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/lunch is a part of the experience) and value your time (JLF, 4tM, and KY include a stipend for eligible participants).
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.
Fall 2025 Cohorts
Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)
Life’s Big Questions
Taught by Rabbinic Interns Alex and Morgan; Mon 5:30-7:00pm, Sept 15-Dec 1
JLF: LBQ is an invitation to explore what it truly means to be in relationship—with ourselves, with others, and with something greater than us. Through meaningful, introspective conversations grounded in Jewish texts and wisdom, we’ll ask life’s big questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? What do I stand for? This journey unfolds across a series of dynamic sessions that delve into identity, connection, and purpose. Whether you're deeply rooted in Jewish learning or just beginning to explore, JLF: LBQ offers a space to wrestle, reflect, and grow alongside a thoughtful community.
Sex, Love, and Relationships
Taught by Noah and Dr. Pickette; Thurs 12:00–1:30pm, Sept 18–Dec 4
JLF: SLR invites participants into deep, honest conversations about intimacy, connection, and the values that shape our most personal relationships. Using a mix of ancient Jewish wisdom and contemporary texts, we’ll explore how tradition, culture, and personal experience inform our understanding of sex, love, and relationships today. This cohort is a space for thoughtful reflection on the complexities of modern relationships. Together, we’ll examine our assumptions, articulate our values, and begin to shape a holistic sexual ethic: a framework for making intentional and meaningful choices in our intimate lives.
Four the Moment (4tM)
Bridging: Building Relationships Across Difference
Taught by Noah and Dr. Pickette; Wed 12:00–1:30pm, Oct 22–Nov 19
4tM Bridging: Building Relationships Across Difference is a powerful opportunity to start developing the mindset and skills needed to communicate meaningfully across divides—on campus, in our communities, and in the wider world. In a time of deep polarization and increasing complexity, this course helps us lean into difference with curiosity rather than fear, and connection rather than judgment. Rooted in Jewish values and narratives, this course invites participants to reflect on their own experiences and identities while building empathy for others whose worldviews and stories may be very different from their own. Through structured exercises, real dialogue, and Jewish learning, we’ll explore how to become more effective, thoughtful, and courageous communicators.
Kol Yisrael
Pluralism
Taught by Ariel; Wed 5:30–7:00pm, Oct 22–Dec 3
In this series we will explore Jewish pluralism in Israeli society. We will examine how conversations around Jewish pluralism have shaped Israeli culture and government, discussing questions ranging from ‘What makes a practice authentically Jewish (and who gets to decide)?’ to ‘What happens when pluralism comes into conflict with other values?’
History Twice
Israeli and Palestinian Narratives
Taught by Ariel; Thurs 5:30–7:00pm, Oct 23–Nov 20
In this course we will examine both Israeli and Palestinian narratives of the history of the region. Alternating between Palestinian and Israeli narratives as we move from the Balfour Declaration to more recent history, students will analyze how, when, and why the narratives differ, ultimately asking what a cohesive single narrative might look like.
Talmud Learning
Sukkah
Taught by Alex; Thurs 5:30–7:00pm, Sept 11–Oct 16
Study of the Babylonian Talmud has been central to Jewish religious, cultural, and intellectual life for centuries, shaping the way Jews live to this day. In this class, we will learn a few short sugyot (sections) of Masekhet Sukkah (the tractate of the Talmud focusing on the holiday of Sukkot). We'll explore the variety of meanings and metaphors held in the sukkah—the Israelites' wanderings in the desert, Divine protection, the messianic age and more. We will be learning in the original Hebrew / Aramaic, but no previous text learning experience is expected. Whether you just learned your alef-bet or have a consistent Talmud learning practice, this class is for you.