Are you a teen in grades 10–12 who wants to explore big Jewish questions? Learn from leading scholars and connect with teens from around the world in a fellowship built for curious minds and future Jewish leaders.
About the Fellowship
The Emerging Leaders Fellowship is a nine-month program for tenth through twelfth graders designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to Jewish learning. Rooted in the values of student agency, academic freedom, and a rich tradition of over 200 years of critical Jewish scholarship, the fellowship invites students to explore key ideas that shape how we understand Jewish history, texts, and identity.
The program features monthly seminars with leading JTS faculty, giving students exposure to the scholarly tools and perspectives used in Jewish Studies. Seminars explore topics such as the human authorship of the Tanakh, the influence of contemporary cultures on Talmudic narratives, the challenges and importance of restoring female voices to historical narratives, and the ways antisemitism has been used—and questioned—as a framework for analysis.
Program Highlights
Monthly Seminars: Learn from leading JTS scholars each month about texts, history, and culture. Topics include the human authorship of the Tanakh, Talmudic narratives, restoring female voices to history, and understanding antisemitism.
Yearlong Research Project: Find a question that excites you about Jewish texts, history, or culture, and design a project around it with guidance from mentors.
Shabbatonim & Community: Gather twice throughout the fellowship year, once in winter and again in spring, build friendships, to share your learning, and experience Jewish community in action.
Rabbinic Mentorship: Each fellow is paired with a Rabbinic mentor to help support their research throughout the year.
Schedule
November–June: Monthly virtual learning seminars
January: Capstone research project begins
February: First in-person Shabbaton at JTS in New York City
May: Second in-person Shabbaton
June:Siyyum (research presentations) and celebration
What Previous Fellow Say
“ELF was an incredible program to help me meet Jewish teens and engage in Jewish learning in a way that was tailored to my needs.” —Zoe Lerman, ELF 2024–2025
“It has been one of the best programs I’ve done. The ability to learn more about Judaism, and being able to make new friends was something that I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life.” —Ella Nadel, ELF 2024–2025
“I had one of the best weekends ever at JTS! It was so amazing to be able to see JTS and learn about the community and the school. I loved making so many new friends and getting to learn with them all weekend long. I also loved getting to know the mentors on a more personal level. Now I have people that if I ever have any questions about rabbinic school or anything else, I can reach out to.” —Marni Rosen, 2025–2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the fellowship? Is this fellowship right for me?
Any Jewish teen in grades 10–12 who is curious, thoughtful, and ready to explore Jewish learning in new ways. If you enjoy asking big questions, thinking critically, and are interested in learning with peers and scholars, this fellowship could be a great fit for you!
Do I need to know a lot about Jewish texts to join?
Not at all! This fellowship is open to teens from a variety of learning backgrounds. What matters most is curiosity, a willingness to think deeply, and excitement to take on a scholarly project alongside your regular schoolwork. All monthly learning is done with English translations.
What is the yearlong research project?
The yearlong research project gives you the chance to explore Jewish questions that matter to you and create something that reflects your work. Past projects have covered topics like Jewish fashion, the rising cost of keeping kosher, and gender in Jewish law. You can present your research in almost any way you like—a d’var Torah, podcast, music piece, artwork, website, or even teaching a class. You’ll work with a rabbinic mentor throughout the year, both one-on-one and in small groups, to get guidance and support for your project.
Do I have to live near New York to participate?
No, the fellowship is open to teens anywhere. Monthly seminars meet virtually on Zoom on weekday evenings. For the two Shabbatonim, JTS assists in the cost of travel for fellows.
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2026–2027 Emerging Leaders Fellowship will be released in Spring. If you have someone you’d like to nominate for this year’s cohort, you can nominate them here.
Is there a cost for this program?
Yes, there is a $500 program fee, which covers seminars, mentorship, and travel for the Shabbatonim. Financial assistance is available, and we are committed to working with families to make the program financially accessible.
Marissa directs teen learning and programming at JTS. She is committed to creating an educational setting where teens can explore Jewish identity, what it means to be a Jewish high school student today, and other big questions in meaningful and joyful ways. Marissa oversees Prozdor, the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, and additional teen engagement programs at JTS.
