Five Qualities of Successful Religious Leaders

Publication Date: May 2002

Publisher: National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (U.S.)

Author(s): Tsvi Blanchard

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Leadership; Values; Diversity; Community Formation

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author presents five qualities of successful Jewish religious leaders, based on interviews with leaders of different denominations: (1) Religious leaders honor personal integrity; (2) Religious leaders are not afraid of imprecision; (3) Religious leaders are willing to take unpopular stands and to advocate on behalf of unpopular positions; (4) Religious leaders are committed to serious Torah study and scholarship--both for themselves and for their communities; and (5) Religious leaders lead through vital personal relationships.