Leadership Development Institute

Note: The 5787 Rabbi Joel S. Geffen Leadership Development Institute  (LDI) will be held at the Pearlstone Center in Reistertown, MD from Thursday January 28, 2027 to Sunday January 31, 2027.

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, but we also know that leadership must be cultivated, developed and supported. 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) with that mission. Once each year, we bring together regional leaders and a handful of emerging leaders from each of our regions – as well as younger men from the next generation of FJMC – for a long Shabbaton weekend of fun, spirituality, education, and leadership development to strengthen the skills of the participants, to share great ideas, and to build the deep relationships for which FJMC is known.

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 in Reisterstown, MD, outside of Baltimore, in the late fall or winter of each year. LDI 5787 is planned for January 28-31, 2027.

You may find photos taken at the 2026 LDI here and at the 2025 LDI at this link.

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