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.
Fall 2025 Cohorts
Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)
Life’s Big Questions
Time TBD
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
Time TBD
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.
Kol Yisrael (KY)
Pluralism
Taught by Ariel; Time TBD
KY: Pluralism is a powerful exploration of how Jewish identity, values, and practice play out in the public sphere, particularly within the context of the modern Jewish state. Through various Israeli case studies, we’ll dive into the tensions, possibilities, and complexities that emerge when diverse Jewish communities share space, power, and vision. Grounded in real-life dilemmas and animated by Jewish texts and values, this course asks: How do we hold multiple truths in one tradition? How can a society make space for differences while preserving a sense of unity? What does it mean to live Jewishly when Judaism looks so different to so many? Whether you're deeply engaged with Israel or just beginning to explore questions of Jewish peoplehood, this course offers a unique opportunity to challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives, and engage in courageous conversation.
4 the Moment
Bridging: Building Relationships Across Difference
Time TBD
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.
Introduction to Talmud Learning
Taught by Rabbinic Intern Alex; Time TBD
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. Together, we will learn a brief sugya (section) of the 4th chapter of Masekhet Brachot, the tractate of the Talmud dealing with blessings. We'll spend our first session familiarizing ourselves with tzuras hadaf (the layout of the page) and jump right into learning together! Participants should be familiar with their alef-bet but no other text learning experience is required - beginners very much welcome!
Parallel Narratives: Israeli and Palestinian Perspectives
Facilitated by Ariel; Time TBD
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.