Santa Barbara, California FAQ

Winter Program

The Program

How long is each session?

The winter session runs for a week, beginning on a Sunday afternoon.

When are the programs conducted?

In the winter of 2006-2007, the program will run from December 25th 2006 through January 1st 2007.

What are the accommodations like? What sort of food is provided?

There are two to three people per room. Each room has its own bathroom and shower facilities. At the ranch there are basketball, tennis and volleyball courts as well as a swimming pool. Additionally there is maid service for each room. Nature trails begin just off the grounds. Delicious meals are cooked by our chef. The ranch is located in Santa Ynez.

How many years has Moreshet Learning Retreats been conducting retreats?

For over 22 years. We began in 1981 with one program on the East Coast and have expanded to several programs on both coasts. We are now in our 5th year on the West Coast. This year, due to strong interest, we are conducting a winter session.

Do I need a certain level of background in Judaism to attend?

No, the program is geared towards young adults from a variety of affiliations, with limited backgrounds in Judaism who want to learn more about their heritage. It has been our experience that participants with very limited knowledge, as well as those who have already begun to explore their heritage, have found the level of study to be accessible, relevant and engaging.

What age groups participate in the program?

Moreshet Learning Retreats participants are undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students, and young professionals.

For More Information

Can I speak with some of the alumni of the program to get a better understanding of what I will get out of attending?

Yes. Please call us in the U.S. at 800-927-0476 or in Canada at 866-600-5013 to arrange to speak with some of our alumni. We have alumni in most major cities in the U.S. and Canada.

Whom do I contact for more information about the program?

Rabbi Mordechai Kreitenberg
From US: 800-927-0476
From Canada: 866-268-7169
Email: [email protected]

The Application Process

How do I apply?

Download the application from our website. Fill it out online, or submit it either by emailing it back to us as an attachment or faxing it back to us at (603) 250-2965.

Am I guaranteed a place if I apply?

You are guaranteed a spot only after you have received a hard copy or emailed acceptance letter from Moreshet Learning Retreats, and have submitted payment for the program in full. Acceptance may be contingent on a personal interview and/or references.

Tuition and Scholarships

What is the total cost to attend the program and what is included in that price?

The total cost for the program, including room and board for the duration of the session, is:

$249.00 for individuals whose applications are received before December 7th
$299.00 for individuals whose applications are received after December 7th

There is an additional $50.00 transportation fee for individuals who will need Moreshet Learning Retreats to provide them with transportation to and from the retreat location.

What if I cannot afford the cost of the program? How do I apply for a scholarship?

A limited number of scholarships are available for eligible applicants. Please refer to the previous question for further information. Once you have filled out an application for the session you would like to attend please be in touch with us to discuss the various scholarships available:

From the US: 1-800-927-0476
From Canada: 1-866-268-7169
or email us at: [email protected]

Who pays for the airfare? What if I cannot afford the cost of the airfare?

Travel is not included in the price. You must arrange and pay for your own travel expenses to attend the retreat. Limited transportation scholarships are available to eligible applicants. Please call 1-800-927-0476 from the US, or 1-866-268-7169 from Canada, or email us at [email protected].

Why is the program so affordable?

We are able to charge a reduced tuition of $199.00 because of the philanthropy of various charitable foundations and community leaders. Their gifts enable us to bring down the cost of the program to participants. Those who wish to leave these funds available for others may pay the full tuition which is $1000.00/per person.

Administrative

Once I am accepted, what is my next step?

Send in your payment as soon as possible in order to guarantee your place in the program.

How do I send in my payment?

Payment is due in full upon receipt of your acceptance. You may pay online, via credit card or pay pal. If you prefer to pay by check, checks should be made payable to Moreshet Learning Retreats and send to:

Moreshet Learning Retreats
117 N. Highland
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Travel and Logistics

How do I get to the ranch?

Participants who are flying into the area must make their own airplane arrangements. We recommend booking your flight as early as possible in order to get the most competitive fares. We will arrange for transportation to the ranch from the Hilton Los Angeles Airport. If you are arriving at LAX, claim your luggage and follow the signs to ground transportation. Take the Hilton Los Angeles Airport shuttle to the hotel. The concierge will direct you to the meeting room for Moreshet Learning Retreats. A bus will depart from the Hilton to the ranch at 1:00 p.m.

If you are flying in to Long Beach Airport you will need to take a taxi to the Hilton LAX. You may arrange transportation in advance or hire it upon your arrival at the airport.

If you need to travel to Santa Barbara on your own, you can take the Santa Barbara Airbus. Please contact them for more information www.sbairbus.com or Click here for driving directions if you would like to drive up by yourself.

We will provide transportation for all participants who request it. Please contact us at least two weeks in advance to make those plans.

To whom do I send my travel itinerary?

Once you have booked your flight, please email [email protected] or fax the itinerary to us at (603) 250-2965. If you have a cell phone, please include that number on any information you send us. This number is important in coordinating airport pickups.

What time should I plan on arriving? Leaving?

Schedule your flight so that you arrive in by noon the day the program is scheduled to begin. Dinner is served at 6:00 PM and orientation follows. The programs end on Sunday after breakfast.

You may arrive before the program is scheduled to begin and we will arrange accommodations.

For your convenience book your return flight for anytime after 12:30 PM the day the program ends. We will be departing to the airport at 8:00AM. This will give you the flexibility to complete the program and fly out of LAX with our shuttle bus.

Do you have driving directions available?

Click here for driving directions. A link to MapQuest is also available.

Which airport should I fly into?

You can fly into Los Angeles International Airport on the day of the program. We will be providing transportation to the ranch from the airport.

If you prefer to rent a car from the airport and drive up by yourself, MapQuest provides driving directions. We will arrange to pick you up from Santa Barbara Airport, where you can drop off your car.

Can I fly into the area several days before the program to visit friends and family? If so, how can I arrange a ride to the camp?

Yes, you can come into the area earlier and we will provide transportation from Los Angeles to the program. Just be in touch with us to let us know your transportation needs.

How do I find inexpensive plane tickets to Moreshet Learning Retreats?

Here are a few sites to make your ticket purchase easier and less costly: priceline.com, travelocity.com, orbitz.com, cheaptickets.com, jetblue.com. Canadian participants should try travelcuts.com.

What do I need to pack?

We provide all of the basic necessities of room and board, including linens, and towels, so there is no need to bring anything except your clothes, personal belongings and toiletries. We suggest bringing clothing and shoes suitable for sports activities and a bathing suit, as well as appropriate casual-wear for the Sabbath. A day pack or fanny pack may be useful during outdoor activities. It tends to get cool in the evenings and there is the possibility of rain, so bring along appropriate outerwear.

Is there email access there?

You will be able to send and receive email while at the program. But there will be many people sharing lines, so you will not be able to surf the internet.

Are there laundry facilities there?

There are laundry facilities, but you must bring your own laundry detergent.

What is the weather like there?

Temperatures vary. Please check Yahoo weather for exact temperatures.