Interested in becoming a Retreatologist? Learn about our process, from start to finish, to help you plan and execute a Jewish Peer-Led Retreat.
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.
Application3. 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 accommodations, food, supplies, transportation, Jewish educator stipends, participant gifts, 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. Once your budget and venue have been approved, you will receive 75% of the Peer-Led Retreat Grant.
5. Pick a date
Pick a date for your retreat.
For highest attendance it is best to avoid major Jewish and secular holidays in your country.
6. Location! Location! Location!
Pick a venue for your retreat.
What type of venue works best with your theme? There is a lot to consider, so really think about the big picture, what elements you need and what kind of atmosphere you want to create.
Possible options might be hotels, retreat centers, campgrounds, AirBnB's, or vacation rental homes.
7. Advertise and invite
Make a flyer, advertise to your friends on Instagram, Facebook, other social media, ask your local Moishe House to put it in their newsletter. Invite anyone and everyone you think would be a good fit for your retreat.
You can accept on first-come, first-served basis, or you can consider creating an application process for your retreat.
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.
11. Evaluate, report & get the remaining grant funds
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. Complete your final budget. And that’s a wrap!
To learn more about the Peer-Led Retreats Program, email retreatology@moishehouse.org.
