Prayer, learning, strategic discussion, and a celebration of dedicated service marked Masorti Olami’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Miami from August 7–9, 2026. Leaders from across the organization and the global Masorti/Conservative movement came together to reflect on their shared work, strengthen connections, and help shape the way forward.

The gathering began at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus Synagogue with a Kabbalat Shabbat service, a welcome from President Margo Gold and an inspiring Dvar Torah by Rabbi Mauricio Balter, followed by dinner with the synagogue’s leadership. On Shabbat morning, participants joined the community for services and a talk on 'Beyond Politics: A battle for Israel’s Soul' by WZO Vice Chair and MERCAZ Olami Executive Vice President Dr. Yizhar Hess.

On Saturday afternoon, consultant Daniel Yoffe led an informal discussion on what each region and institution needs from the global movement and what each can uniquely contribute in return. The conversation explored the organization’s role in responding to regional needs and strengthening collaboration across the movement. In the evening, the group gathered outside the hotel for Havdalah led by David Ederberg, son of Rabbi Gesa Ederberg. A meaningful moment that brought everyone together to mark the close of Shabbat.

Leadership and Global Participation

Sunday’s hybrid AGM connected board members, regional representatives, organizational leaders, and guests participating both in person and online. Masorti Olami President Margo Gold and Interim CEO Tehila Reuben presented updates on the organization’s work and direction. The meeting also marked Tehila’s first AGM since assuming the role of Interim CEO. Representatives from Latin America, Europe, Australasia, Ukraine, and Africa shared how their regions are strengthening communities and advancing Masorti Judaism. For the first time in several years, both regional presidents attended the AGM in person: Masorti AmLat President Denise Alterwain and Masorti Europe President Wanda Teplitsky, building in-person connections and contributing their regional perspectives to the conversation. The program also included updates on the important and impactful work from NOAM Olami, Marom, and MERCAZ Olami.

Global partners participating in the meeting in-person included United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism President Eliot Meadow and Rabbi Gesa Ederberg, International President of the Rabbinical Assembly, who both presented updated and the important work going on in their organizations.

The AGM also welcomed new members to Masorti Olami’s leadership. Deidre Berger (Germany) and Ned Gladstein (USA) joined as Vice Presidents, while Rabbi Irina Gritsevskaya (Israel), representing Ukraine and our partnership with the Schechter Institute; Nestor Engelsberg (Argentina); and Flávio Milman Shansis of (Brazil), representing Masorti AmLat, joined the Board. Masorti Olami expressed its gratitude to the outgoing members for their service and contributions to the organization.

Defining the Next Strategic Priorities

A major focus of the AGM was the work of the Global Strategy Team (GST), led by consultant Daniel Yoffe as part of a process that began following the previous AGM in Chile. Over the past year, the team listened to rabbis, lay leaders, professionals, and movement figures from every region to identify the strategic questions that should guide Masorti Olami’s next stage. Conducted alongside this process, a Community Needs Survey, run by Masorti Olami, gathered responses from 108 rabbis and community leaders representing 67 communities in 53 cities and 26 countries.

Together, the two initiatives identified five strategic dimensions: identity and purpose; role clarity and governance; tangible value for communities; leadership development; and visibility and voice.

During the AGM, Daniel led an interactive workshop focused on identifying which strategic dimensions should be prioritized over the next twelve months and how concrete progress could be evaluated by the next AGM. Following the discussions, the General Assembly voted to endorse the five dimensions as Masorti Olami’s strategic agenda for the next stage and move the organization toward the development of an actionable plan. Masorti Olami thanks the members of the GST for the time, deep insight, and sustained work they contributed throughout the year.

Honoring Rabbi Mauricio Balter

The gathering concluded at Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center with a cocktail reception honoring Rabbi Mauricio Balter’s retirement. Board members and movement leaders were joined by local guests and friends of Rabbi Mauricio from Florida. He was accompanied by his wife, Bilha Balter, and the celebration had a warm and lighthearted atmosphere that reflected the affection and deep respect felt for him and his years of service.

One of the evening’s most moving moments came as Rabbi Mauricio and Bilha sat hand in hand to watch a commemorative film tracing his journey within the organizations. Alongside testimonies from leaders and staff of Masorti and MERCAZ Olami and the global Masorti/Conservative movement, the film included personal messages from their daughters, Maia and Shani, and grandchildren, Maor and Matan. Watch the film below.

Dr. Yizhar Hess, Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin, Margo Gold, and Tehila Reuben offered personal words of gratitude and appreciation. Their remarks recognized Rabbi Mauricio’s dedication to the movement, the impact of his leadership, and the relationships he built throughout his years of service. Masorti Olami Vice President Mary Sanders presented him with a gift, after which Rabbi Mauricio addressed the guests and shared his own reflections. Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center Director of Education and dear friend of Rabbi Mauricio, Cantor Roger Rosenthal, provided the musical accompaniment for the evening, adding a personal and meaningful touch.

❱❱ Rabbi Mauricio’s example continues to inspire the future of the global Masorti/Conservative movement. Through the Dugma Ishit Campaign (Hebrew for “personal example” or “role model”), you can honor his legacy and help inspire and build the next generation of Masorti leaders. Learn more and support the campaign at masortiolami.org/dugma-ishit-campaign

With Gratitude

Masorti Olami is especially grateful to the movement partners and board members who traveled to Miami to join us in person, and to the leaders and members of Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus Synagogue and Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center for their warm welcome and support throughout the weekend.