Planning Process

Interested in becoming a Retreatologist? Learn about our process, from start to finish, to help you plan and execute a Jewish Peer-Led Retreat.

 

1. Attend Retreatology

Apply for and attend Retreatology, the Art of Jewish Retreat-Making. Join other Jews, ages 22-32, from all around the world. Learn about the transformative power of immersive gatherings and how to create one in your own community.

See a Sample Schedule

Session Topics Include:

Facilitation techniques

Retreat experience design

Jewish values of retreat-making

Logistical planning & execution

2. Formulate an idea & apply for the grant

Come up with your perfect retreat: What skills and hobbies do you want to share with your peers? What ideals and practices do you want your friends to engage with? What Jewish learning experiences do you want to impart on your peers? Think of probable locations, ideal group size, programming and who you would like to hire as a Jewish educator. Fill out the grant application, and we will work with you to get you approved.

Application

3. Get a mentor

When approved, you are assigned a mentor to help you deepen your content and plan your retreat. Your mentor will be an experienced Jewish educator and retreat-maker, and will act as your sounding board. Most importantly, as you plan your retreat, your mentor will need to approve your budget, location and Jewish educator.

Your mentor can help you with:

  • Designing your schedule & planning your content
  • Finding the perfect educators and location
  • Creating a budget and sticking to it
  • Creating marketing/application materials
  • Refining your public speaking and facilitation skills
  • Anything else you may need along the way

4. Write a budget

Budget out your retreat. Consider line items such as location, food, supplies, transportation, Jewish educator stipends, swag, etc. Consider asking participants for a small participation fee to confirm their attendance.
We have helpful sample budgets and worksheets to make this easier in the Help Center.

Help Center

8. Create a schedule

Create the schedule. Consider program length, travel times, as well as meal and transition times. If your retreat is happening over Shabbat, check the candlelighting and Havdallah times. It is advisable to add plenty of break time and wiggle room if your sessions run a little long.

9. Pick a Jewish educator

Hire the perfect Jewish educator to teach Jewish learning sessions at your retreat. Jewish educators must have a relevant bio and resume for the subject they are teaching, and they must be approved by your mentor. We can assist you in finding a creative, engaging and relevant Jewish educator for your retreat.

10. Go to your retreat

Facilitate your retreat. Learn a lot, have fun, build community and make sure everything is running smoothly!

11. Evaluate, report & get reimbursed

Fill out a short evaluation form about the retreat planning process and your actual retreat. Write a short summary of your retreat including the overall themes, the different programs and how the participants responded. Send us an itemized budget for reimbursement. And that’s a wrap!

To learn more about the Peer-Led Retreats Program, email anna@moishehouse.org.