EDUCATION | THE CHAI ROAD

THE CHAI ROAD | GETTING STARTED AND FAQs

Getting Started and FAQs

The Road Map: Getting Started

The Chai Road consists of two main paths, that of Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah or a Guided Adult Learning Experience. On the Chai Road you may choose to meet with a Madrich, (Guide), to discuss your interests and passions, identify areas for study, and create a Chai Road plan. Your individual plan will generally extend over a 12-24 month period and include the accumulation of 180 credits, in the areas of Torah (study), Avodah (worship) and Tikkun Olam (social justice).

You can maintain your own progress logs and check in as needed with a Madrich for encouragement, support and guidance.

The Chai Road: Frequently Asked Questions

The Chai Road is an new program created to bring Jewish values to your daily life, nurture your spirituality, anchor and challenge you to reach out the world in need, connect you to others in our congregation, all through the transformative power of Jewish learning.

If I want to become an Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah is this the program for me?
Yes. We have designed a model that ensures you get to study Torah, learn Hebrew, do acts of loving kindness, feel more comfortable in services and become part of a learning community.

What if I haven’t taken a class about Judaism since I was a kid—can I participate?
Sure. The Chai Road is designed to allow adult learners at all literacy levels to get started on the path. A madrich (guide) can help you create a plan that will feel comfortable and manageable if you were born Jewish, if you are a Jew by Choice, if you consider yourself a classical Reform Jew, an advanced learner or “just” a member of our congregation. There will also be a communal celebration for everyone involved to be recognized for making the journey.

I don’t have a lot of time to come to classes, is there a time limit for being on the Chai Road?
The beauty of this program is that it is self paced and you can create a path that will include study and worship, acts of social justice and activities to connect to our community, at times that work for your schedule.

OK. I’m interested. What do I do to get started?
This part is easy. All you need to do is email thechairoad@tedallas.org.