FAQ
Overview of the AOP Education
What does the course of an AOP education look like?
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect in terms of overall, annual, and weekly perspectives.
What are the components of the AOP education?
Our program comprises semester-long classes via live videoconference (Zoom), supplemented with a variety of required retreats. The retreats are a crucial element of our program, and provide opportunities that simply cannot be replicated in a videoconference environment.
In addition to classes and retreats, AOP students engage in Hashpa’ah/Spiritual Direction throughout the duration of their studies. A crucial part of spiritual formation, Hashpa’ah provides a container for exploring and developing a personal understanding and relationship with Divine Presence. Students meet on a monthly basis with their Mashpi’ah/Spiritual Director.
All students are required to complete at least one unit* of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). CPE is an intensive, hands-on training in chaplaincy and pastoral care. A CPE unit includes weekly didactic sessions with a cohort, individual supervision with a CPE educator, and clinical hours spent giving care in the setting in which the unit takes place. This is most frequently a hospital, but some do CPE in elder care settings, hospice, jails or prisons, and other settings.
*Rabbinic Pastor students must complete four units.
How long will it take?
The time it takes for ordination can vary widely based on the number of classes taken each semester. Studying on a “full-time” basis (3-4 classes/semester), the average time frame is approximately 5-6 years. Of course, the fewer classes you take each semester, the longer it will take to move through the program. The programs are transformative placing a strong emphasis on spiritual formation. To complete the program students must demonstrate a level of maturity and spiritual growth that qualifies them for ordination.
What does an AOP year entail?
As with most academic programs, the AOP year is built around two semesters. Fall semester runs late August or early September to early/mid December; Spring semester runs late January or early February – early/mid May.
Additionally, we hold two annual retreats. Our required summer study intensive, known as “Smicha Week,” takes place in late June or early July. We spend a full week (Sunday-Sunday) learning, davvening, and just being together. Locations and precise dates vary from year to year.
Our winter retreat is held during the second weekend in January in Colorado. This retreat includes a Shabbaton with student-led davvening, culminating in the Smicha Ceremony (ordination) of the graduating students on Sunday. The Smicha Ceremony is followed the next day by the annual conference of OHALAH, the professional association for Renewal clergy and students.
Some years may look different from others. In addition to our annual required retreats, there is also a cohort-based required retreat program, the The Davvenen Leadership Training Institute (DLTI). DLTI is a series of four retreats, spanning 18 months. Retreats take place in late July or early August and mid-February over the course of the cohort. DLTI provides hands-on learning in prayer leadership, and in building prayerful community.
What does an AOP semester look like?
Students take on a course load that is appropriate for their life circumstances. Some may be able to take as many as four courses per semester, others only one.
Our graduate level courses meet once a week for 13, two-hour sessions. Some courses include a lab hour or beit midrash. Many courses require an hour of weekly chevruta/partner study. All courses include substantial weekly homework and reading.
Additional Student Support
Director of Studies (DOS) – In addition to course attendance and Hashpa’ah, students have regular meetings with a Director of Studies. DOSes help students navigate through the program, advising on course choices and questions specific to each ordination path.
Local Mentor – Students are required to have a local mentor. This is a clergy person local to you (ideally), whom you can shadow and get input from as you try out your growing leadership skills. We recognize that not all locations have someone readily available to fill that role. In those cases, students can connect with mentors remotely.