Clergy Leadership Program (CLP)

Program Type: Intensive retreat-based cohort program for Jewish spiritual leaders

Duration: 18 months

Cohort Size: Approximately 40 participants per cohort

Eligibility:

• Ordained clergy members or individuals serving in positions of spiritual leadership
• Rabbis, cantors, kohanim/kohanot, educators, Hillel professionals, activists, ritualists, executives
• Must be able to commit to four 5-day retreats and interim learning over 18 months

Geographic Scope: National; serves Jewish professionals across the US, Israel, and Latin America

Focus Areas:

• Deepening personal spiritual life of Jewish leaders
• Learning and practicing Jewish spiritual practices grounded in mindfulness
• Expanding leadership skills
• Deepening capacity to integrate Jewish contemplative practice into communal life
• Fostering collective spiritual growth and well-being
• Self-care and spiritual renewal for clergy
• Cultivating consciousness and character development
• Exploring the nature of the spiritual self and God
• Study of Hasidic and Rabbinic traditions
• Centering and elevating marginalized Jewish voices and experiences

Special Considerations:

• Special attention to needs of Jews of Color, LGBTQ+, and participants with disabilities
• Financial support available, with priority given to JOC, LGBTQ+, and participants with disabilities

Program Components:

• Four 5-day retreats (18-month program)
• Prayer, meditation, text study, group discussion, singing/chanting, embodied practice
• One-on-one guidance with faculty members
• Weekly chevruta (paired) study during interim periods
• Sustained personal mindfulness or yoga/mindful movement practice
• Regular contact with faculty

Retreat Schedule:

• Winter retreats in January at retreat center outside Los Angeles
• Summer retreats in July on east coast
• All meals certified kosher
• Single rooms provided for all participants

Faculty: Rabbis Sam Feinsmith, Myriam Klotz, Dorothy Richman; Cantors Richard Cohn, Elizabeth Shammash; additional faculty may be added for individual retreats

Alumni Network: Over 500 Jewish professionals have participated in CLP; strong alumni community for ongoing support

Application Process

Status: Currently closed; next cohort begins January 2025

Application Timeline:

• Prospective participants can sign up for notification when applications open
• Applications typically become available in spring for programs beginning in January

How to Express Interest:

• Submit name and email address to receive notification when registration opens
• Contact Rabbi Sam Feinsmith at sam@jewishspirituality.org for questions

Required Materials: Not specified in available materials, but applicants should be prepared to discuss:

• Current role and community served
• Motivation for participation
• Commitment to the 18-month program
• Ability to attend four 5-day retreats
• Interest in deepening spiritual practice

Tuition Levels (Three-tiered system):

• Level 1: Full cost - $3,250 per payment (4 payments = $13,000 total)
• Level 2: $2,250 per payment (4 payments = $9,000 total)
• Level 3: $2,250 per payment (4 payments = $6,000 total)
• Participants commit to single tuition level for duration of program
• First payment due upon commitment; remaining three due at registration for last three retreats
• Tuition covers all program and retreat costs, including room and board

Financial Support: Available upon request; priority given to Jews of Color, LGBTQ+, and participants with disabilities