Jewish boards don’t just manage—they make the calls that shape congregations, schools and in many cases, the direction of Jewish life. But how do new leaders learn to navigate the responsibilities—and politics—that come with a seat at the table? In St. Louis, more and more of them start with Levy Fellows.
The Legacy of Levy Fellows
The program was born from the vision of Mont Levy, a passionate advocate for strong Jewish governance who believed that effective leadership wasn’t something to hope for—it was something to prepare for.
“The strength of our volunteer community depended on strong leaders who received some formal training,” Levy told the Jewish Light in 2024. “Each cohort creates a network of leaders with shared experiences, fostering trust and collaboration. This network strengthens our community leadership, enabling members to easily connect and share ideas during community activities.”
While Levy didn’t personally establish the program, his dedication to building strong, connected leaders laid the groundwork for what the initiative has become.
How the program works
Today, Levy Fellows—created by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis—trains emerging leaders for meaningful board service across synagogues, schools, agencies and other Jewish institutions. Unlike traditional trainings, participants don’t enroll—they’re nominated by rabbis, executives, or board presidents who believe they’re ready for more.
“We’re supporting the core of Jewish life by investing in the people who govern it,” says Marci Mayer Eisen, Director of Leadership Initiatives at Federation. “And with Leslie Peters leading the training, the conversations are deep, focused, and real.”
Leslie Peters, author of “Finding Time to Lead” and a local consultant with over 25 years of experience in organizational development, strategic planning and leadership training, will lead the program.
What past participants say
“It helped me understand how to build a cohesive board while staying focused on the issues,” says David Kaiser, President-Elect at United Hebrew Congregation. “You’ve got to listen—really listen—before you lead.”
“It gave me a better sense of how to build board culture and use people’s strengths,” adds Jenny Hoffman-Mentle, VP of The St. Louis Jewish Community Center Board. “And it connected me with leaders I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
Creating a network
Fellows come from across the Jewish institutional landscape: congregations, day schools, advocacy groups, campus organizations and cultural agencies. That mix makes the conversations richer—and the learning broader.
“It showed me our challenges aren’t unique—and that we can learn from each other,” says Laura Whalen, now Chair of WashU Hillel. “Getting nominated by Jackie Levey, CEO, meant something. It said: you’re ready for this.”
“It was valuable to hear perspectives from people serving in such different organizations,” says Emilie Schaffer, who represented both Temple Israel and National Council of Jewish Women – St. Louis. “I left with insights I could bring back right away.”
“It gave me a sharper understanding of what board leadership actually looks like,” adds Shmuli Shulman, of Young Israel.
What supporters observe
Steve Rosenzweig, President & CEO of The J, is a strong supporter of the program, even though he hasn’t participated himself. “I’ve observed that participants learn how to ask better questions, not just go through the motions,” he says. “They learn roles and responsibilities and how to best partner with staff, especially the executive team.”
Alumni now leading
Alumni of Levy Fellows now hold leadership roles across the region—on synagogue boards, Federation committees and the governing bodies of schools and service organizations. Some were already on their way. Others say the program helped them take that next step.
“When the work is shared, board service doesn’t feel overwhelming—it feels meaningful,” says Amy Knoblock-Hahn, Board President at Temple Israel. “This program reminds you that you’re not in it alone.”
A stronger, more connected Jewish community
Levy Fellows doesn’t aim to create perfect board members. It aims to build connected, prepared and thoughtful ones—people who are ready to step into responsibility, represent their communities and do the work that Jewish life demands.
Because when boards shape the direction of Jewish St. Louis, who’s in the room—and how they lead—matters.
