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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:

    • 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 Retreat Lead, 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. 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.
 
"Building closer, stronger connections with everyone at the retreat was meaningful in so many ways and on so many levels. Although I knew almost everyone in a very casual manner, this weekend created a community I believe we will all continue to nourish joyfully going forward."
- Retreat Participant
 
RI 3
 
"My daughter loved the 4th Grade Retreat! She loved the team and the experience, the other participants, camp and spending time with the shinshinim."
- Community-Wide 4th Grade Retreat Parent
 
RI 1
 
"Planning with the Retreat Institute was instrumental in the successful development of the program. The collaborative format strengthened family connections, deepened participants’ understanding of Jewish rituals, prayer, and values, and created a positive, smooth program experience."
- Debbie Chessin, Director of Education, Beth Israel-The West Temple