
JOURNEY TO
A NEW RABBI
URJ TRANSITION ROAD MAP
Module 1 – Understanding Transition
Welcome to the Journey of Rabbinic Transition
Understanding Transition: An Introduction
Understanding Transition: Two Ways
Best Principles for Managing a Transition
About the Congregational Transition Team
Exercises and Resources for Step 1: Learning about Transition
Exercise: Transition ≠ Change
Exercise: In-Between Times and the Parable of the Trapeze
Exercise: Transition Means Stages
Module 2 – Planning and Discovery
Planning and Discovery: An Introduction
Characteristics of the Planning and Discovery Stage
The Five Steps of Planning and Discovery
Planning and Discovery, Step by Step
Jewish Texts on Planning and Discovery
Exercises and Resources for Step 2: Who Are We?
Exercise 1: World Café
Exercise 2: Focus Group Options
Exercises and Resources for Step 3: Where Do We Fit In?
Exercise 1: Synagogue Website Scan
Exercises and Resources for Step 4: Who Are We Becoming?
Exercise 1: World Café
Exercise 1: Uncovering and Challenging Our Assumptions
Resources for Step 5: How Will We Get There?
Module 3 – Saying Goodbye
Saying Goodbye: An Introduction
Highlights of Saying Goodbye
Characteristics of the Saying Goodbye Stage
Best Principles for Managing Transition in the Saying Goodbye Stage
Exercises and Resources for the Saying Goodbye Stage
Engagement Exercise: A Mosaic of Emotions
The Stages of Transition
Text Study: Moses Says Goodbye
Discussion Guide: Case Studies on Saying Goodbye
Three Case Studies on Saying Goodbye
Module 4 – Saying Hello
Saying Hello: An Introduction
Highlights of Saying Hello
Characteristics of the Saying Hello Stage
Best Principles for Managing Transition in the Saying Hello Stage
Exercises and Resources for the Saying Hello Stage
Engagement Exercise: Saying Hello through History Day
Exercise: Entering the Promised Land Isn’t Easy
Text Study: Torah Texts
Discussion Guide: Case Studies on Saying Hello
Three Case Studies on Saying Hello