Leadership Development Institute

FJMC Foundation for Jewish Life

Rabbi Joel S. Geffen Leadership Development Institute

Note: The 5786 Rabbi Joel S. Geffen Leadership Development Institute  (LDI) will be held at the Pearlstone Center in Reistertown, MD from Thursday January 29, 2026 to Sunday February 1, 2026.

An organization is only as good as its leadership.  The FJMC values the hard work and dedication that it takes to run our clubs, regions, and international organization.  Over 25 years ago, Norm Kurtz and Dr. Burton Fischman, z’l, developed the FJMC Foundation for Jewish Life Rabbi Joel S. Geffen Leadership Development Institute (LDI). Once each year, we bring together regional leaders and a handful of emerging leaders from each of our regions for a long weekend of fun, educational and leadership development sessions, to strengthen the skills of the participants, to share great ideas, and to build friendships.

At LDI you will:

• Develop and improve your leadership skills
• Learn innovative ideas about programming and ritual that you can bring back to your regions, clubs, and synagogues
• Build lifelong friendships and become part of a community of Jewish men around the world.
• Understand the leadership impact that the FJMC and Men’s Clubs have on both the local and worldwide Jewish communities.
• Learn to create and innovate when faced with the challenges shared by clubs and regions across the globe
• Have a great time, and
• Make a difference in the Jewish community and the larger community as well.

LDI is typically held at Pearlstone Retreat Center, Reisterstown, MD outside of Baltimore the late fall or winter of each year. LDI 5786 is planned for January 29 – February 1, 2026.

You may find photos taken at recent LDI’s at this link.

If you are interested in attending the next LDI, please contact your Regional President. Spaces are limited.