JTS Student Ambassadors

JTS’s Student Ambassador initiative places a select group of rabbinical and cantorial students in Conservative synagogues across North America for one to two Shabbatot throughout the year. This program enhances the vital educational programming already being offered by synagogues while strengthening connections to JTS through inspiring encounters with students. JTS students also gain valuable experience by engaging with diverse communities and developing their skills in speaking and teaching in synagogue settings.

Over the past two years 16 student ambassadors have served in more than 50 communities across North America.  Both JTS students and host clergy have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about the program.  After a visit to Or Hadash, Claire Miller (RS ’27) shared, “This weekend reinforced that I am pursuing the career that is right for me.  It was also wonderful to be exposed to a community in the South.”  Rabbi Joshua Heller, senior rabbi of Congregation B’nai Torah shared his enthusiasm after hosting a student ambassador, “Our Shabbat went extraordinarily well, and folks were very impressed. People were reminded of why the connection with JTS has to continue.” 

Host a Student Ambassador in your Community

As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 academic year, we invite clergy who are interested in hosting a student ambassador to visit this page, where you can learn more about the program, and complete a brief form.  We ask that all hosting requests be submitted by April 7.  Clergy will be notified in May regarding the availability of a student match for their community.

Please contact studentambassador@jtsa.edu with any questions about this program.