The Solomon Leadership Program, a program with several branches throughout the world, describes itself as an organization “established to teach and instill the traits, skills, and values that are integral to successful leaders in all fields, including business, education, medicine, law, government and more.” Its motto is simple: Ancient Wisdom. Modern Leadership. Fellows are chosen from a pool of 10th, 11th, and 12th graders and are interviewed at the beginning of the academic year. Those who make it through the application process are invited to an initial “Meet and Greet” to learn more about their mentors and peers. 

Solomon’s curriculum is split into eight parts, or “pillars.” They are: Character, Tolerance, Communication, Vision, Empowerment, Persistence, Strategy, and Judgement. Each meeting, taking place every few weeks, is split into two. During the first half of the meeting, the fellows are introduced to guest speakers. The speakers, chosen for their outstanding roles within their communities, present what they do for a living, as well as their personal stories related to their road to success. During the second half of the meeting, teens meet up with their mentors. These mentors – decided at the beginning of the year – help students tackle daily struggles and find a way to become true leaders in their communities. Solomon fellows are encouraged to pose questions to their mentors that address the course material, what the speaker said, and life lessons that can be learned from each pillar. Because Solomon meetings are bi-monthly, course material covering the eight pillars is learned in the week between sessions. During this time, fellows read passages and answer questions related to the specific pillar that will be covered in the coming meeting.

The program culminates in a final project and graduation ceremony. At the ceremony, teens who have shown commendable work throughout the entire program are asked to speak publicly about their biggest takeaways from the program. This is a perfect example of a leadership role within the leadership program. Fellows who complete the program also receive college credit through Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Jeremy Schonfeld, a fellow of the program’s Aventura branch, said that “The Solomon Program is an opportunity to better oneself, as long as one remains open-minded and humble… I have enjoyed many of the guest speakers that have been brought to the program. They have offered me a glimpse into their way of life and have shown me ways that they have improved themselves throughout their lives.” He continued, saying that his mentor, Rotem Rodrig, has been a great help to him. “His guidance allows me to create constructive ideas; therefore, allowing me to create constructive habits that help me become the best person possible.” Aharon Heinrich, also a member of the Aventura Branch in Beit David Highland Lakes Shul, says that “The Solomon program is unique because it imbues leadership in its fellows. Each meeting consists of a guest speaker and a scrumptious dinner, followed by a discussion with assigned mentors. In groups, we communicate our own ideas on what it takes to develop the characteristics of becoming a leader in society and the community.”

Over the years, the program has spread to all parts of the globe. Chapter locations range from London, England, to Montreal, Canada, to Sydney, Australia. Solomon plans to continue broadening its reach and hopes to continue to inspire future leaders throughout the world.