Community Blueprints

Reuven Kirshner

Community Blueprints is the lay-leader’s guide to community building. Whether physical, digital, spiritual, or hobby-based, these episodes dive into the tough decisions, culture-shaping moments, and pivotal choices that allow communities to begin and thrive. We uncover the hidden commonalities of success, confront the real challenges leaders face, and reveal how founders turn vision into lasting connection. This podcast is for the community leaders or curious participants that want a deeper look how people come together, stay together, and keep building!

  1. 4d ago

    Hertzilia, Politics, and the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation with Shmuel Sackett

    What does it take to turn a vision into a thriving community, a political party, and a global movement? In this episode, we sit down with Shmuel Sackett, community powerhouse and founder of the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation. Shmuel challenged traditional Jewish fundraising by leading the community-led funding known as the legendary "Dream Raffle" for a new, furnished apartment, proving that small, collective actions create massive impact. In this conversation, Shmuel shares: The core principles behind his success: perseverance, consistency, and leading by example. Why complaining is never an option—and how to spot voids and take immediate action instead. Lessons from building Shul Ohel Moshe in Herzliya, including why bringing on the right Rabbinic leadership transformed an already strong community into an extraordinary one. What happens when strong leadership is grounded in genuine goodness, purpose, and mutual respect. I dare you to listen to this episode and not walk away inspired. When you feel that spark, pass it along and share the episode with a friend!

    Hertzilia, Politics, and the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation with Shmuel Sackett

  2. Sep 17

    Adora, Har Hevron with R' Eitan Kupietzky

    Imagine living in a small, close-knit community where over 100 secular and religious families share daily life side by side. How do you balance public space and funding, different religious practices, prayer styles, and values without losing the harmony, especially as new families arrive? Set in the mountains outside Hevron, Adora is experiencing a major growth spurt as more families arrive seeking a community built on mutual respect, active volunteering, and a deep love for the land. Rabbi Eitan Kupietzky shares his experience guiding this expansion, comparing the delicate balance of community needs to managing a large household (he has 8 kids!). He also dives into his impactful work supporting youth throughout southern Israel through after-school initiatives and educational programs. This inspiring conversation offers a genuine blueprint for how diverse communities can thrive together. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend! Rabbi Eitan Kupietzky is the Managing Director of the Gimmel Foundation. You can support his shul building and the Gimmel Foundation programs with the following links: Adora Shul: https://www.charidy.com/Shivtei-Yisrael Gimmel: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KKDBLVEW825AW

    Adora, Har Hevron with R' Eitan Kupietzky

  3. Sep 1

    Buchman, Modiin with JJ Sussman

    Imagine you've spent 2 years as the president building a shul, literally and communally, and your term ends. Should you be concerned about who becomes the next president and if everything will become upended? JJ isn't worried. In his view, stepping back and bringing in new blood is the best way a community truly succeeds. Is there a time to freeze membership or to encourage a breakaway? Should long-time members get seating preference over newcomers? This conversation asked more questions than gave answers, though the questions are often better than the answers. If your community has solved them then please reach out! JJ Sussman, is the International Director at Gesher (www.gesher.co.il) and the host of the Impacting Israel podcast giving an English-speaking Israel-engaged audeince a behind-the-scenes look at some of the pressing issues facing Israel today. https://open.spotify.com/show/0aiVkueKrtsPzCVQlSIlpr?si=6994b0eed5f54e4f

    Buchman, Modiin with JJ Sussman

  4. Aug 25

    Carmei Gat on the DHR Podcast hosted by Zak Lenik ft. Reuven Kirshner

    I was skeptical about joining this interview. When it comes to talking about communities, I prefer to discuss with the builders who do not have financial incentives. So when Zak, a real estate agent, reached out I was honest with him about my hesitation: "If I join your podcast, I'm going to be real about Carmei Gat. About my shul Carmei Zion and the real situation with the schools and ganim. I don't want this to feel like a real estate talk. Are you ok with that?" I'm glad he was. It was fun talking to Zak and reflecting on some of the community-building insights we've picked up over the years in Carmei Gat. You can listen to our conversation on my podcast Community Blueprints, on Zak's DHR podcast, or YouTube channel. Hope you enjoy it too! https://open.spotify.com/show/6QU93IfCqYBAjqLyxOaNQP?si=gy3l2DKXRoqt0IDtxQD8SA&utm_source=copy-link https://www.instagram.com/zak_in_israel?igsi=YTU0MWRlbW5iMGMx&utm_source=qr https://m.youtube.com/@DHRPod Thanks for the intro Hillel

