Now in its 20th Year, Project Kesher’s Mother/Daughter Retreats engage girls ages 14-17 in leadership training with their mothers. Thanks to this programming, young leaders throughout the Project Kesher network have initiated community activities to strengthen Jewish continuity, conducted city-wide activities aimed at implementing Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repair of the world) and dugma ishit (living by example), and continued to build Jewish life between countries, even as the tensions in the region have caused splits in many organizations.

The Seminars last three days, with the Mother-Daughter pairs engaged in interactive programming and learning - some together and others separated by their peer age group. These retreats provide a rare opportunity for mothers and daughters to open up to one another in a safe and supportive environment.

Programming Curriculum:

• Jewish identity building includes learning about history, traditions, holidays and the connection between Jewish values and social activism.

• Family relationship building includes family dynamics, personal space, and conflict resolution.

• Leadership skills training includes understanding gender bias and the status of women in modern society

The goals of the weekend include strengthening family bonds, building a strong Jewish identity and developing community leaders of both generations.  

After the retreat, participants are provided with continuing education through webinars, ongoing mentoring and coaching from Project Kesher expert leadership. Throughout the year, Project Kesher offers programming ideas geared to different generations of Jewish community members and range from Jewish holiday celebrations and text study; Jewish history, family educational programs, community-wide social activist programming, and more.