August Executive Director Address
Greetings Union Friends,
Writing in the aftermath of this year’s summer conference, I must admit it feels like coming down off quite a high. We had double the kids registered for Camp Union this year and our Ashreinu School has grown almost 6-fold since launching two years ago. When I commended Debra Pardo-Kaplan for the 240 women in the Union Sisterhood, she wouldn’t have it. She retorted: we have hundreds more who haven’t yet signed up. What can I say? I love it.
Another highlight revealed at the conference is the news of Ben and Mara Weissman’s taking the helm at Beth Messiah Congregation, in Rockville Maryland. Once upon a time, Beth Messiah was the flagship of our navy. Through time and circumstance, her best days seem to have receded into the rear-view mirror—living principally in memory. Well, there’s a new day dawning. A Messianic power couple is coming to town in September 2025 and I am so excited!
With this, I’d like to focus on an initiative that is near and dear to all of our hearts: empowering new leaders and planting new communities. There are three next-generation leaders on the Union Executive Committee: David Tokajer, Rabbi Jude Caracelo and Matt Absolon. Under their direction and the hospitality of Baruch HaShem Messianic Synagogue in Dallas, Texas, we’re hosting a three-day conference, centered on launching and equipping new communities.
Rooted and Rising will be a gathering for next generation, start-up congregational leaders. It is designed around the needs and interests of those aspiring to take the lead and pioneer new works and will be held October 19-22. Registration coming soon!
At Summer Conference, Boaz Michael with First Fruits of Zion addressed the Delegates as well as the Steering Committee. There are a number of FFOZ Torah Club communities with an interest in becoming actual congregations. As this is not something FFOZ has the infrastructure for, Boaz was curious if there was room in the Union for those communities. We’re making room. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am by the spirit of cooperation and unity between our respective ministries.
I invite anyone and everyone interested in beginning a new community to reach out to me at jeffreyseif@umjc.org and tell me your story. I believe the younger generation of Messianic associates is looking for the kind of cooperation and unity being showcased with this. Many blessings to Boaz and the FFOZ team!
Not now—but in very short order—I will be asking every single one of the 4000 people on our email list to post a piece on all their social networks that speaks to, for and about the Union. Our enhanced Friends of the Union program will, with all else, help usher in the next iteration of the Union, one I call UMJC 2.0. Keep on the lookout. Much more to come.
If you’re not inclined to be a new, “next gen” leader we’re fine with that. But please speak to someone whom you think might be. Have them reach out to me at jeffreyseif@umjc.org to get the conversation going and encourage them to register for Rooted and Rising when the time comes. The conference is right after the coming High Holidays, and we want to make the necessary preparations. The Union will assist with registration costs. They may need help from their local community and friends with travel and accommodations.
Like to hear more? Check out this brief video clip.
Yours,
Dr. Jeffrey Seif
Executive Director
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations