The Three Parts of the Ner Le’Elef Experience

The classes, together with other components of the Ner Le’Elef experience help you develop in three different areas:

Personal Growth and Internal Change

One of the aims of Ner Le’Elef is to build the person, himself. The more complete and exemplary a model he will be – the greater will be his impact by showing the excitement, growth and vibrancy of living a Torah life. He will also have the tools with which to face the challenges of working in kiruv. Rav Reuven Leuchter, a world renowned mashgiach, baal musar, and baal eitzah delivers weekly vaadim to help you develop as a ben Torah and leader that can successfully deal with the challenges of life in a community and continuing to grow in kollel and beyond.

Skills, Tools, and Knowledge

Ner Le’Elef teaches you a broad spectrum of information, skills, and ideas. These include a sugyos in hashkafa and halacha as well as exposure to various approaches to community building and kiruv. This part of the program also includes public speaking skills, effective teaching techniques and a range of professional training.

Practical Experience

You will apply the tools that you’ve learned to real-life teaching and kiruv experiences, at Ner Le’Elef and outside. Participants “perform” in front of each other and grow from their peers and staff members suggestions and feedback. You will give classes, answer questions and deliver divrei torah. Through our practicum program, you’ll teach live audiences and have the opportunity to meet and teach students of a variety of ages and backgrounds. During your time at Ner Le’Elef, you’ll also meet leading personalities who are actively involved in Kiruv in a broad range of capacities. They visit with us, share their experiences and provide our students a chance to learn more about the different position types that Ner Le’Elef alumni fill. In addition, our placement team helps interested students secure internships, giving them opportunities to work and learn from experienced people with whom they can apprentice.

 

Program Goals and Components

Here is a more detailed listing of ten areas of focus that make up the Ner Le’Elef experience:

Personal Growth	Weekly Vaadim and personal guidance help build more complete Bnei Torah, able to deal with a variety of challenges. You’ll become more confident through skill development and practical experiences.
Knowledge	You will gain exposure to a range of Hashkafa topics and various areas of Halacha.
Skill-building	You will receive expert training in public speaking, teaching skills, communication skills and effective counseling. Interactive sessions help you internalize these principles.
Kiruv Training	You will learn basic principles for success in kiruv and more specialized training in different areas including kiruv with teenagers, kiruv with university students, community kiruv and Rabbanus.
Professional Training	You will gain skills including: using technology effectively, marketing and advertising, fundraising, time management, goal setting, leadership and management, community politics, and stress management.
Motivation and Excitement	You’ll be exposed to the enthusiasm of visiting alumni; and through your own teaching and kiruv experiences.
Creating a Chabura	Graduates of each program provide a future network of support. Smaller interactive groups during workshops, public speaking training and practice groups, working together on joint projects and events – all contribute to the sense of a chabura.
Developing a Kesher with a Rebbe or Mentor	You will benefit from relationships with a Rebbe or Mentor who can guide you, even after you move into the field. This happens through meaningful interaction with a range of staff members regarding personal growth, skill development and plans for the future.
Placement	You will become more knowledgeable about the range of positions and what they entail, receive guidance through 1-on-1 meeting with staff members, training (i.e. resume writing, successful interviewing techniques, interview simulations) and assistance through every stage of the placement process.
Follow-up	Support is provided for alumni in the field through telephone and email contact, providing teaching materials, and sometimes on-site visits from Ner Le’Elef staff.