Winter Session, 2006

December 25, 2006 through January 1, 2007

I was finally able to meet Jewish role models who have academic credentials, admirable character traits, and a high level of Torah learning which taken together blew me away.

Jeff Gross
Rutgers Medical School

My experience at Moreshet Learning Retreats broke all the stereotypes I ever had of religious Jews and Judaism. The chance to study with world-class Torah scholars and see them interact with their families, reassured me that these were people who practiced what they preached. Consider it a Hebrew School recovery program -- a place to find out what Judaism and Jews are really about.

Aliza Bloom
Former producer, Larry King Live

Sure I was nervous about two weeks of Jewish studies! Two weeks with a bunch of guys in the woods? But once I got to Moreshet Learning Retreats, I soon saw that these concerns were for naught. I found it to be an open minded, dynamic learning environment, with a great group of guys who made the hikes and ball games a blast.

Jesse Rubenfeld
The University of Pennsylvania

I must admit that I was skeptical about Moreshet Learning Retreats, because I thought that all introduction-to-Judaism programs would be superficial and intellectually weak. But Moreshet Learning Retreats was the opposite. The more basic the question, the more deep and penetrating were the answers. Instead of trying to "wow" me with a Judaism show, they allowed me to discover the intellectual rigor and depth of Jewish learning and I found it very satisfying.

Justin Shubow
Doctoral student in philosophy, University of Michigan

My family lit candles on Friday nights because it was a family custom. However, for me to continue this and other traditions in a meaningful way, I wanted to learn why we lit the candles and carried on so many other "customs." My quest for understanding led me to Moreshet Learning Retreats. The learning I did at Moreshet Learning Retreats gave me the answers to a lot of the "why's" of Judaism.

Jennifer Pearlman
Emory Healthcare's Strategic Planning Department

It was a place where I could ask long overdue questions and listen to answers that challenged my assumed perceptions. The answers turned into discussions, and discussions turned to thoughts.I found this to be the place where I could get an education to make quality decisions about how I want to live my life.

Justin Levitz
Day trader, Heartland Securities

While I always wanted to give my tradition a proper hearing, in the midst of designing business deals drawn straight from the pages of the Wall Street Journal, there never seemed to be a good time to get-off the "fast track." Somehow I knew that if I didn't do it now, the growing demands in my professional and personal life would continue to keep me from ever doing it. I finally decided to take a long overdue vacation to Moreshet Learning Retreats. In retrospect, it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Eric Evans
Credit Suisse First Boston

The Yosemite program gave me a chance to explore ideas that I had always wanted to look into, but just never made the time for: my roots and my Moreshet Learning Retreats. In a stress-free, fun environment - spectacular hikes, intense basketball games, and a relaxing boat ride - I came to some important conclusions about fundamental questions. Lasting friendships with all-around great people have also developed from those special two weeks. Moreshet Learning Retreats energized a desire to look inward and really think about my relationship to Judaism.

Joshua Styne
U.S.C. Film School