fellows' growth ongoing, while fostering accountability and deeper relationships with peers.
Our Shared Goals
By the conclusion of this immersive experience, fellows will leave with:
- A clear understanding of how EQ impacts leadership and wellbeing
- Practical strategies for managing emotions and collaborating effectively
- A personalized growth plan based on assessment and feedback
- Lasting tools and relationships to guide leadership journeys
The conference will be facilitated by Penina Grossberg, a seasoned Jewish educator and leadership consultant who has trained hundreds of emerging Jewish leaders. We are honored to welcome Prof. Richard Boyatzis of Case Western University - a leading scholar of emotional intelligence - as our keynote speaker. Prof. Boyatzis is also advising on the design of the seminar and the spring practicum.
This seminar is a milestone in the fellowship journey. It will challenge, support, and prepare Graduate Fellows to lead with greater strength, clarity, and compassion.
