Emerging Leaders Fellowship
For 10–12th Graders
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.
Program Highlights
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.
Beginning in January, students will create and executive a capstone research project, directed by student interest and facilitated by our team of mentors.
Midway through the program, students will gather in New York for a Shabbaton where they will share moments of deep learning and social interaction with their cohort.
Throughout the fellowship, students grow not only in their ability to read and reflect on academic work, but also in seeing Jewish learning as a living, evolving part of their personal and intellectual identity.
Schedule
- November 2025–June 2026: Monthly virtual learning seminars
- January 2026: Capstone research project begins
- February 2026: In-person Shabbaton at JTS in New York City
- May 2026: Completion of capstone project
- June 2026: Virtual Siyyum and Celebration
Contact
For more information, please contact maaaronson@JTSA.EDU.
Do you know a 10th-–12th grade student who is curious, thoughtful, and ready to grow as a Jewish leader?
Director of Teen Learning
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.
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