DEBBIE JOSEPH CONSULTING, INC | TESTIMONIALS
Debbie exceeds expectations. She is a talented, creative and energetic consultant who I have turned to time and again to help our organization through moments of change. As Executive Director, I turn to Debbie as a trusted guide and for advice. Debbie has conducted training for our board, helped our leadership team redesign our organizational chart and revamp job descriptions and, when we were short staffed, Debbie helped vet and interview potential new hires. When we decided to host our first-ever international staff retreat for staff members working across 3 time zones including Israel, we knew Debbie was the person who could best design and facilitate an outstanding staff retreat that would enhance our sense of connection, focus us on priorities and would also be fun. Debbie has the ability to make very serious and important conversations light enough that participants feel safe and can brainstorm and problem solve more effectively as a result. I highly recommend working with Debbie; she is a top-notch consultant for a wide range of projects and needs.
REBECCA VOORWINDE
Executive Director, The Bronfman Fellowship
In hiring Debbie Joseph you are getting not only a seasoned professional with years of experiences in and out of the Jewish world, but also a thoughtful, careful, and trusted advisor that will go above and beyond in her commitment to the process and the project at hand. My co-chair and I worked closely with Debbie for nearly two years on a Senior Rabbinic Search (our first in over 30 years), and she guided us through several milestones including: conducting a congregation-wide survey, holding a series of town hall and parlor meetings, completing the CCAR Senior Rabbinic Application, screening and interviewing applicants, and navigating the sometimes difficult and soul-searching conversations that a committee goes through when making such a critical decision. Debbie is one of those people that can work with all types of personalities with grace, and is laser focused on getting the ‘right’ result for her client. I would highly recommend working with her, and look forward to our next opportunity to hire her!
VANESSA RESSLER
Vice President, Temple Beth Sholom Miami Beach
“Debbie is the rare combination of someone who has a big picture vision of the future while also being absolutely meticulous in detail. I have witnessed firsthand her amazing ability to take a large project and move it forward attending to all the constituencies, communications, deadlines, and negotiations that come with big projects, and very importantly she does it all with a real sense of grace. She brings together a business background with extensive experience helping Jewish institutions going through change processes. She is just outstanding and would be a real gift to an institution thinking about change.”
RABBI DAN JUDSON
Dean, Rabbinical School of Hebrew College
Debbie Joseph and I worked together developing both training and programming for leadership development. She is a gifted individual leader who understands the needs of temple leadership and can design innovative programming to fit those needs. She has a great understanding of the ever changing world of congregational life and adapts well to this constantly shifting world. She has a vibrant and engaging personality, so that people that work with her immediately enjoy learning and working with her. It was truly my pleasure to partner with her and know that any congregation that gets to work with her will feel that her abilities and talents will be of great benefit to them.
JAY GELLMAN
Union for Reform Judaism Board Member, Lead Partner North American Board Workshops, CEO, Seena Sales Corporation
"I have worked with Debbie numerous times and on multiple projects over the past 20 years. Her thinking and execution are stellar. She is such a wonderful professional and partner. Debbie is detail oriented, thorough and precise. She is smart, insightful, professional, organized, and focuses on details. She is an expert writer, and she understands congregations and consultants. I am available to answer any questions you may have about Debbie Joseph and her work. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Debbie Joseph."
SAMUEL K. JOSEPH
Rabbi, PhD., RJE, Eleanor Sinsheimer Distinguished Service Professor of Jewish Education and Leadership HUC-JIR/Cincinnati
PS: I am not related to Debbie Joseph - we share a great last name! She has done incredible work for me and with me and was a student of mine at HUC-JIR.
"I have worked with Debbie Joseph in her capacity as Director of the Reimagine Financial Support Community of Practice and Active Learning Network for the Union for Reform Judaism. Debbie has a unique talent in being able to listen to people and feedback the most important information in clear, concise language. Debbie is an excellent facilitator and coach. She is able to meet individuals and congregations where they are, and help them move forward toward their goals."
JEANNE KORT ADLER
FTA, Executive Director, The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah, Overland Park, KS
"Absolutely phenomenal. That is the only way I can describe working with Debbie. She brings a level of professionalism, excellence, and quality to her work. I recently had her conduct some case studies for one of my projects and the product she delivered was beyond expectations. She needed little direction, asked me and the client all the right questions and produced final deliverables that needed little if any editing. When I contract with Debbie I know that she will represent my firm well and give me what I need."
