Chai Lifeline directors from across the United States and around the world convened in Eatontown, NJ, on January 27-28, 2025, for the organization’s Annual Regional Directors Conference. The two-day gathering brought together leaders from New York, New Jersey/Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and West Coast, as well as Toronto, Montreal, Israel, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, representing more than 6,000 families supported globally by Chai Lifeline.
The conference featured sessions on organizational vision and values, programs and services, marketing and development, volunteer training, community engagement, and case management. Attendees included regional directors Rabbi Shlomo Crandall (Midwest), Racheli Daniel (Mid-Atlantic), Rabbi Sruli Fried and Rabbi Yehoshua Brodsky (NJ/PA), Randi Grossman (West Coast), Nachman Maimon (New York / Camp Simcha), Esther Leah Sandhaus (Southeast), Yaacov Blanshay (Montreal), Rabbi Mordy Rothman (Toronto), Daniel Gillis (UK), Nechemja Meisner (Belgium), and Elad Maimon (Israel).
“Chai Lifeline’s impact is built on the collective strength of our regional teams,” said Chai Lifeline CEO Rabbi Simcha Scholar. “This annual conference is an opportunity to reflect on our successes, identify areas for growth, and ensure that we remain at the forefront of providing unparalleled care and support to families and communities facing illness, crisis, and loss.”
The program opened with a welcome message and ice-breaker activity from Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff, National Director of Client Services, followed by reflections on the organization’s successes and areas for growth during the “A Year in Review” session led by Rabbi Scholar. Directors explored ways to remain innovative and relevant during “Staying Current in 2025 and Beyond,” presented by NJ/PA Associate Regional Director Rabbi Yehoshua Brodsky and Esther Leah Sandhaus. Marketing strategies to reinforce Chai Lifeline’s mission were discussed in “Building the Brand: Strengthening Chai Lifeline’s Identity,” led by CMO Matt Yaniv and brand strategist David Koenigsberg. Additionally, a session on “Building Lay Leadership in Our Regions,” moderated by Randi Grossman and Rabbi Mordy Rothman, examined progress made in cultivating local leadership and outlined goals for the future.
Workshops, panels, and interactive discussions encouraged collaboration, including a lay leaders’ panel, insights from Chai Lifeline’s international leadership team, and an inspiring session presented by Rabbi Shlomo Crandall and Rabbi Sruli Fried titled “Perspective of a Grown Insider.” This session highlighted Chai Lifeline’s impact through the stories of former campers, patients, and counselors. The conference concluded with a review of key outcomes and actionable steps for the year ahead, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting families facing illness, crisis, and loss.
“This conference reminded us that leadership is about more than managing programs—it’s about inspiring people and driving a shared mission,” added Rabbi Gobioff. “By collaborating and learning from one another, we can continue to meet the growing needs of the families who rely on us.”
For more information about Chai Lifeline and its programs, visit www.chailifeline.org.
