Rodef Sholom: A Reform Jewish Congregation in Marin County, California

Click here to learn more about our upcoming 8th Grade Trip to Jewish LA

We hear a lot of talk about how kids learn in different ways. Some are visual learners, still others are auditory learners. We don't, however, hear a lot about kinesthetic learners. These are kids who learn by physically doing, or learn on their feet while they are in the place they are learning about. These kids learn most deeply outside the four walls of a classroom.

As veteran educators, we know that we can transform all children by teaching them on the road, when they are open to new experiences and walking the talk at the same time. There is something special that happens when we have an opportunity to eat, learn, pray and work together in a context outside of our daily routines - in fact, we have found that it can change a person's life.

That is why we at Rodef Sholom Midrasha, have designed Jewish trips that teach and transform. A long time ago, the Jews responded when offered the Torah, "Na'asay v'nishma", we will do and we will listen.

The teens of Rodef Sholom are on the road to do and learn.

Kesher Retreat in the City: Taking Community Service A Notch Higher through leadership for 9th and 10th graders

Feel inspired to take action by the vibe of two of San Francisco's most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods: Union Square and the Tenderloin. Through group activities, drama games, leadership workshops, meeting with people who made a difference, and experiencing the streets of San Francisco, this weekend's goal is to inspire you to take action and to provide you with tools to make a difference. If you are ready to experience life on the cutting edge.

You are invited to be a part of this elite leadership weekend retreat in San Francisco, because you have the potential to make the world a better place during your time on this planet. Click here to learn more.

New York City - The Jewish Immigrant Experience Trip
Fly the red eye on Thursday night and return Monday evening.

Join our Rodef Sholom teens as they travel through time, back to the early Jewish immigrant days, when Ellis Island and the Lower East Side were packed with Jews from all over the world as they came to the "Goldene Medina" (Yiddish for the Golden Land). This trip will give you a full appreciation for the Yiddish culture that they brought with them from the old country, the hardships they had to face, and the reality of life in the 1900's in the land of liberty.

Space is limited to 10 Rodef Sholom teens (9th and 10th grade only).This trip is usually scheduled for the fall in alternating years - contact Claire Mikowski at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 479.3447 for more details.

Jewish Los Angeles
What does the Jewish community of Los Angeles look like? What makes it Jewish other than large numbers of Jews in one area? Join us for a look at the Jewish community of Los Angeles, visit the Museum of Tolerance, the Persian Jews of Fairfax, celebrate Shabbat on the beach, eat at a real Jewish deli and enjoy a weekend filled with friends and fun.  8th graders; usually scheduled for the fall.  Contact Claire for more information.

Hurricane Recovery Effort - Annual Spring Trip to New Orleans

Please join Cantor David Margules and Claire Mikowski as they lead the Rodef Sholom team back to New Orleans. This trip is for teens 14 years and above and for adults who enjoy working alongside of teens. We can accept 20 teens and 8 adults on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is still much work to be done post-Katrina. Are you with us?

Click here for logistical details about the New Orleans trip

To read personal stories from our work in New Orleans, click here.

Trips to Israel
Through Rodef Sholom, our teens can participate in two different trips to Israel:  Let's Go Israel, for teens between their sophomore and junior years, and Shalhevet (which also includes a short side trip to Poland), for teens between their junior and senior year.  For more information, click on the above links or contact Claire.