Your ability to pivot in the moment resulted in beautiful success with our clergy team retreat. You created a space where we could find healing amidst difficult realities and a path forward. You allowed difficult issues to emerge in a way that no one felt threatened or hurt. You opened doors for us to see ways to modify our behavior, moving forward with love and joy. The retreat exceeded my every expectation.
Rabbi Nat Ezray, Congregation Beth Jacob, Redwood City, CA
Change can be hard. It can also be holy.
I am here to help you embrace it with curiosity, compassion, and courage. My work focuses on guiding you to discover the generative space where true transformation occurs. I collaborate with you to navigate moments of change, growth, and complexity with clarity, compassion, and creativity. I bear witness as leaders articulate their vision and values, and envision what comes next. I support clergy search committees through thoughtful and spiritually grounded search processes.
Honest dialogue, shared reflection
Whether I am leading listening sessions on Israel, U.S. politics, guiding a congregation through a clergy transition, or helping an organization reimagine its purpose, I create space for honest dialogue, shared reflection, and thoughtful progress. I have facilitated learning and discussion on some of the most sensitive and divisive topics in Jewish communal life.
What’s being said? What’s beneath the surface?
My work is grounded in deep listening—to individuals, communities, and the nuances in what is said, and what is left unspoken. I have facilitated discussions with both small and large groups, guiding them to explore complex questions with openness and courage. My approach is both structured and spacious, enabling communities to navigate the uncertainties of the moment. I specialize in helping these groups dwell in that space with intention and support—long enough to uncover new insights, generate fresh ideas, and chart a path forward.
Every community has its unique context, history, and aspirations. I help you identify emerging questions and accompany you in discovering the answers that fit your community.
“She led with openness and a spirit of curiosity”
Rabbi Leider facilitated a conversation among administration, faculty, leaders, and board members to think deeply about shaping our future. She led with warmth, confidence, openness, and a spirit of curiosity that helped stakeholders navigate the complexity of our challenge. We emerged with action steps and a sense of enthusiasm thanks to her leadership!
“An important healing step for our community “
Our Reform synagogue experienced tensions surrounding Israel; we needed her approach of deep listening in our community. She gave a heartfelt Friday night drash to introduce the Listening Circles concept to us. She then trained local clergy to co-facilitate with her. Fifty congregants participated in a single evening, and we were able to express our thoughts and feelings in these small circles. This was an important healing step for our community; we are grateful for Rabbi Leider’s leadership.
“A thoughtful, supportive collaborator—easy to work with”
I had the pleasure of partnering with Susan to guide the USY strategic planning process for USCJ. Together, we engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders to envision a future for USY that would have the greatest impact on the Conservative movement.
She brought a deep understanding of the Jewish communal landscape. Her ability to weave Jewish teaching and wisdom into the process enriched our conversations and strengthened the outcomes. Susan is a thoughtful, supportive collaborator—easy to work with and a true partner.
“Uniquely skilled at creating deep listening and learning spaces. . .”
We are blessed by Susan’s deep skills. As part of our Executive Council, she created reflection spaces after challenging conversations, as board members process their roles and how issues affect them personally and professionally. She helps quieter members find their voices and helps more outspoken members realize the importance of deep listening in moments of disagreement. At our convention, she held a rabbis’ group in supportive dialogue as they shared personal and professional highlights and disappointments. She is uniquely skilled at creating deep listening and learning spaces for both groups and individuals.
“She makes complex concepts readily accessible”
Rabbi Leider is a gifted, versatile, and wise teacher of Jewish spirituality, for novices or advanced practitioners alike. She crafts beautiful teachings, meditations, and prayer services which open hearts and help others access their innate wisdom — and apply that wisdom to daily living. She makes complex concepts readily accessible and meaningful, and embodies presence, compassion, humility, and humor in a way that inspires her students and peers. I recommend her highly as a teacher, facilitator, guide, and leader.
