Worship, Music and Religious Living 
The Had'rachah Seminar
for Lay Leadership in Religious Life
(formerly Sh'liach K'hilah/Synagogue Associate Program)

May 12–19, 2009
URJ Kutz Camp • Warwick, NY

Beginning in 1989, the Union for Reform Judaism created the first program that offers uniform training to lay leaders, primarily those in small congregations, to help them support the spiritual life of their congregations. Over the years, the Reform Movement’s efforts to train lay leaders in the practices and rituals of religious life have expanded to meet the changing needs of all our Union for Reform Judaism congregations. At this time, we are pleased to announce The Had’rachah Seminar for Lay Leaders in Religious Life.

Visit the Had'rachah Album


The Had’rachah Seminar is designed to teach lay leaders a variety of skills to help them support communal worship, life-cycle events and educational opportunities. Participants in the Had’rachah Seminar may use these skills in various ways—by serving a congregation that has no clergy; by working in an assisted living facility or adult community; or by assisting their congregational clergy.

Two distinct curricula will be offered in alternate summers. The synagogue skills that will be taught are

May 12–19, 2009:

  • Preparing and leading Shabbat and holiday worship services
  • Conducting baby namings, funerals and unveilings
  • Leading services in a house of mourning
  • Writing and delivering divrei Torah 
  • Visiting the sick and homebound
  • Leading Torah study

2010:

  • Preparing and leading High Holy Day worship services
  • Conducting baby namings and services with b’nei mitzvah
  • Writing and delivering divrei Torah
  • Visiting the sick and homebound

Participants may begin their studies in either year. Additional study topics covered may include Torah and Commentaries; Midrash; Talmud; Israel; Tikkun Olam; Holiday Observances and Education. Seminar participants will increase their Jewish literacy through study with some of the Reform Movement’s most distinguished scholars. Read the full brochure.

 

Download:

                              

Future Dates:
May 12–19, 2009

Visit the Had'rachah Album

  Questions? Contact the Department of Worship, Music and Religious Living