Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)

At Jewish Life, we want you to ask BIG QUESTIONS about being Jewish.

If you are looking for a space to explore what being Jewish could mean to you, with a community of interesting and fun people, we have an opportunity for you!

The Jewish Learning Fellowship is an experiential, conversational seminar run on campuses for 8 weeks consecutively. Through the delivery of a curriculum that speaks to students’ abiding questions, JLF provides not only Jewish inspiration but also a social basis for Jewish communal involvement. Born on campus and informed by the principles of social by design, JLF is the core educational offering from the Meyerhoff Center and is the largest national Jewish student learning program, with more than 13,000 alumni on over 250 campuses, graduating over 4,000 students a year.

JLF is a pluralistic, non-denominational fellowship. This means that we don’t believe that there is just “one right way to be Jewish” – the goal of JLF isn’t to make you “more religious” or “less religious.” It’s a chance to explore your Judaism, on your own terms, with our Jewish Educator, Boaz Avraham-Katz, in a fun and non-judgmental space full of food, friends, and freedom to ask questions.

Even better, successful participants in the program receive a monetary stipend (no more than one excused absence permitted).

JLF is perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms. Graduates of the Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF):

(1) Have a strong Jewish social network and feel a part of a greater community.

(2) Have a Jewish mentor to help them address life’s big questions.

(3) Enjoy Jewish study.

JLF Student Quotes:

“JLF gave me the time and space to explore questions of my own Jewish identity, and to wrestle with topics that otherwise might have been uncomfortable or difficult. I also made some lasting friends, and greatly appreciated the care and attention Boaz paid to all of us. I highly recommend JLF for anyone looking for a higher connection to our peoplehood.” – Zach Fellman ’29

According to student Sasha Bergelson: “JLF has instantly become an absolute programming staple. Balancing perfectly informal education with free-form discussion on personal experience and what it means to be Jewish, JLF has facilitated new friendships, expanded personal views and perspectives and was truly successful. To all those who may venture on this journey in the future- you’re in for an absolute treat.”

JLF Current Course Offerings

  • Jewish Foundations (All graduating years)
Taught by Jewish Educator, Boaz Avraham-Katz

Discover the core of Jewish life. Jewish Foundations is an accessible, personal journey into sacred texts, rituals, community, and the calendar. Explore big questions, reflect on your identity, and connect deeper with what it means to be part of the Jewish people today. Open to returning JLFers! Appetizers and snacks are served.

During this course we will ask the following questions:

1.What is Judaism and who are the Jewish people?
2.How have Jewish texts, beliefs, and practices evolved, and why does it matter to me now?
3.What does belonging to the Jewish people mean across diverse beliefs and practices?
4.How might Jewish values, rituals, and rhythms shape my life?
5.What is my relationship to Jewish community, peoplehood, and Israel?
6.What am I choosing to carry forward in my Jewish journey?

Students will receive a stipend at the end of the course and after completing 8 classes. For class dates and times, register below.