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Experiential Jewish Education, Retreat Institute » Experiential Jewish Education

Experiential Jewish Education

 
RETREAT INSTITUTE

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The Retreat Institute supports experiential Jewish education in a variety of forms. It is dedicated to providing engaging and memorable experiences for youth, families, and educators that impact the formation of Jewish identity. Through unique and immersive experiences, participants encounter Jewish texts, traditions, and community in a deeply meaningful way. 

 

Retreats developed in collaboration with the Retreat Institute:RI

  • Impart values, and deliver high impact, meaningful experiences 
  • Are customized to an institution’s culture and the group’s needs
  • Offer an inviting, welcoming environment
  • Integrate experiential learning with Jewish curricular content
  • Center creatively around Jewish text and tradition
  • Foster a caring community within each participant group
  • Engage the arts
  • Build powerful connections to Jewish life, learning, and community

 

 

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP AND PLANNING

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What We Offer

Through a highly collaborative process, the Retreat Institute partners primarily with Cleveland congregations and supplementary and day schools. The Retreat Institute offers:
  1. Educational consultation
  2. Planning and program design
  3. Funding
  4. Logistical assistance
  5. Professional development for educators
Our work is not “off-the shelf” programming. The Retreat Institute and the partner institution each assign a liaison, and together, they have primary planning and decision making responsibility. Working together, we develop experiences that:
  • Integrate with curriculum and broader learning goals
  • Fit the culture of the institution
  • Offer professional development for educators so they are trained and prepared to facilitate experiences.
 
STAFF DEVELOPMENT

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The Retreat Institute offers professional development in experiential Jewish education. Workshops have included Experiential Approaches to Jewish Text; Putting the EJE Puzzle Pieces Together; Challenge by Choice-Adventure Learning and Jewish Education; Advancing by Retreating.
 
Each retreat planning process provides opportunities for educators to learn and grow. 
 
The Retreat Institute will work with institutions to design professional development that meets their needs, as well as provide training on a communal level.
 
 
"It felt good to be part of our community, also a chance to get away and out of a “rut”. It made Shabbat a special time."
- Retreat Participant 
 
 
 
 
"I’m going to lead in a way that inspires other to follow me. I also want to be better at accepting that things take time and I can’t learn everything all at once."
- Teen Retreat Participant 
 
 
 
 
"Fantastic night filled with values, kavanah, learning creativity, and memories. Thank you to the Retreat Institute and the JEC for your constant encouragement, support and  guidance as we partner to create these memorable experiences that impact our families on their Jewish Life Journey!" 
- Dina Rock, Learning Center Director,
Congregation Mishkan Or