Learning Fellowships
These various conversational, cohort-based seminars are for those looking to deepen their understanding and connection to Judaism on their own terms. When you participate you’ll have the opportunity to ask the big questions – Who am I? What communities am I part of? What is worth committing myself to, and why?
We make no claims about the “right” way to practice or not practice Judaism. Our job is to help you explore the tradition and find your own place, on your terms, in some of Judaism’s great conversations. We want to nourish you (dinner is a part of the experience) and value your time (after completion of the program you will receive a stipend).
Each semester, there are different cohorts , taught by various members of the Hillel staff. Students who participate come from diverse backgrounds and have a broad range of experience with Jewish learning. These cohorts are about meeting you where you are, bringing all of our knowledge, curiosity, and learning together.
Spring 2025 Cohorts
Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellbeing
Taught by Rabbi Miriam and Rabbinic Intern Alex; Monday Nights (5:30-7:00 pm), starting February 3; 10 weeks.
In this series, we will explore our relationship to ourselves, to others, and to the Universe through Jewish ideas on wellbeing. We will develop our own directions and approaches to wellbeing by implementing intentional wellbeing practices and evolving our own self-understanding and Jewish wellness practice.
Life’s Big Questions
Taught by Rabbi Miriam and Noah; Tuesdays at Lunch (12:00-1:30 pm), starting February 4; 10 weeks.
College is a time to explore some of the big questions that orient a life well-lived. Who am I? What communities am I a part of? How do we disagree? While these are universal questions, we believe they can be illuminated through the unique light of Jewish texts and traditions. In this class we will explore the big questions of life as refracted through the Jewish tradition.
Kol Yisrael
Zionism(s)
Taught by Ariel; Wednesday Nights (5:30-7:00 pm), starting February 26; 6 weeks.
This 6-session series explores the past and present of Zionism(s). We will investigate how the various schools of Zionist thought have overlapped and differed historically, analyzing how different Zionist traditions have conceptualized topics ranging from the ultimate goal of Zionism to Jewish-Arab relations in Israel-Palestine. Throughout the course, we will ask how changing political landscapes have caused certain schools of Zionist thought to become more prominent than others.
4 the Moment
Art & Wisdom
Taught by Noah and Dr. Pickette; Thursdays at Lunch (12:00-1:30 pm), starting February 27; 4 weeks.
In this 4-week series, we will explore our individual and collective relationships to the Jewish tradition of artistic creation. Students will participate in an immersive journey into the intersection of Jewish spirituality and artistic expression, inspired by the insights and wisdom of both classical Jewish texts and modern art principles.
Eilu v’Eilu
The Open Reflections Projects
Facilitated by Rabbi Miriam; Friday mornings (10-11 am), starting January 31; 6 weeks.
Articulating our thoughts on complicated Jewish issues like God, obligation, chosenness, etc. often makes us feel flustered, anxious, and shy. This 6-week series aims to help students clearly and coherently express their opinions on these hot button issues, engage in productive conversation on these topics with their peers, and also participate in some high level learning.