Joshua Kaback, a JFGI 2024 36 Under 36 cohort member and Indianapolis leader, joined the most recent Jewish Federations of North America National Young Leadership Cabinet class. Cabinet is a training program that educates, connects, and inspires current and future global leaders and philanthropists.

“I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to participate in Cabinet and thankful for the support of our Indianapolis Federation for supporting me in this program,” he said. “It truly is a world class leadership development opportunity.”

Kaback says Cabinet has been on his radar for several years as he’s continued his journey to support the Jewish organizations where he has lived.

“I love the focus on the overall development and experience that Cabinet provides, as the program really covers an all-encompassing approach to leadership training,” he said. “Throughout the program, I’ll have the opportunity to learn about how and where JFNA works, specific training and best practices around local Federation-run activities (i.e., P&A), current events and issues impacting Jewish communities locally and globally and philanthropic training. Even better, I get to experience this with and build a network of young Jewish leaders throughout North America, including two other current members from Indianapolis (Matthew Tobe and Janine Shapiro).”

For Kaback, the program is all about growing his personal capabilities and network to better position himself for a lifetime of involvement in the Jewish community.

“My objective is to gain the knowledge and experiences that I can apply within our Federation to ensure our needs are met,” he said. “This means having the right information and skills to support our community.”

Cabinet is a five-year program, consisting of Cabinet retreats, international study missions, domestic experiences, and online learning.

Kaback traveled to Seattle earlier this year to spend time with his cabinet class for onboarding, networking, meetings and trainings, focused on both group and individual trainings, keynote speakers, and debriefs on world events and Federation initiatives over the next year. In April, he went on the International Study Mission in Azerbaijan. He will also attend a Cabinet real estate professionals retreat later this year in Colorado. So far, Kaback says he has had a really good experience with the program.

Following the Cabinet program, Kaback plans to match his capabilities and experiences to the overall needs of the Indianapolis Jewish Federation, whatever those needs are. He currently sits on the Planning & Allocations committee and looks forward to expanding from there.

Kaback offers some guidance for those who wish to join a future Cabinet class.

“Reach out to myself, one of our other community members who are currently in Cabinet or Alumni, and/or one of Federation pros to learn more,” he said. “Secondly, if you are able and willing to be fully dedicated to the program, just do it. The program will deliver immediate returns in terms of philanthropic leadership, professional, and personal development.”