MANCHIM FOR RABBIS

Recognizing your role as the spiritual leader of your congregation, the Manchim for Rabbis program was designed to support you as you help your va’ad engage in personal development and growth through Mussar learning and practice.

Manchim for Rabbis will provide you with a unique opportunity to share deeply with other Rabbis in a small and intimate va’ad, fostering the growth of your own soul. This is an interactive, experiential program that takes your scheduling needs into account and occurs in two phases:

 

An intensive interactive 10-week training that focuses on the skills, values, and perspectives unique to Mussar groups. Participants learn and reinforce facilitation skills, tools and techniques, and explore the dynamics of group process. The program guides clergy in using the va’ad process to foster spiritual growth through their participation in six va’ad and chevruta meetings in alternating weeks.

 

 

Upon completion of the intensive, there is a six-month support period during which participants will lead a pilot group while they continue to study in chevruta and interact with their Manchim va’ad in alternating weeks. Participants will be assisted in identifying areas that need to be strengthened, and personal coaching will be available on an as-needed basis.

 

Manchim for Rabbis is non-residential and involves activities that will require up to four hours per week devoted web-based va’ad meetings, chevruta study, reading assignments and training videos, written reports and other posts on the Manchim for Rabbis course site, as well as your private study.

The course is offered via video conference over Zoom. Reliable, high-speed Internet connection, a current and valid email account, and computer video camera and microphone are required to participate.

Nancy Weiss, the Manchim Program Coordinator, works under the supervision of the Director of Mussar, Rabbi Avi Fertig, regarding program content.  Participants may also interact with Mussar Institute professional staff and/or experienced va’ad facilitators, who will share their experience, insights, and coaching as part of this training program.

Because groups are intentionally small in size, we offer training cohorts based upon interest, and applications are welcome throughout the year.  If you are interested in applying and have met the admission requirements, please complete the application.

PREREQUISITES

To apply to the Manchim Program, you must have a committed and ongoing personal Mussar practice that includes:

Regular journaling for at least one year,

Regular and ongoing Mussar middot and chevruta study, whether within a course or independently,

Previous experience as a member of a Mussar va’ad for at least one year,

Completion of two of the following Mussar Institute courses: A Season of Mussar I and A Season of Mussar II,  Everyday Holiness,  Mussar in Action, Path of the Soul, or Chaburah.

Candidates in special circumstances who have equivalent experience of Mussar study will be given consideration on a case-by-case basis.

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A TMI FACILITATOR

Being part of a select national group of clergy who have been trained in facilitation, who have similar experiences, and who “speak the same language.”

A brief biographical listing on the website as a TMI Trained Facilitator with a link to your congregation.

Assistance from TMI to help you launch Mussar groups in your area.

Membership in an online community.

Access to content created exclusively for TMI Facilitators.

Ongoing professional development.

Access to exclusive online sessions geared toward the needs of facilitators.

TUITION

Tuition: $475 per student + $25 application fee. For those who receive notice of acceptance into the program, details will also be provided on how to make a payment. Payment must be made prior to the start of the program.

NEXT STEP

Let us know about your interest in Manchim.  Email us at [email protected]