LOU FELDSTEIN
Rabbi, Founder and CEO, Dynamic Change Solutions LLC
"Debbie Joseph knows the congregation like very few do. She understands what it is like from the perspective of both the lay leader and the rabbi. If you want to work with someone who knows the congregational world, you’ve found a great partner in Debbie.
There are leaders who need the spot light on them to succeed. Not Debbie Joseph. Debbie works best behind the scene, supporting you, your organization and makes you shine!
TWO THUMBS UP!”
DAVID S. WOLFMAN
Rabbi, David S. Wolfman Consulting LLC
"Debbie Joseph’s direction and encouragement have helped me take skills developed over time, in different arenas, and blend them to make me a more effective facilitator and presenter. Her ability to hear the words being said, as well as the message not being communicated is a tremendous asset. Combining that skill with her always positive demeanor makes Debbie a wonderful coach, teacher, and mentor. I look forward to many more opportunities to work with her, helping groups and congregations find ways to achieve their goals, whatever they may be."
SUSAN C. BASS
First Vice President, Women of Reform Judaism; Board Member, Union for Reform Judaism; URJ Congregational Board Facilitator
"I have known Debbie Joseph for several decades. One of the brightest people I know, Debbie always demonstrates the utmost integrity, and her candor and grace are rarely matched in the professional world. If you're looking for inventive and effective thinking to go with efficiency and a strong work ethic, trust in Debbie."
ROBERT LEVINE
Esq. Founder & President, Selective College Consulting, Inc
"Debbie Joseph is an extraordinary Jewish educator who will bring her years of experience, talent, and wisdom to benefit every congregation and synagogue staff. My staff and educators have expressed their deep appreciation from their interactions with her and for the warm and engaging way she shares her wisdom and professional advice. I highly recommend Debbie Joseph and am confident that she will enable your congregation to grow from good to great!
RICHARD S. RHEINS
Senior Rabbi Temple Sinai, Denver, Colorado
"I have worked with Debbie on several occasions and she is the consummate professional - extremely knowledgable, always prepared, and a wonderful presenter. Her insights into synagogue operations and the ways in which Boards function and Board members interact are spot on. When I have a question in my own work, Debbie is my first phone call."
RABBI RICK SHAPIRO
Synagogue Transition Specialist
The value was clear when Debbie brought 18 Philadelphia-area community of synagogues together for a discussion about money. Synagogues have many decisions to make when it comes to how they talk about money. We had a chance to discuss financial matters that all professionals and lay leaders need to be aware of - voluntary dues, engaging with your members more effectively with your current dues structure, or even a more agreeable and dignified dues relief process. Debbie is a terrific resource. She brings years of experience in partnering with synagogues to make them aware of various practices and shares resources that will most certainly shape the future of how synagogues impact their surrounding communities."
JOSH LASTER
Executive Director, Congregation Beth Chaim, Princeton Junction, NJ
I had the pleasure of participating in “Exploring the Financial Culture of Synagogues” facilitated by Debbie Joseph. There were 18 synagogues represented, and a mix of staff and leadership with a huge range of experience. It is an incredible challenge to work with such a diverse attendance. Debbie handled it well with a presentation that was engaging on many levels so that everyone could find some benefit, something that they could take with them that gave a different, more informed perspective on their own individual situations. I am excited that Debbie will be a presenter at the annual conference of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives to be held in San Diego in March 2015."
GAVI MILLER
Executive Director, Har Zion Temple, Penn Valley, PA
"Debbie Joseph did an excellent job. She was exceedingly well-prepared, having spoken with a good number of lay leaders, as well as myself and Rabbi Lieberman. She then tailored the workshop to what we expressed as the most acute needs of the board and the congregation. She was warm, articulate, experienced, and positive in a productive way. It would be beneficial for Debbie to return for a follow-up session. Sustaining change has been a challenge here. An active role by Debbie in supporting the lay leadership would make a meaningful difference."
PAMELA ROTHSTEIN
Director of Lifelong Learning, Falmouth Jewish Congregation. Falmouth, Massachusetts
planning for a new era