Chabad of Glencoe—a Hebrew school, synagogue, and center that is part of the Jewish Chabad-Lubacvitch organization, philosophy, and movement—hosted a graduation commencement for eleven teenagers who completed the center’s inaugural participation in the Solomon Leadership Program on April 28. The commencement took place at the Glencoe Writers Theater, and of the 11-person graduating class, eight teenagers attend New Trier High School.

The Solomon Leadership Program is a 23-chapter program for high school juniors and seniors where they learn about the eight pillars of ethical leadership: character, tolerance, communication, vision, empowerment, persistence, strategy, and judgment. Upon completion of the program, fellows earn three college credits from Palm Beach Atlantic University, which is recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission. 

In the Chabad of Glencoe chapter, fellows met 11 times for two-hour sessions before graduation and listened to guest speakers, such as doctors and government officials, who shared their experience with one of the eight pillars of leadership. After listening to the guest speaker with time for questions, fellows discussed how they can use what they have learned with a mentor. 

Additionally, the fellows completed regular homework assignments which required taking quizzes and learning about each pillar of leadership in a section of the Solomon textbook. For a final homework assignment, the fellows created a presentation, wrote an essay, and responded to short answer questions about leadership.

“In a time of so much uncertainty and challenges that the Jewish community faces, I feel like leadership is more important than ever to give that confidence for Jewish teens to live as proud Jews and be able to communicate that effectively,” Rabbi Sholom Wolberg, Co-Director of Chabad of Glencoe, said. 

Wolberg explained that he witnessed the fellows’ confidence grow throughout the fellowship as they continued hearing from guest speakers and working on individual presentations about how they will apply leadership skills to the real world. 

“One of the features of the program that I really love is that the last 10 to 15 minutes of each session, we give an opportunity for the fellows…to share a takeaway,” Wolberg said. “At the beginning of the year, some are shy. One or two will raise their hands. At the end of the year, they’re all getting up and sharing something that they’ve learned.”

Junior Edya Polakoff shared that she joined the program to learn about leadership skills.

“One of the important things I learned was having something to motivate you or a goal and reward that is achievable,” Polakoff said, “So I’ve been applying that, and I think I’ll take that with me [in the future].” 

Junior Zachary Silberman explained that he joined the program after Wolberg asked if he was interested in it. Through the program, Silberman gained public speaking skills and was “pretty proud” of himself for graduating. 

“I had a mediocre ability with [public speaking] going in, but after, I definitely improved it a lot,” Silberman said. “I think it’s going to be really helpful in the upcoming years.” 

To join the program and learn about leadership skills, fellows had to complete an online application form and then interview with Wolberg so he could see if they would be a good fit for the program. 

“We recognize that it’s not for everyone, and it’s really for the people who are motivated to advance their leadership skills and are willing to put in the time and effort and get the opportunity to learn from really some great leaders in our community,” Wolberg said.

Wolberg plans to continue to run the Solomon Leadership Program during the 2026-2027 year. High school juniors and seniors can access the link here to apply for the Chabad of Glencoe chapter. 

“For those who are willing to put in the time and make that commitment, it’s a phenomenal experience,” Wolberg said.