DESCRIPTIONS OF CORE PROGRAMS
Rabbinic/Cantorial Cohorts
An 18-month program for rabbis aimed towards cultivating prayer, learning of Chasidic texts, meditation and yoga as core spiritual practices. The program includes four retreats and in-between chevruta learning. We are currently starting R7, the seventh cohort.
Hevraya
Alumni programs for graduates of our rabbinic cohorts, as well as for those cantors and educators who also went through cohort experiences. These programs include twice a year stand-alone retreats, small group mindful leadership work, and sharing resources and program ideas.
Kivvun
An 18 month program for community leaders focusing on cultivating mindfulness, prayer, and learning as spiritual practices. The program includes four retreats, check-ins with Institute faculty, and in-between chevruta learning. Kivvun is the only program that fully pays for itself and the second cohort will begin in the spring of 2012.
Lay Retreats
Twice a year we hold four day retreats that are open to anyone. Retreat programs focus on our core practices.
Silent Shabbatot
Twice a year we offer a contemplative silent Shabbat experience that is open to anyone.
Text Study
Each year we explore the work of a different Chasidic master. Participants receive a weekly email with a translation of the commentary of the week’s Torah portion, background materials, study questions, and a drash focusing on the contemporary spiritual application. This year’s master is No’am Elimelech.
Jewish Meditation Teacher Training (JMTT)
A 16-month program for experienced meditators who are teaching Jewish mindfulness in a variety of settings. The program includes three retreats, in-between study, mentoring by the faculty, and chevruta learning.
Mindfulness and Tikkun Middot Project for Jewish Communities
A 3-year program to promote character development in Jewish communities through mindfulness and tikkun middot practice. Participating communities include synagogues, seminaries, Hillels and Federations, led by alumni of the Institute’s long-term cohorts, including members of Hevraya and graduates of JMTT and Kivvun.
Torah Yoga Teacher Training
An 18-month program for people who want to teach yoga in a Jewish context. We hope to begin this program in 2013.
Prayer Project
This new, three-year program will delve into how prayer can serve as a spiritual practice. It will include consultations with prayer experts, a cohort experience, and curriculum development. It will begin in 2012.
Wise Aging
This new program will explore what resources, communal and curricular, are most helpful to people in order to reach new wisdom, joy, and satisfaction as they age. It is currently under development.
Vetaher Libeinu (VL)
This is a spiritual curriculum we have developed for use in local communities.
