ChampionsGate VII Overview

We are eagerly planning ChampionsGate VII and look forward to a successful and energizing conference yet again. This year’s theme is Shmittah, and our conversations will focus on renewal and rejuvenation for the vital leadership group that makes up the conference. Incorporating expertise in community leadership with the best of the field in positive psychology, we want to best empower you to empower your communities. Our goal is to tailor our sessions to address the most pressing challenges of Modern Orthodox leadership, serving you as our constituents as you serve yours.

ChampionsGate VII Program Highlights

This year, ChampionsGate will - once again - convene four hundred leaders from nearly one hundred communities across North America, representing a core cadre of prominent and prolific thinkers and doers in the Jewish community. In our seventh year, ChampionsGate will focus on the theme of “Shemittah: Reflection, Celebration, Renewal.”  

From the opening plenary to leadership forums and an uplifting Shabbat experience, the program has been designed to reflect upon the challenges of leadership, celebrate our past accomplishments and successes, and emerge with a renewed sense of commitment to our mission as community leaders. 

New Venue  

Much of what ChampionsGate has become over the past six years is due to Yeshiva University Trustee Ira and Mindy Mitzner’s commitment, partnership and vision. This year, we continue to benefit from their generosity as the conference moves to their new and magnificent facility, the Hilton Orlando. We are confident that this new venue will help craft a sacred space for creativity, networking, shared learning and spirituality that we will experience together. 

Opening Plenary with Dr. Tal Ben Shahar 

Opening with the theme of renewal and rejuvenation, this interactive plenary will feature Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, internationally renowned expert in the fields of positive psychology and leadership. Ben-Shahar, author of two best-sellers and former professor of the largest course at Harvard University, will set the tone for the conference, focusing on issues including strengths-based- leadership, stress management, and the science of happiness.

Leadership Forums, Workshops and Personal Consultations
Building on the energy and momentum from the opening plenary, leadership forums will address key topics including: Work-Life Balance, Board Renewal, Recalibrating your Organization and Inspiring Change. Additional learning will be available through workshops and consultations, including topics such as Trends in Philanthropy, Jewish Personnel Searches and Financial Sustainability of our Organizations.

Exciting Speakers
Top Yeshiva University scholars and teachers will headline the conference, informing and educating while giving a complete picture of the remarkable institution that is Yeshiva University. Presenters include President Richard M. Joel, Rabbi Saul Berman, Rabbi Kenneth Brander, Dr. David Pelcovitz, Mrs. Nechama Price, Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, Dr. David Shatz, Rabbi Eli Baruch Shulman and Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik.

Shabbat
A hallmark of ChampionsGate, Shabbat provides the opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation through Torah classes, inspirational tefillot, and singing with Chazzan Shimon Craimer and members of the YU Maccabeats and YSTUD A-Cappella Groups.

Community
In addition to sessions, meals, learning times, uniquely inspiring Shabbat experience, continuing legal education seminars, and so much more, we will also have the opportunity to network with participants and conference presenters, anywhere from the dining room to the lazy river. These invaluable interactions create and strengthen collaborative partnerships that uniquely define our ChampionsGate Community of Community Leaders. As always, we welcome your questions feedback, and look forward to greeting you personally on August 2nd in Orlando.

Past ChampionsGate Programs

ChampionsGate VI

  Leadership Forums  

  Workshops 

  Personal Consultations 

Pre-Conference Readings 

   Making Leadership Happen  

   Functional and Visionary Congregations  

   Relationships Through the Ages: Dating, Early Marriage & Beyond 

ChampionsGate VI Agenda

ChampionsGate V Agenda

Previous Agendas

(click to open in viewer)