Jewish Learning Fellowships
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Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)
The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) is an 8-week experiential, conversational seminar for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms. We’re interested in asking big questions. You know, the big stuff — like Who am I? What communities am I a part of? What is worth committing myself to, and why? And we don’t purport to have any of the big answers.
We're proud to say that we make no claims about the “right” way to practice or not to practice Judaism. Our job is to help you explore the tradition in a safe space and find your own place, on your terms, in Judaism’s Great Conversation.
As a Jewish Learning Fellow, we'll invite you to coffee, spend a Shabbat together, and help you feel connected to next steps after JLF. And to honor the time and energy you bring, fellows earn a $200 stipend upon completion of the program.
JLF Schedule: JLF 1.0 sessions will be assigned based on participant availability. Please note your availability in your application.
*Sessions will begin the week of September 14th.
Please contact Aden Barash at abarash@ufhillel.org for additional information.
Jewish Learning Fellowship 2.0 (JLF 2.0)
For those who have completed JLF, we offer opportunities to continue the learning experience with JLF 2.0. There are two options for JLF 2.0 this semester. JLF 2.0 runs for 8 sessions.
NEW: JLF 2.0: Jewish Foundations is an exploration of the core components of Jewish life, designed to be an accessible, engaging, and deeply personal encounter with ideas related to Jewish sacred text, community, ritual, calendar, and rhythm. Throughout the series, fellows are invited to reflect on their own identities, questions, and experiences, building a deeper connection to and understanding of Jewish life. Fellows will leave with a stronger sense of how Judaism shows up in the world – and how it might show up in their own lives – as well as a clearer understanding of what it means to be part of the Jewish people today.
JLF 2.0: Sex, Love, & Relationships is a conversational experience that explores Jewish ideas about gender, sexuality, intimacy, and sexual ethics through a broad range of sources in Jewish thought in a way that honors our minds and bodies and respects our position as modern, thoughtful adults. We'll discuss questions like: What’s sex got to do with being Jewish? How does Judaism understand consent, hookup culture, and sexuality? How might Jewish values be at the table when I am making decisions about intimacy? We make no claims about the “right” way to practice or not to practice Judaism. Our job is to provide you time and space to consider the questions and find your own place.
To honor the time and energy you bring, fellows earn a $100 stipend upon completion of the program.
JLF 2.0 Schedule: JLF 2.0 sessions will be assigned based on participant availability. Please note your availability in your application.
*Sessions will begin the week of September 14th.
Please contact Aden Barash at abarash@ufhillel.org for additional information.
Jewish Learning Fellowship FAQs
How is JLF different from other programs?
JLF is run by Hillel International’s Office of Innovation, in partnership with local campuses like Schilit Hillel. Our educators bring a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds, experiences, and philosophies. Some of them are rabbis. We are also a pluralistic, non-denominational project. We do not believe there is “one right way to be Jewish.”
What do you actually do in JLF?
JLF is an 8-week immersive experience that explores life's big questions, such as, how honest do I have to be in a friendship? How do I explore intimacy in college? Is there a way to disagree productively? How do I make time for balancing work and my own rest? And many more. This program is an opportunity to learn a little, meet new friends, and explore Jewish community on our campus.
When does JLF meet?
We'll meet once a week during the semester for eight weeks. Different options will be available each semester. Please pick the days and times that work best for your schedule.
What do I have to do to earn the scholarship?
To receive the scholarship you must (1) Attend all eight sessions on time and attentively, and (2) Participate in a JLF Shabbat evening experience.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
JLF is open to students currently enrolled as undergraduates at UF. While JLF is a program rooted in Jewish study and in Jewish community, we do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
Do I need a certain Jewish background to participate?
No, no background is necessary. JLF is open to students from a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds, expressions, and experiences!
What is the time commitment?
JLF meets once a week, for 8 weeks. Each session 75 minutes in length.
How many fellows are there?
Each seminar will have 20-25 fellows.