Leadership Spotlight: Michelle Ostroff, Future President of Temple Isaiah
In the heart of the vibrant Temple Isaiah community, Michelle Ostroff is not just a congregant; she is a dynamic leader seamlessly blending her professional expertise and personal values to strengthen the synagogue’s foundations. As the next in line to become President, Michelle’s journey into leadership is a testament to her commitment to Jewish values and community building.
A Journey Rooted in Community and Values
Michelle’s entrance into leadership began as the Vice President of Ritual Practice on the Executive Board. Her 15-year membership at Temple Isaiah, coupled with her role as the former Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Howard County, allowed her to deepen her involvement in synagogue life. Donna Kasoff, the outgoing President, in recognizing Michelle’s capabilities, encouraged her, stating, “You ‘know your stuff,’ this would be a great role for you.” After completing the Acharai Fellows Program, Michelle is set to assume the presidency on July 1, 2024.
Evolution of Leadership in the Jewish World
For Michelle, being a Jewish leader is more than a position; it’s a reflection of living her Jewish values. Over time, her leadership journey evolved into an extension of her identity, a way to express and embody her Jewishness.
Current Challenges and Strategies
While embracing the dual roles of volunteer and professional, Michelle grapples with the challenge of being “on” all the time. Balancing her commitments to both the Associated as a professional, and the synagogue as a lay leader, she emphasizes the need to represent herself authentically in all spaces.
Within the synagogue, Michelle addresses the challenge of broadening engagement and fostering investment beyond traditional activities. Her extroverted nature becomes a strength as she emphasizes the importance of personal relationships, cultural experiences, and educational opportunities to create meaningful connections within the community.
Setting the Stage for Success
Michelle believes in clear roles and responsibilities for everyone, insisting on orientations for board members. Recognizing the ease of neglecting responsibilities in volunteer roles, she ensures that each member understands their contribution to the community.
Reflecting on Leadership and Life Lessons
For Michelle, the key to leadership is creating an environment that inspires people. She advocates for positivity and inspiration, quoting Antoine de Saint-Exupéry “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea Her leadership philosophy centers on engaging people positively and leading by example.
Life Beyond Leadership
Michelle finds balance by waking up earlier to dedicate time to herself. While prioritizing certain activities like her midweek yoga class, she acknowledges the challenge of balancing the demands of the presidency with personal time.
Michelle draws inspiration from authors like Brene Brown and Adam Grant, valuing insights on leadership and teamwork. Currently, she looks forward to reading “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin for fun, and “Born to Raise” by Jerold Panas.
Outside the walls of Temple Isaiah, Michelle unwinds by spending time outdoors walking her dog, gardening, and immersing herself in nature.
Motivations and Aspirations
Michelle’s enthusiasm stems from her love for colleagues at work and the anticipation of stepping into the presidency at Temple Isaiah. She envisions creating a Jewish heritage trip for the synagogue during her tenure, providing congregants with an opportunity to explore Jewish life beyond the U.S. and Israel.
In essence, Michelle Ostroff’s leadership journey is an inspiring testament to the power of blending personal values with professional roles, and creating a vibrant and inclusive community at Temple Isaiah. As she steps into the presidency, her positive and inspirational approach promises to guide the community towards a future rooted in shared values and a deep sense of belonging.