Click here to add your own textRabbinic Torah Seminar (RTS) is an annual 10-day study program in the early summer at the Hartman
Institute campus in Jerusalem that enriches rabbis of all denominations to study together in an
atmosphere of mutual respect and nurtures their capacity to inspire their communities.

Participants explore the contemporary issues facing the Jewish people and elevate their leadership
through transformative learning – hevruta study, lectures, small group seminars, peer workshops, tiyulim,
Social content tour, and evening programs, Knesset members, journalist, etc.

Rabbis play a pivotal role in determining the direction and quality of Jewish life. In order to realize the full
potential of their roles, rabbis need to cultivate spiritual and intellectual vibrancy and excellence. They
require ongoing learning, personal growth, and new ideas for communal reflection and stimulation.

World class faculty and scholars including leading Hartman Institute scholars such as Donniel
Hartman, Yehuda Kurtzer, Israel Knohl, Micah Goodman, Elana Stein Hain and Melila Hellner-Eshed, in
addition to key figures in world Jewry.

The main topic of this year was “what are the core commitments of modern Judaism and Zionism”? Three
core questions were discussed:

1. What are the core religious and spiritual commitments that define modern Judaism?
2. How do we engage ideas of obligations, sacrifice, and belief as modern Jews?
3. What central values inform our relationship to an Israel in transition?

Our pluralistic community of rabbis explored the Jewish commitments that define religious, spiritual, and
communal lives. Investigated moral, spiritual and communal choices as modern Jews. And challenged
themselves to reflect on Jewish meaning, belonging, and obligation with fresh eyes.

Taking all the information studied, investigated and shared during these 10 days at the Hartman Institute,
Rabbi Baruch will continue to develop an Adult Education Program based of these teaching sharing the
material provided by the Hartman Institute.