In 1979, a group of Israeli scientists and educators joined forces to form
Arachim, an organization dedicated to renewing authentic Jewish values.
Searching for an educational tool, they devised the Seminar, a 3-5 day retreat
that uses lectures, workshops, and discussion groups to examine basic questions
of Jewish outlook:
- Are science and Jewish
belief compatible?
- What is the secret of
Jewish survival, that has kept us a vital nation for thousands of years?
- Why are Jews so often in
the headlines, even though they constitute less than one half of one percent
of the world's population?
The Seminar proved immensely popular. Originally, Arachim planned to hold three
or four a year. Today, over two hundred are held annually, on five continents,
in Hebrew, English, Spanish, Russian, French, Italian, and Hungarian.
The original Seminar format has been adapted for families, singles, and
academics. It is presented in Israel, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, in England,
France, Italy, Holland, and Hungary, in South Africa, and in Hong Kong and
India.
Another refinement is the special-interest Seminar, which may focus on
alternative medicine, on the martial arts, interpersonal relationships, or
mysticism, or motorcycling – and its relationship to Jewish values.
To date, over 500,000 people have attended Seminars worldwide. Their enthusiasm
is contagious. “I never knew Judaism had so much to offer!” says Chayim Katz, an
engineer from Tel Aviv. “It’s made my life more meaningful and satisfying.”
“We’re a happier, more united family now,” says Carol Shine. “Don and I know
where we’re headed in life. The children sense that we have more direction in
our lives, and they’re happier, too.”
"I thought I’d finished with Judaism when I quit Sunday school,” says Hank
Levine. “Now that I started to investigate it, as a thinking adult, I see that I
hadn’t even begun to tap the resources it offers.”
Arachim is Hebrew for “values.” We offer you a chance to become acquainted with
Jewish values that will add meaning to your life.
