Jewish Study is the Foundation of Jewish Life
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Undertaking a course of study with Rabbi Yitzhak Miller opened new doors in my exploration of Judaism and spirituality.
Rabbi Yitzi does far more than teach; he brings a passion for lifelong learning and growth that makes him both an educator and a guide. Rabbi Yitzi lives to teach, and he also teaches to life.
-Jason Winston
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Whether adults or children, Jews anchor their spiritual and religious life in the study of our sacred texts and tradition. As a Rabbi who believes that “informed choice” is the right of every modern Jew, it is also imperative to me that modern Jews have the knowledge by which to make their spiritual and religious choices.
Through 21st-century technology, I can make my services available to people regardless of geography, and we can get small groups of people together who otherwise would not have the opportunity for this learning. For many groups--both small and large--this technology makes access to high-quality Jewish education accessible and affordable.
Click below for a description of each type of learning opportunity:
Classes, Seminars, & Webinars
Adult Hebrew
Basic Judaism
Lifelong Learning
Jewish Retreats
Jewish Study Tours
Public Tours
Private Tours
Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah Tours
Wedding Tours
Spiritual Counseling / Pastoral Counseling
Scholar-in-Residence
Individual & Family Study
Services for Schools:
Curriculum Guidance
Teacher Training
Preparation for Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah
Exploring Conversion to Judaism
Classes, Seminars, & Webinars
The foundation of my work as a Rabbi is teaching. I offer both in-person classes and seminars, and also live distance-learning classes (webinars). At any given time, I offer both entry-level and more advanced classes to support the gamut of Jewish learners.
For a list of current and upcoming classes, please click here.
For a list of available topics for your community, please click here.
Retreats
One privilege of being physically located in beautiful Santa Cruz, California is the ability to host spiritual/educational retreats here. Come study and celebrate with other motivated Jews, and learn from a variety of teachers and scholars. Oh, and enjoy one of the most inspirational and serene places on earth while you’re at it.
Santa Cruz is located 30 minutes South of San Jose International Airport, and 75 minutes South of San Francisco International Airport.
For a list of upcoming retreats, please click here.
To contact me to discuss planning a retreat for your community, please click here.
Study Tours
At least once per year, I offer the opportunity for people to travel on a Jewish study tour. At least every two years, the trip is to Israel. Other destinations include Western, Central, Southern, or Eastern Europe, Spain and Morocco, Greece & Turkey, and South America. In each case the tour is designed to be inspirational, motivational, educational, and above-all-else—FUN!
My public tours are limited in size to ensure a more “family-like” atmosphere. They are coordinated with travel companies that specialize in Jewish travel and are intended to strike a good balance between affordability and comfort.
I can also help you and your family or group organize your own personal Jewish Study Tour or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Wedding tour.
For a list of upcoming public study tours, please click here.
To contact me for more information about private tours, please click here.
Spiritual Counseling / Pastoral Counseling
Spiritual direction has often been described as “therapy with God included.” At its core, the entire purpose of spiritual direction is to help the participant find true purpose and meaning in his/her life. I draw upon the rich wisdom sources of Jewish tradition to assist our exploration.
Pastoral counseling is more specifically-focused on a life event (divorce, mourning, adoption, etc.) than on spiritual direction. The process, however, is the same—me utilizing my knowledge of Jewish tradition to help the person in need tap into Judaism’s treasures.
To contact me to discuss Spiritual Counseling or Pastoral Counseling, please click here.
For a fee schedule, please click here.
Scholar-in-Residence
Scholar-in-Residence weekends are a wonderful way to share my educational talents with your community, to stimulate further Jewish study, or to bring a different perspective to those your community already enjoys.
Any of the seminar or retreat topics can be tailored to a scholar-in-residence weekend in your community. I can also create a topic, according to your wishes.
For a list of common Scholar-In-Residence topics, please click here.
To contact me to discuss your community's needs, please click here.
For a fee schedule, please click here.
Individual & Family Study
Individual Jewish study may be your preference, rather than classes, seminars, or retreats. For some clients, I create an individualized study program and provide regular appointments to discuss material and monitor progress. I also have numerous clients who wish to explore Judaism as a family—often because they are unable to meet this need at a synagogue. Again, the program is tailored to the family’s goals.
To contact me to discuss your needs, please click here
For a fee schedule, please click here.
Curriculum Guidance & Teacher Training
As the Director of Education for two different synagogues during my career, I have vast experience helping parents and teachers put together a curriculum and help train teachers to be more effective with their students. My knowledge of the resources available from various movements and publishers helps those responsible for Jewish education in their organization to be most efficient and effective.
For a list of common teacher-training topics, please click here.
To contact me to discuss your needs, please click here.
For a fee schedule, please click here.
For information about Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah tutoring, lessons, family exploration, services, etc, please click here to find the description under "ceremonies".
For information about exploring Conversion to Judaism, please click here to find the section on "conversion".
