Madrikh

At the Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ), one particular education path is the Leadership Program.

The Leadership Program purpose is to develop professional leaders who serve the needs of the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement. The first program created by the Institute, Leadership Program graduates earn the title of Madrikh(a)/Vegvayzer/Leader, a Jewish professional who serves as a community guide, ceremonial officiant, philosophic counselor, educator, and movement spokesperson. Leaders serve the needs of their communities and the Jewish community in general in their area.

Upon completing the Leadership Program, the Leader/Madrikh(a)/Vegvayzer must apply to the Leadership Conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews (LCSHJ) for certification as a recognized leader in the movement with all the rights and responsibilities of clergy.

Requirements for Graduation

Completion of 7 credit hours of weekend seminars (4 required, 3 elective).
Completion of 9 credit hours of graduate seminars (3 required).
Completion of papers for each seminar.
Completion of 5 supervised fieldwork projects designed to give the students practical experience in their field.
Reading proficiency in Hebrew or Yiddish.

The required courses of the Leadership Program are: Roots of Secular Humanistic Judaism, Basic Ideas of Secular Humanistic Judaism, Celebration of Jewish Calendar and Holidays, and Celebration of the Jewish Life Cycle. The required graduate seminars are: Jewish Education and Curriculum Planning, Leadership, Management, and Community, and Philosophic Guidance and Counseling. The elective seminars include Jewish Culture, Jewish History, or Jewish Music.

Field Work is supervised by the Director of Student Affairs in collaboration with an approved Leader/Madrikh(a)/Vegvayzer. The Director of Student Affairs also advises students on required program paper or project topics.

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