ACHARAI Fellows Program
The ACHARAI Fellows Program (AFP) is a premier leadership development experience for next-in-line Board Presidents of Jewish nonprofit organizations in Baltimore. AFP prepares leaders to step into the presidency with the skills and confidence to lead effectively, while building strong peer relationships and grounding their leadership in a meaningful Jewish lens.
Applications are now open! Nominations and Applications are due by June 15, 2026
Immersive Leadership Experience for Top Leaders
The ACHARAI Fellows Program (AFP) is a personalized leadership development journey for leaders who are next in line to become President of the Board of any Jewish non-profit in the greater Baltimore area. For eight months, approximately 18-20 fellows learn leadership theory, discover inspiring Jewish texts, participate in transformative leadership coaching, network with top leaders in our Jewish community, and discuss the diverse challenges of today’s Jewish leaders.
Highly qualified leaders are selected through a competitive application and interview process. Candidates must be nominated by their Executive Director, Rabbi, or current Board President, and both the nominator and candidate are required to complete separate applications.
Tuition for the ACHARAI Fellows Program is $1,800 – This includes all classes, retreats, three leadership coaching sessions, a leadership assessment tool, and class materials. Tuition may be covered by the organization, the participant, or shared between both.
We do not want the cost of AFP to deter anyone eligible from applying so, if you or your organization need financial assistance, please let us know.
For more information, contact Naami Schorr nschorr@naalehbaltimore.org
Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026
AFP prepares leaders to step into the presidency with the skills and confidence to lead effectively, while building strong peer relationships and grounding their leadership in a meaningful Jewish lens.
“ACHARAI has completely changed the way I see my leadership, starting with the concept of leader, not a role but a series of behaviors that can be practiced from any chair at the table.”
MELISSA CORDISH, Class V, The Associated
“ACHARAI gives you the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other, share current challenges and offer advice to one another. This experience continues to be both enlightening to me and meaningful support as well.”
AVI GREENLINGER, Class I, Shomrei Emunah Congregation
“The lessons we have learned from our instructors and one another at ACHARAI have impacted my leadership, infiltrated my personal and professional relationships, and transformed my outlook and attitude. I have learned so much from powerful and intense coaching sessions, the thought-provoking and supportive peer groups, and the oral acrobats of giving a D’var Torah and organization presentation.”
LIZ MINKIN FRIEDMAN, Class V, DFI
“Through ACHARAI’s leadership, case study, and peer-to-peer relationship, it has given me the tools and confidence to turn challenges into opportunities and to understand and appreciate the importance of collective thought and dialogue in reaching the organization’s goals.”
FRED HEYMAN, Class V, Capital Camps
“The ACHARAI program has touched Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC) in so many meaningful ways. Karen M. Singer, past chair of JVC and participant in ACHARAI Cohort VI noted, “I so enjoyed meeting other Jewish leaders who are serving Associated agencies and programs, synagogues and other community initiatives. ACHARAI helped me to quickly form a robust network of committed civic leaders (and new friends) to brainstorm initiatives, communication techniques and best practices—trusted confidants who are traveling similar paths, aspiring to assure that each of their respective organizations are meeting and exceeding their Jewish missions and visions.”
ASHLEY PRESSMAN, Executive Director, Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC)
“The core premise of Acharai is that Jewish leadership is based on Jewish learning. Learning that begins with a focus on self-growth within the framework of a community mindset. Learning that nurtures participants to explore who they are as they self-craft their leadership story and journey ahead. Learning that is built upon the beauty of our rich heritage; translating ancient texts into modern tools that are both practical and meaningful.”
Ari Israel, ACHARAI Faculty
Our Alumni
ACHARAI is incredibly proud of its over 160 alumni and the leadership they bring to the greater Baltimore Jewish community.
They are the top leaders across the community’s spectrum of organizations and have a shared language they use to mobilize and inspire others.
Alumni could be president of a synagogue, agency, day school board, and camp or may have founded a new organization to serve specific unmet needs in the community. You will often find alumni serving on boards of organizations they have connected with because of the peers they met in ACHARAI.
While alumni of ACHARAI represent our diverse community, they share important values of collaboration, willingness to try new ways of doing things, and a dedication to continuous learning. The alumni network becomes an important part of the rhythm of their leadership experiences and encourages possible partnerships between organizations. They lead with the characteristics of great leaders that have come before them: courage, humility, faith, and hope.
