Leadership Development Program

Staff – Kate McDonald

2026 Co-Chairs – Rebecca King and Justin Myrowitz

The Baltimore Jewish Council’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a unique opportunity for early- and mid-career Jewish professionals to engage with and learn from Jewish leaders from the BJC, The Associated, and beyond. At each monthly session throughout the calendar year, participants will learn about the wide reach of the BJC’s work and partnerships through interactive presentations, small group discussions, and visits to some of our community partners such as WBAL-TV and Baltimore City Police. Participants will gain experience in advocacy, develop an understanding of inter- and intra-community relations in Baltimore, and build meaningful relationships with others who have a passion for Jewish civil engagement and social justice.

Jewish individuals of diverse backgrounds, ages, and interests are encouraged to apply.

LDP seeks Jewish young professionals who:

• Demonstrate a desire to grow as Jewish leaders and use their strengths to shape Jewish Baltimore.
• Show a willingness to learn from others from different backgrounds and perspectives and a commitment to open and respectful dialogue.
• Show interest in government relations, community relations and public affairs and how these topics affect the future of our Jewish community.
• Are willing to commit the time and energy required to complete the program, including participation in and attendance at monthly program meetings and additional community events, such as the Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration.
• Are interested in, upon completion of the program, seeking leadership roles within the BJC, The Associated or elsewhere in the Jewish or greater community.

For more information, please contact Kate McDonald at kmcdonald@baltjc.org or (410) 215-7268 

Read what past participants thought of LDP:

LDP was an extremely valuable program in helping guide my next steps in volunteering in Jewish Baltimore.  It gave me insight into all areas of the BJC and allowed me to proceed with my passions within the organization.  LDP also allowed me to form a community within Jewish Baltimore because our group was comprised of people from diverse religious backgrounds.  – Rebecca King (2024)

I thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the LDP cohort this past year. I met other aspiring leaders in the Jewish community, who I would not have met otherwise. I met with current community leaders, police staff, newscasters, and others- which were simply experiences that I will never forget. Not only do I feel more prepared to step into a leadership role for our Baltimore Jewish community, but I am looking forward to seeing my new friends in leadership roles too. – Justin Myrowitz (2024)

LDP offers a unique peek behind the curtain of Jewish advocacy in Baltimore. The tastefully selected presentations broadened my perspective and developed a previously undiscovered passion for community service. A true highlight was the honest and difficult yet respectful conversations with the diverse viewpoints in the group. – Anonymous Participant (2024)

The BJC LDP was hands down the best of its kind. Not only did I learn a lot about the community we live in but I was able to network with others in the community. I will definitely be recommending the LDP to potential leaders in our community. – Dan Berkovitz (2024), Commander Post 167 Jewish War Veterans of the USA