Jewish Federation of St. Louis has begun the recruitment and selection process for the Wexner Heritage Program, a two-year program designed to develop and strengthen the skills of current and future Jewish community leaders. With the vision and support of Ron and Pam Rubin, 20 participants from St. Louis will gain a deeper understanding of Jewish history and peoplehood, and a strengthened commitment to the future of the Jewish community.

“We are grateful to Ron and Pam Rubin for their investment in our community through the Wexner Foundation,” said Federation President and CEO Andrew Rehfeld. “This nationally-acclaimed leadership development program connects with the overall strategy of Jewish Federation of St. Louis to engage and mobilize our community to enhance Jewish life.”

Local Jewish leaders are encouraged to nominate their top lay leadership for the institute, which begins in Summer 2015.  Candidates, ages 30 to 45, must be nominated to apply, with personal, professional and communal lives reflecting a history of leadership and commitment to the Jewish people. A final group of 20 is selected by the foundation through a rigorous process of nomination, written application and personal interviews.

The Wexner Heritage Program has been conducted in 31 communities throughout North America, with more than 1,500 alumni. The program works to expand the vision of Jewish volunteer leaders through intensive study of the history, thought and contemporary leadership challenges of the Jewish people. The faculty of professors, rabbis, professionals and civic leaders offer participants the opportunity gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Jewish leader.

Applications are due Oct. 31. For more information about the nomination process and program content, contact  Joan Wolchansky at [email protected] or 314-442-3760. To learn more about the foundation, visit wexnerfoundation.org.