Over the years, the Flagship program of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) has flourished in communities worldwide. But for Shluchim in remote locations, the cost and frequency of the courses made participation difficult. Still, many of these same Shluchim were eager to bring JLI’s signature educational experience to their communities.
As remote work becomes more widespread, many individuals and families are opting to live outside major cities, further increasing the need for a Torah education model that works in smaller, more geographically isolated communities.
Recognizing this growing need, Rabbi Laibel Shemtov of Traverse City, Michigan, reached out to JLI, spearheading an initiative to create a new, accessible framework for remote Shluchim. The program was aptly named Ufaratzta.
To test this new model, JLI ran a pilot this past winter, offering a tailored version of the popular course Journey of the Soul specifically for small-town or remote Shluchim. The response was overwhelming. Thirty-nine Shluchim joined the pilot, representing communities from Newfoundland to Panama, and from rural Australia to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
On the heels of this success, JLI is expanding the program. Led by Rabbi Avremi Rapoport, Ufaratzta offers two Flagship courses per year at a subsidized rate. Included in the package is instructor training and full support throughout the course. The program prioritizes Shluchim who have never previously enrolled in the Flagship program and who are committed to both teaching and participating in training.
“JLI’s Ufaratzta represents a significant step in fulfilling the Rebbe’s vision of reaching every Jew, no matter how distant geographically or demographically,” said Rabbi Rapoport. “By lowering barriers and providing robust support, JLI is empowering even more Shluchim to teach, inspire, and transform lives through Torah learning.”
Spots for the upcoming year are filling quickly. With over forty-five applicants already signed up for the coming year—and a cap of fifty—the demand is clear.
Rabbi Duni Blotner, Shliach to Etobicoke, Ontario, participated in the pilot and saw firsthand the enthusiasm it generated. “Journey of the Soul was incredible. It is a brilliant composition that shined a radiant light on a subject so many encounter, yet never get to properly research or digest,” he shared. “People came back each week thirsty for more, repeatedly discussed the concepts that were novel to them, and shared the insights with friends too.”
Rabbi Sruly Shemtov, Shliach to Vail, Arizona, also introduced his community to the JLI courses, and they can’t get enough of them: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The last question they all asked was: When is the next course happening?”
As Ufaratzta gains traction, it’s opening doors for Shluchim in far-flung communities to bring Mivtza Torah to every corner of the world.
If you think Ufaratzta suits your Chabad house and would like more info, Rabbi Rapoport can be reached at [email protected].