  5. Jun 8

    Neve Daniel with R’ Jeremy and Ilan

    Are democracies healthy for communal thriving? Should communal leaders switch out? What happens when communities grow and their demographics change? Neve Daniel started in the 80s but our guests didn't join until the second and third expansion. By then there was already an established leadership, direction, and one "mercazi" shul. After talking about the breathtaking views 1,000 meters above sea level, R' Jeremy and Ilan shared their leadership roles in the box and parking spot and their take on all-star teams over plurality. Like, comment, and share and, until next time, keep building y'all!

    Neve Daniel with R’ Jeremy and Ilan

  6. Mar 24

    Zichron Yaakov with Pnina and Judah

    Pnina and Judah came to Zichron Yaakov at different times and fill different leadership functions in their diverse community that doesn't specifically surround a certain shul or neighborhood. Pnina volunteered to join the city counsel to ensure budgets were set aside to build their local school and to get resources for the olim . Judah was looking for more space and air, leaving his place in Jersualem and, with his wife, took on the leadership at their local shul. A lot to unpack including the role of politics and how to manage changing demographics, and avoiding burnout. Rate 5 stars and share this episode along!

    Zichron Yaakov with Pnina and Judah

  7. Mar 19

    The 80 / 20 Rule - Reuven's Reflections

    What if the biggest problem in your community isn’t a lack of volunteers, but a misunderstanding of human nature? In this episode of I reflect on how previous episodes led me to understand why the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) that 20% of people will do 80% of volunteering work should not be “fixed” but embraced. This episode delivers practical, immediately useful shifts you can apply right away: Why broad calls for help (like WhatsApp messages) don’t work and what to do instead How to reduce volunteer burnout The hidden flaw in incentive systems that reward the wrong people How small actions, like personal asks and visible gratitude, can transform participation Why the 80/20 dynamic is not a problem, but a powerful feature of healthy communities If you’ve ever felt frustrated trying to get more people involved, this episode offers a refreshing, realistic framework for engagement, one that values both your core volunteers and the quieter majority. Because building a thriving community isn’t about getting everyone to do everything but appreciated the role each person contributes to the greater community. And until next time, keep building y'all!

    The 80 / 20 Rule - Reuven's Reflections

  8. Mar 11

    Golf Manor Synagogue, Cincinnati with Yosef Kirschner

    When Yosef returned from his gap year, Golf Manor Synagogue, an icon of the Cincinnati Jewish community dating back to the 1800s, was a shell of itself. After a breakaway split the membership, the once-vibrant congregation was on life support. Despite initial hesitation because of his age, Yosef stepped up to serve as Chairman and partnered with incoming Rabbi Alt to begin revitalizing the institution. In this episode, we explore how they used strategic partnerships and community feedback, both formal and informal, to experiment, adapt, and bring people back through the doors. Enjoy the episode, comment, share, and rate it 5 stars so more people can discover it. Until next time, keep building, y’all.

    Golf Manor Synagogue, Cincinnati with Yosef Kirschner
See All (20)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Community Blueprints is the lay-leader’s guide to community building. Whether physical, digital, spiritual, or hobby-based, these episodes dive into the tough decisions, culture-shaping moments, and pivotal choices that allow communities to begin and thrive. We uncover the hidden commonalities of success, confront the real challenges leaders face, and reveal how founders turn vision into lasting connection. This podcast is for the community leaders or curious participants that want a deeper look how people come together, stay together, and keep building!

Information

  • Creator
    Reuven Kirshner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Reuven Kirshner
  • Show Website
    Community Blueprints

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