Training Synagogues, Internships and Placements

Alongside these modules, students are expected to have a number of placements in congregations. During year 1 students will participate in: 1. A teaching internship (one semester) 2. an apprenticeship during the High Holy Days (HHD). During this apprenticeship students will be assigned to a rabbi to shadow their preparation work and service leading during the HHD period. 3. Take part in the Training Synagogues Programme. This programme enables students to build over a period of five semesters a wide variety of practical and leaderships skills while being embedded and involved in two synagogues.

In years 2-5 students will be placed in a congregation during the HHD. In some instances this will be to lead services on their own in the community, in other instances it may be to do work specifically directed by a senior rabbinic colleague or movement representative.

In years 2 and 3 students will continue to take part in the Training Synagogues Programme.

In years 4 & 5 students will be placed in congregations for the entire year. Students are expected to complete, on average, 8 sessions in year 4 and 12 sessions in year 5 for each of the 10 months at their placement.

In general, students will be placed under the tutelage of a senior rabbi, who can supervise their work during the year 4 Internship. During year 5 students may be on their own or working as part of a team at a larger community. Where students are on their own in a congregation, in general it is the responsibility of the movement that hosts them to ensure adequate support, although the Van der Zyl Head of Vocational Studies or the Dean may also provide some limited support.

In addition, each student will be offered to be supported by a mentor. It is envisaged that the mentor will continue to be available for the student for the first two years post-Ordination, or longer as mutually agreed.