Welcome to the Jewish Learning Fellowship —
a 10-week experiential, conversational experience for students to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms.

We’re interested in asking questions. You know, the big stuff — like Who am I? What ‘s important to me? What do I believe, and why? We don’t purport to have any of the big answers...certainly not for anyone else.

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.

Have more questions? We’ve got you. Check out the FAQ below. Need more help from there? Reach out to us at info@nchillel.org or your campus Hillel staff member.

Our Vision

By the end of 10 weeks, we want fellows to feel like they have:
1. Jewish friends.

2. A Jewish community.

3. ...learned something interesting. We’ll explore the wisdom in Jewish texts, both ancient and contemporary, and we'll count on you to add your unique voices and perspectives to our conversations.

The Program

We’ll gather together each week for a 1 hour session. We’ll also invite students to coffee, to spend Shabbat together, and we’ll help you feel connected to next steps and alumni offerings after JLF ends. Fellows can earn a $180-$250 stipend of “Jewish Journey Dollars” at the end of the program if they participate in all aspects of JLF.

Learning Community

Our JLF seminar is not a class, but a Jewish learning community. You’ll be able to explore yourself, your heritage, and great ideas of Judaism, using both your mind and heart. Participants will be diverse, with a wide range of beliefs, affiliations, identities and orientations. Everyone is encouraged to be respectful and try to learn from difference, rather than assume sameness.

Cohort Opportunities for Fall 2023

Life’s Big Questions

Cohort available only for UNC Chapel Hill students

JLF Life's Big Questions is an 10-week experiential, conversational seminar for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms.

We’re interested in building friendships, creating community, and 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? 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.

Wednesdays 5:00pm-6:15pm with Nikki Michaelson & Rayna Lifland starting September 20th

Kol Yisrael

Cohort available only for UNC Chapel Hill students

Kol Yisrael is a 6-week experiential, conversational seminar for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism and Israel on their own terms. Students will explore diverse perspectives and views from within the Israeli landscape, cultivating resilient empathy for a world full of complex human experiences. Through engaging texts and universal values, Kol Yisrael enables learners to encounter others' perspectives in a genuine way while also authentically bringing their own voices to the conversation.

Tuesdays 5:00pm-6:15pm with Hila Banay starting September 19th

UNC Students: Apply Here by September 12

FAQs

+How is JLF different from other programs?

JLF is run by Hillel International’s Office of Innovation, in partnership with local campuses and communities. Our educators bring a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds, experiences, and philosophies. We are also a pluralistic, non-denominational project. We do not believe there is “one right way to be Jewish.” Unlike other Hillel programs this one requires an application, and a commitment to participate fully.

+What do I have to do to earn the $180-$250 JLF stipend?

To receive the stipend you must (1) Fill out the application, 2) Attend each of the sessions on-time and be an active participant. You will receive a check with your JLF stipend after the semester ends. Stipend amounts depend on the cohort and the campus.

+Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?

Currently enrolled undergraduate students at NC State and UNC Chapel Hill. JLF is a program for Jewish students rooted in Jewish study and community, and we do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. New JLF participants are eligible for Jewish Journey Dollars for their participation in “Life’s Big Questions” and “Sex, Love and Romance.” New JLF participants and JLF alumni are eligible for “Israel: Home and Homeland.” (Other alumni participants are not eligible for further Jewish Journey dollars).

+Do I need a certain Jewish background to participate?

No, no background is necessary. You don't need to know Hebrew, have studied Torah, or attended Jewish summer camp. JLF is open to students from a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds, expressions, and experiences! We have had students who have a Jewish mother, students who have a Jewish father, students who converted to Judaism, students who attended youth group, and students for whom this is their first Jewish communal experience.

+I'm super busy. What's the time obligation?

JLF meets once a week, for 10 weeks, for an hour and a half. There is no homework. We see it as a valuable investment in you and your Jewish Journey!

+How many fellows are there? Where will they be from?

Each seminar will have 8-15 fellows, each from the campus of the Hillel that provides the seminar.

Welcome to the Jewish Learning Fellowship — a 10-week experiential, conversational experience for students to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms.