Not quite ready for Rabbinical or Cantorial School? Our Mechina (preparatory) year is built for you. It gives you the Jewish knowledge and service-leading skills you need to apply to JSLI with confidence. It’s also a wonderful year of learning for anyone who simply wants to live a fuller Jewish life, whether or not you go on to become clergy. This program was formerly called J-LEaP, the Jewish Life Enrichment Program.
Who the Mechina is for
Many people feel called to serve the Jewish community but don’t yet have the background our ordination programs require. Maybe you came to Judaism as an adult, or you drifted away and came back, or you never had a strong Jewish education growing up. That’s fine. The Mechina is where you build that foundation. It takes real work, and your own desire to serve will need to drive your learning, but it’s a clear and supportive path forward.
How it works
The Mechina takes one year and is fully online. You study in a small group of like-minded people, and every other week you join a live online Master Class with JSLI rabbis who guide you along the way. Outside of class you’ll attend synagogue weekly, write a paper, and practice leading services. Please note that JSLI does not teach you to read siddur Hebrew. You’ll need to learn that on your own during the year, and we’re happy to point you to good resources.
The eight units of study
- Introduction to Judaism, Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim, Talmud and sacred texts
- Leading Jewish prayer services
- Jewish traditions and symbols
- Lifecycles
- Jewish history and culture
- Shabbat rituals and prayers
- The High Holidays
- Festivals and minor holidays
Fees and tuition
Once you’re accepted, there’s a $200 admission fee. Full tuition for the Mechina year is $4,000, plus the cost of required books. Payment plans are available.
When you finish the Mechina and have a successful interview with the Dean, you may apply to JSLI’s Rabbinical or Cantorial School. Finishing the Mechina doesn’t guarantee admission, so please talk with our office or the Dean about how it works for your situation.
Where it can lead
More than 250 JSLI rabbis and cantors now serve communities across the United States and around the world. If you want to understand the full path first, read How to Become a Rabbi or see the Rabbinical School and Cantorial School pages.