JTS Receives a 2025 Covenant Foundation Grant

January 7, 2026: JTS is proud to have received a $124,000 grant over three years from The Covenant Foundation in support of our Emerging Leadership Fellowship (ELF) program. This award is part of $2.2 million in newly announced grants that fund projects centered on wellness and promise to nurture and support students across the spectrum of Jewish life.

ELF is a nine-month virtual program for tenth through twelfth graders designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to Jewish learning. With this investment, the Emerging Leaders Fellowship will expand its curriculum to include additional learning opportunities with both professors and rabbinical student mentors.

The program currently includes one in-person Shabbaton, giving students the opportunity to gather in-person for deep learning and meaningful social interaction. Thanks to the Covenant Foundation grant, ELF will now offer two in-person gatherings each year, adding a second Shabbaton and further enriching the fellowship experience.

This year’s cohort brings together 21 participants from communities across the country. In two weeks, they will come to JTS for their first Shabbaton, an important part of their journey of learning and connection. Stay tuned for updates on their experiences.

JTS also extends a huge mazal tov to alumni Rabbi Sass Brown, Rabbi Megan GoldMarche, Rabbi David Jaffe, and ELF Project Director Marissa Aaronson, who are among the project directors to receive grants.

Know a teen who you think would be a great fit for the Emerging Leaders Fellowship? We invite you to nominate them for next year’s cohort.

Read more about The Covenant Foundation 2025 Grants.