Ritual Committees Without Conflict: Creating Healthy Structures for Worship Leadership
Ritual Committees Without Conflict: Creating Healthy Structures for Worship Leadership
Co-sponsored with the CCAR
With Rabbis Larry Hoffman, Rachel Steiner, and Jason Fenster
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
1:00–2:00 PM ET
Ritual committees can often be a source of tension—among clergy, committee members, and the wider congregation. Yet the important responsibility of shaping meaningful worship and ritual life remains. How can these committees function effectively, engaging the right people while minimizing conflict? Or, is the committee model itself even the best approach? Where should authority and decision-making reside? This session will be an open, honest conversation about the challenges and possibilities of ritual committees, offering practical insights to help communities navigate these questions with clarity and purpose.
Rabbi Larry Hoffman, PhD, taught at Hebrew Union College from 1973 until 2019. In 2003, he was named the first Barbara and Stephen Friedman Professor of Liturgy, Worship and Ritual. He taught classes in liturgy, ritual, spirituality, theology, and synagogue leadership. For almost forty years, he has combined research, teaching, and a passion for the spiritual renewal of North American Judaism.
Rabbi Rachel Steiner is senior Rabbi of Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
Rabbi Jason Fenster is rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, New York.