What and Where
Classes began in September 2012 at the Barkai Center in centrally-located Modi’in. Top professionals in the fields of medicine, educational, law and mental health teach rabbis what they need to know to function more effectively in their communities.
- Barkai Fellows are required to take 500 academic hours of courses over a period of two years
- Barkai Fellows participate in mentored field work in hospitals, old age homes, prisons and schools
- The Barkai Center runs a placement service that matches up communities with religious leaders appropriate to their needs
- The Barkai Center runs seminars and mini-courses for the wives of Barkai Fellows, since the wives of communal rabbis are often called upon by the community as well
- In addition to training an elite corps of professional communal rabbis, the Barkai Center sponsors conferences geared toward rabbis already working in communities and institutions throughout Israel. The conferences enable Israeli rabbis to share experiences and exchange information, raise awareness of certain issues, and supplement their knowledge and professional skills. Barkai’s long-term goal is the professionalization of all rabbis in Israel.
Admissions RequirementsBarkai only accepts a select group of applicants. Entry to the program is limited to ordained rabbis of high moral character, with proven leadership abilities and a commitment to building communities. The communal rabbi must be a living example of Torah-true Judaism, a compassionate moral being with the people skills and authority to communicate Jewish values and bring people together. Barkai Fellows receive fellowships to enable them to pursue their studies without distraction and complete their course work in a timely fashion, the better to serve the communities who are waiting for them. |
Sample Course Listing
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