2025 Congregational Leaders Workshop

2025 Congregational Leaders Workshop

February 24-27, 2025

The Holocaust raises profound questions about the roles, responsibilities, and experiences of religious communities. Why did so many Christians support Nazism and other fascist regimes? What can we learn from those who resisted or spoke out against the genocide of Europe’s Jews and the persecution and murder of other victims? How do we understand Jewish religious responses to persecution, mass murder, and displacement? And what impact has the legacy of the Holocaust had on theological reflection, interreligious relations, and congregational life for both Jews and Christians?

This workshop will bring together clergy and other religious leaders in North America from various religious perspectives to learn and reflect on these questions in the context of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Participants will have the opportunity to visit Museum exhibitions, learn about Museum resources, and hear from staff experts and guest speakers to gain a deeper understanding of how and why the Holocaust happened, as well as how Jews and Christians approach the memory of the Holocaust differently. 

Workshop Format

The workshop will be held at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum from Tuesday, February 24, to Thursday, February 27, 2024, with an opening dinner on Monday, February 23.

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from a variety of North American faith leaders, including but not limited to clergy, religious educators and professionals, chaplains, members of religious orders, and seminary students from any religious tradition or denominational affiliation who wish to learn more about the Holocaust. We welcome applications from 2-3 people from the same organization, as well as individuals. 

Applications from all qualified individuals will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status. 

The Museum is committed to cultivating and maintaining a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI). To learn more about the Museum’s commitment, view the Museum Statement on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (PDF).

Application Details

Applications must include a resume and a brief statement of interest. In your statement of interest, please specifically address: 

• How do you envision the workshop impacting your work 

• How your perspective and experiences will enhance the workshop discussions

• Any support or encouragement you have received from your organization regarding Holocaust education or Jewish-Christian relations

• Any prior experience with Holocaust education and/or post-Holocaust theology

Applications must be received electronically by December 23, 2024. 

For more information or inquiries, please contact Dr. Kathryn Julian, Program Officer, at kjulian@ushmm.org.

Travel and Lodging 

For non-local participants, the Mandel Center will cover the cost of (1) direct travel to and from the participant’s home institution and Washington, DC, and (2) lodging for the seminar duration. All participants will also be provided $250 to defray the cost of meals and incidentals. 

The Programs on Ethics, Religion, and the Holocaust are supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., the Hoffberger Family Foundation, and Joseph A. and Janeal Cannon and Family.