2026 Congregational Leaders Workshop

2026 Congregational Leaders Workshop

February 3 - 5, 2026

This workshop will bring together clergy and other religious leaders in North America from a range of 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 in order to gain a deeper understanding of how and why the Holocaust happened, as well as how Jews, Christians, and others approach the memory of the Holocaust differently. 

Format

The workshop will be held for three days from Tuesday, February 3 to Thursday, February 5, 2024 at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum with an opening dinner on Monday, February 2. 

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. 

Application Details

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

• How 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 interreligious dialogue. 

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

Applications must be received in electronic form by December 1, 2025.

For more information or inquiries, please contact Dr. Kathryn Julian, Program Officer: 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 duration of the seminar. All participants will also be provided $250 to defray the cost of meals and incidentals. 

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