Professionals such as rabbis and educators are essential to Jewish life, but the strength of a Jewish community largely depends on the commitment of its lay leaders. These activists, prominent individuals from a variety of fields, serve as community leaders who take the message of Jewish values, pluralism and continuity beyond the walls of any particular institution.   The Center for Lay Leadership Education serves thousands of North Americans and Israelis every year, and enables community leaders to examine the relevance and meaning of Judaism to contemporary life, empowering them to facilitate similar explorations in their communities.   If participating in these programs interests you, click here to read about the 2008 Global Beit Midrash Summer Seminar and click here to read about the 2008 Lay Leadership Summer Retreat, which ran from June 25-July 2, 2008. To inquire about joining these programs for 2009, contact Meirav Fishman at the Institute.