Second Annual Emerging Leaders Fellowship Shabbaton

February 11, 2026

From January 30 through February 1, 2026, we welcomed 20 teens participating in our Emerging Leaders Fellowship to JTS for our second annual ELF Shabbaton. Fellows traveled from 12 states and two countries, braving a very chilly New York City to spend Shabbat together.

Arriving at the airport

The weekend offered students the opportunity to step into communal Jewish life, deepen their connections with one another, and experience a taste of JTS and List College firsthand. Fellows stayed at the JTS Residence Hall, giving them a glimpse into daily life on campus. 

Sharing goals for the Shabbaton

On Friday night, Shabbat began at Columbia-Barnard Hillel. Fellows joined Koach, the Traditional-Egalitarian Conservative-style minyan, led by many current List College students. Fellows connected with List College students over a shared Shabbat dinner and wrapped up the evening with an oneg, complete with board games, sweet treats, and, for some, spirited shteiging in the Beit Midrash. 

On Saturday morning, fellows had the option to either return to Hillel for morning services or take a campus walking tour of JTS and Columbia and Barnard. That afternoon, Rabbinical School interns Sam Lurie, Noa Rubin, and Noah Fulton Beale led an engaging shiurim session. Classes included singing niggunim, exploring the mystical origins of Tu Bishvat, learning how to study ancient manuscripts, and discussing the evolution of gender and halakhah. There was something for every fellow and encapsulated the type of study that happens at JTS.    

Motzei Shabbat, the cohort headed downtown for a first-time subway adventure and dinner at Bodhi, a vegan Kosher dim sum restaurant beloved by List College students. 

This Shabbaton marked a pivotal point in the fellowship year, as students are now diving into their research projects, supported by their rabbinic mentors who are current JTS Rabbinical students. On Sunday morning, students met with their mentors before saying goodbye and departing to the airport.

Fellow Marni Rosen shared, “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.”

It was exciting to see the cohort bond with one another in the short two days spent together. The ELF program is made possible by funds granted by The Covenant Foundation and with the founding support of the Popkin Family. We are so grateful for their generosity!

Do you know a student in grades 10–12 who is curious, thoughtful, and ready to grow as a Jewish leader? Nominations are open for the 2026–2027 Emerging Leaders Fellowship. You can nominate them here.

2026–2027 applications will be released in spring.