Vision
As antisemitism rises globally and young Jews increasingly disconnect from their heritage, the Jewish world faces unprecedented challenges. Ohr Torah Stone’s Straus-Amiel Institute envisions strengthening Jewish communities worldwide by training exceptional rabbinical couples as emissaries. Since 1998, over 1,200 graduates have served in 44 countries, directly impacting hundreds of communities and tens of thousands of lives through engaging Jewish learning and meaningful spiritual leadership.
Activity
Straus-Amiel Institute’s comprehensive training program prepares diverse rabbinical couples from across Israel to serve as Jewish emissaries worldwide. Led by distinguished educators and experts from multiple fields, the preparatory program equips couples with essential skills for modern Jewish leadership.
The curriculum covers extensive ground: Halacha (Jewish law), pastoral care, public speaking, psychology and counseling, Jewish thought and philosophy, marketing and public relations, project management, voice development, administration skills, lesson
planning, moral and ethical dilemmas, and interpersonal relationship skills.
As a modern-orthodox, religious-Zionist institute, the training emphasizes navigating contemporary challenges while fostering vibrant connections to Israel’s Land, State, People, and Torah. The program actively develops graduates’ capacity to represent both Jewish heritage and Israeli identity authentically.
Participants enter with educational or rabbinical backgrounds and proficiency in relevant languages for their intended placements. When necessary, the institute provides additional language learning support through online and in-person resources, ensuring effective communication with diverse Jewish communities across Europe and beyond.
This rigorous preparation transforms committed couples into skilled emissaries capable of providing meaningful religious, spiritual, and pastoral leadership to communities worldwide.