Harry Kay Leadership Institute
THE PROGRAM
To be a Jewish leader today requires more than a set of technical skills or organizational expertise. It requires situating oneself inside the ongoing Jewish story, rooted in tradition. It requires connections to fellow Jews, an understanding of the Jewish communal landscape, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Harry Kay Leadership Institute (HKLI) equips accomplished leaders to strengthen the organizations and communities they serve and contribute to a vibrant Jewish future. Through an immersive cohort experience, HKLI participants explore the intersection of personal leadership development, local communal responsibility, and global Jewish peoplehood, drawing on Jewish wisdom and contemporary leadership practices—while building the concrete skills and collaborative relationships needed to navigate Jewish life today, in the community and beyond.
THE SESSIONS
Cohort 12 will meet from April 2027 through October 2028 at Jewish organizations across the Twin Cities.
Through monthly sessions over eighteen months and several immersive Shabbatonim, participants embark on a leadership journey together—one that echoes the life of Moshe, the paradigmatic Jewish leader.
The HKLI journey begins with a first phase (Hineni) focused on the call to leadership: helping participants explore their own leadership stories, clarify their responsibilities as Jewish leaders, and situate themselves within the rich network of relationships, institutions, and traditions that comprise the Twin Cities Jewish community and the broader Jewish world. Building from that foundation, the second phase (BaMidbar) examines the challenges of guiding others in real time. Participants engage deeply with practical leadership frameworks, adaptive tools, and Jewish wisdom that equip them to navigate complexity, hold tension, strengthen organizations, and lead with integrity. The final phase (Mesorah) turns toward legacy, stewardship, and transmission. Participants explore the legacy and transmission of leadership, focusing on building strong teams and mentoring those who will follow.
THE MISSION TRIP & SHABBATONS
Two-thirds of the way through the program, the HKLI cohort travels together to Israel to deepen their understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities facing the Jewish people today, and to explore leadership in an Israeli context. Through encounters with diverse voices and communities, participants explore Israel's complexity, engage with civic and communal leaders, and strengthen their connection to Jewish peoplehood.
The Harry Kay Leadership Institute begins and concludes with immersive Shabbaton experiences. These retreats create space for participants to build the relationships, trust, and shared purpose that will sustain their leadership and connection to one another long after the program ends.
To be a Jewish leader today requires more than a set of technical skills or organizational expertise. It requires understanding oneself as part of an ongoing Jewish story, rooted in tradition. It requires connections to fellow Jews, and an ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The Harry Kay Leadership Institute (HKLI) equips accomplished leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen the organizations and communities they serve, and contribute to a vibrant Jewish future.