Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Wellspring Summit for Educators at the Shalom Hartman Institute. These include a description of what the Summit is, who attends, application information, registration fees and what they include, safety measures, typical days, where to stay, and much more. For more information, please contact Na’ama Levitz Applbaum, Director of Educational Leadership and Engagement.
We look forward to seeing you in July 2026 in Jerusalem.
What is The Wellspring Summit for Educators?
The Wellspring Summit for Educators brings together Jewish educators from across North America and beyond to learn, connect with colleagues, and think creatively and constructively about Jewish and Israel education for our current moment. The 7-day summit will include study sessions with Hartman scholars and other expert faculty, workshops to explore and share challenges and best practices, networking opportunities, and a tiyul/day trip with field trip options throughout Israel.. The summit aims to collectively strengthen our work and reinspire and reinvigorate us for the future.
Who attends The Wellspring Summit?
Jewish educators from across North America and beyond are invited to apply to attend the Wellspring Summit. We expect a wide range of educators from various educational settings including day schools, congregational settings, Hillels, JCCs, Federations, etc.
What is the application process?
Applications are open! Click here to fill out the application.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. Applications do not guarantee a spot at the Summit. Educators accepted to the program will receive a separate registration form that includes payment.
Can I see a schedule for the week?
In order that our content and schedule be as relevant and up-to-date as we can make it for the coming summer, we do not yet have a schedule to share for the 2026 Summit. Click here to see the schedule from the 2024 Wellspring Summit for Educators. If you have any specific questions about this summer’s content, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Travel and lodging:
Wellspring Summit participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging. (See information about travel stipends below.) There are many hotels and apartment rental opportunities in Jerusalem. Each summer, the Hartman Institute receives discounted room rates for program participants at several Jerusalem hotels. All are within walking distance of the Hartman Institute campus.
We strongly recommend that participants book on El Al Airlines, given their consistent record of maintaining flight schedules. We advise that you take adequate travel insurance that covers cancellation.
Travel stipends:
The Shalom Hartman Institute is pleased to provide a travel stipend of $1000 USD per participant with the provision that the applicant’s educational institution will contribute an additional $500 towards the participant’s travel. The application form includes a checkbox to request the travel stipend, and information about how to access the flight stipend will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
What is the Wellspring Summit registration fee?
The registration fee for the Wellspring Summit 2026 is $750 USD.
Your registration fee covers all educational materials, seminar programming, weekly morning snacks, daily lunches and most dinners, evening lectures, cultural activities, and one full-day excursion with field trip options throughout Israel.
What happens on Shabbat?
We offer a half day program on Friday, and the program resumes with Shabbat lunch and afternoon sessions. This provides participants with free time for Erev Shabbat/Friday night and Shabbat morning.
While we do not host prayer services at the Institute, you are welcome to attend services at any of the local Jerusalem-area synagogues. Upon arrival, a list of options will be provided and information on local synagogues will be available at the courtesy desk. Please note that regular daily prayer services are not held at the Institute.
What safety measures are taken?
Safety and security are 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.
