On September 10th, more than 60 professionals, non-Jewish and Jewish individuals alike, gathered at San Diego State University’s Hillel to nosh, network, and learn. The breakfast served as the inaugural event of San Diego’s JPro, which seeks to empower San Diego Jewish communal professionals with innovative ideas and best practices. The event facilitated a discussion on planning a successful career in the San Diego Jewish Community, and is one of many breakfast series to come. The session was moderated by Rabbi Philip Graubart of Congregation Beth El in La Jolla and featured Keri Copans, Director of Hillel in San Diego, Chaim Heller, Head of the San Diego Jewish Academy, and Charlene Seidle, Executive Vice President of the Leichtag Foundation as members of the discussion panel.

 

A handful of best practices, tactics, suggestions, and anecdotes were shared. A reoccurring topic was the responsibility to serve as leaders, putting our causes, organizations and institutes before our personal interests. The panel also emphasized the importance of networking and building professional connections regardless of religion or affiliation. 

 

“It’s not good to be alone,” remarked Chaim Heller, Head of School at the San Diego Jewish Community, “Every professional needs a personal board to turn to for help, a conscience collegiality.” 

 

Following the panel discussion attendees broke up into four discussion circles. The topics included: mentorship, continuing education (formal and informal), cultivating leaders, and retention of professionals in the sector. Everyone was encouraged to build their networks, provide feedback and suggest future topics to the JPro committee. 

 

The Second JPro event, “Transition and A Case Study of Leadership Succession” will take place at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center on November 11th. To learn more about JPro and future events visit their Facebook page.