How Does the Program Work?

The two-year program consists of 18 seminars per year held in the local community, and three out-of-town Summer Institutes.

The curriculum is divided into four subject areas:

• Yesodot: Jewish Fundamentals Encountering the basic philosophies and traditions underlying an active and committed Jewish life.
• The History of the Jewish People: Exploring the story of our people from Creation to the present.
• The Thought of the Jewish People: Studying the major texts and ideas that have shaped our people from our inception as a nation.
• Contemporary Issues: Confronting the difficult and complex challenges facing Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel.

The local seminars meet on weekday evenings about once every two weeks from September through June in a fixed site in the community.

The three Summer Institutes are held in resort conference centers and hotels. In the past, they have taken place in Aspen, Vail and Snowmass, Colo.; Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Snowbird, Utah; and in Caesarea and Jerusalem, Israel.

Members must be prepared to dedicate the very considerable time and energy necessary to participate fully in the program.

What Happens after
the Two-Year Program?

The Foundation sponsors a comprehensive alumni program that encourages continued Jewish study, the creation of synergies in individual leadership endeavors, and the expansion of leadership roles in the local and national Jewish communities:

• Alumni are encouraged to continue their Jewish education at their own expense under the guidance and direction of the Foundation and its faculty. To date, all alumni groups have continued to study in Year III, and some in Years IV and beyond.
• The Foundation offers an array of print and electronic publications for alumni. The Foundation sends books of special interest to all its alumni a few times a year. Also, all alumni have access to an electronic member directory designed to encourage networking on Jewish communal leadership issues.
• Alumni leadership initiatives are encouraged by Foundation staff through periodic visits to local communities.

How are Seminar Members Chosen?

Members are admitted to the program through a three-part process: nomination, application screening and personal interview.

• Candidates are not able to apply on their own initiative; rather, the Foundation solicits nominations from professional and lay leaders in the community. Each group has about 20 individuals.
• Those men and women who are selected are generally 30 to 45 years old and have personal, professional and communal lives that reflect a history of leadership and commitment to the Jewish people.
• Denominational affiliation is not relevant. The Foundation believes in religious pluralism, and is multi-denominational in its curriculum, faculty, staff and membership.

What Does the Program Cost?

There is no cost to Members for the Wexner Heritage Program. The program is funded by The Wexner Foundation in partnership with the local community. To enable communities to take ownership of their future and to leverage leadership learning opportunities, Leslie and Abigail Wexner have decided to engage funding partners. These funding partners ensure the strength and vitality of their own communities by sharing the cost of educating the next cadre of leaders. Funding partners include alumni of the program, local philanthropists, Federations, and Foundations.