Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Rabbinic Torah Seminar at the Shalom Hartman Institute. These include a description of what RTS is, who attends, registration fees and what they include, safety measures, typical days, where to stay, and much more. For any information not covered here, please contact Tal Zmiri Willner.
We look forward to seeing you this summer in Jerusalem.
What is the Rabbinic Torah Seminar (RTS)?
The Rabbinic Torah Seminar is an intensive, pluralistic, ten-day seminar for rabbis at the Hartman Institute. Each summer, a diverse group of rabbis join senior Shalom Hartman Institute scholars and guest lecturers in Jerusalem to explore foundational Jewish ideas and central dilemmas of contemporary Jewish life. Leading scholars in Bible, Talmud, Jewish philosophy and theology, history, and mysticism share texts and ideas from the Jewish tradition on the summer’s unique theme.
Who are the faculty?
Faculty are Shalom Hartman Institute scholars from Israel and North America who are rabbis, academics, and senior educators. Every year, we invite a few prominent intellectuals and religious leaders from outside of the Institute who are experts in the particular summer seminar theme. In addition, the Institute often invites speakers with insight into the Israel-Diaspora relationship to address contemporary issues in Israeli society.
Who attends RTS?
The program attracts approximately 180 rabbis from North America, Israel, and other countries around the world, representing all streams of Judaism. Cantors, rabbinical students, and retired rabbis are also welcome.
What is the RTS registration fee?
What is included in the registration fee?
Your registration fee includes all educational materials, seminar programming, weekly morning snacks, daily lunches and most dinners, Shabbat meals, evening lectures, cultural activities, and one full-day excursion with field trip options throughout Israel.
Are meals included?
Lunch and dinner are provided daily when there is programming. Participants are welcome to bring guests to any meal as long they order and pay 24 hours in advance.
What is the cancellation policy?
Up to one week before the program’s start date (July 2, 2024), you may cancel and receive a full refund. Please note that we will deduct an administrative fee of 5% for all full refunds. If you cancel within a week of the program’s start date, we will refund 50% of the program cost. If we cancel the program for any reason at any time, you will receive a full refund for program fees. We cannot cover any cost associated with flights or accommodation bookings and we strongly advise that you take adequate travel insurance that covers cancellation.
What safety measures are taken?
Safety and security is our number one priority. Ensuring the safety and security of the participants at Shalom Hartman Institute activities is paramount in the context of our programs in Israel.
The Israeli government, in collaboration with various agencies, maintains a robust and vigilant security infrastructure to safeguard both residents and visitors and we take comfort in the extensive measures implemented to protect public spaces, transportation systems, and popular tourist destinations. In addition, at the Institute, we have our own private security at all entrances to the campus, participants will be well informed about safety procedures and how to access the secure spaces at the Institute, in case of emergencies.
What are the COVID-19 safety policies?
Due to the dynamic and ever-changing situation with COVID-19, it is difficult to say at time of writing (January 2024) what the COVID-19 safety policies will be in June 2024. However, the Shalom Hartman Institute will follow all the regulations set forth by the Israeli Health Ministry and will remain in touch with all registrants regarding COVID-19 protocols as relevant to CLP in June 2024. Based on the COVID-19 situation in June, the Shalom Hartman Institute may implement additional measures to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
What is a typical program day like?
The program starts daily at 8:30 am with havruta learning and the main Beit Midrash shiur. Lunch is at 12:30 pm. After lunch, there are Peer Workshops until 2:30 pm, often followed by optional enrichment sessions. The program reconvenes at 5:00 pm with elective small-group seminars. Participants choose their electives before they arrive. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm, followed by an evening program that typically concludes by 9:00 pm.
The tiyul day will be Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Is there Shabbat programming?
There is a havruta and a Beit Midrash shiur on the morning of Friday, July 7. Participants are free from Friday lunchtime until Shabbat afternoon. Shabbat afternoon and evening activities include a shiur at 5:00 pm, a family-friendly seudah shlishit, and a tisch & havdalah. Participants organize their own Friday night and Shabbat lunch meals. This year, Friday night Shabbat dinner at Hartman will be available with pre-registration and a fee.
What is the dress code?
Dress at the Institute is casual, Israeli summer attire. Air conditioning can be strong in some rooms, so light layers are recommended.
Will I have internet access?
There is good wi–fi access in most of the Institute, including the seminar rooms and in the Segal Beit Midrash.
May family members attend parts of the program?
We warmly invite spouses/partners or family members of RTS participants to join us for any evening programs or meals (when reserved and paid in advance) There is also the possibility to bring a guest on the tiyul, space permitting.
Are there arrangements for participants traveling with children?
If you are traveling with children and need advice on resources, including information on babysitting, day care, day and overnight camps, and child-friendly attractions, please contact Tal Zmiri Willner.
Where do participants stay in Jerusalem?
RTS participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. The Institute offers discounted rates at several area hotels, and many participants choose to rent apartments for their stay in Jerusalem. Suggested accommodations and special rates for program participants can be found here.
