Fellowship Archive
33 young Jewish leaders from 18 Jewish communities around the world gathered alongside the shores of the Kinneret to delve into issues of Contemporary Jewish Identity, including the place of Israel in their individual Jewish identity, developing an understanding of secular Jewish identity, as well as considering Jewish legal perspectives on entry into Judaism and the Jewish people.
The Fellowship was appropriately themed: “Who am I? Exploring Jewish Identity in the 21st Century” and brought together an incredibly diverse and powerful faculty to assist the Fellow in engaging with the challenges facing modern Jewish identity.
Program
The faculty for this Fellowship was the largest and most diverse in the NGF history. Leading Jewish scholars from the USA, Israel and Latin America engaged the Fellows in a series of challenging presentations, panels and workshops. The Program aimed to delve into the complexities and modern Jewish identity in all its various iterations and included opportunities for Fellows to lead Fellow-led Electives, showcasing their leadership skills and vast knowledge.
Sessions included:
Global Jewish Identity: A Multiplicity of Voices
Zionism, Zionist Identity & The Start Up Nation
Jewish Identity: Ideas & Ideologies
Unpacking Philosophies of Jewish Identity
Faculty
Prof. Galeet Dardashti, Assistant Professor of Jewish Music, JTS, USA
Rabbi Dr. Sam Lebens, Senior Research Fellow, Dept. of Philosophy, University of Haifa, Israel
Prof. Shaul Magid, Distinguished Fellow in Jewish Studies, Dartmouth University, USA
Prof. Steven Windmueller, Professor of Jewish Communal Service, Hebrew Union College, USA
Dr. Channa Pinchasi, Director, Be’eri School for Teacher Education at the Shalom Hartman Institute, Israel
Prof. Danny Fainstein, Dean and Professor of Jewish Studies, Universidad Hebraica, Mexico
Dr. Einat Wilf, Leading Intellectual on matters of foreign policy, economics, education and Israel, and former MK, Israel
Rabbi Sivan Maas, Dean of T’mura, The International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, Israel
Andres Spokoiny, President and CEO of the Jewish Funders Network, USA
MORE ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
As with every NGF, the 31st International NGF produced its own particular group dynamics and educational ethos. The group was particularly diverse, engaging openly on the challenges of the ‘Ashkenormativity’ of Jewish communal life, on issues of gender and sexuality, as well as delving into Israel, Zionism and social justice.
NGF 31 Reflections
Image Gallery
Testimonials
The NGF truly does offer an eye opening and invaluable opportunity to connect globally and enact change.
Pamela Malchuk-Alcala, Chile/USA
It made me question and understand my Jewish identity and made me realize the many different perspectives there are in Jewish life worldwide.
Daniel Grauer, Colombia
We need more of this kind of platforms for connecting and exchanging ideas and views.
Aga Jablonska, Poland
I felt seen and respected and like I mattered and I thank you so much for that and the obvious hard work you put into the entire event. Really life changing.
Melissa Shaw, USA
It had been a long time since I was analyzing religious texts and really enjoyed it. It made me want more.
Daniel Grauer, Colombia
I have fallen back in love with text based learning. An amazing teacher who guided us through text in a warm and receptive environment.
Stuart Diamond, South Africa on Prof. Channa Pinchasi’s workshop
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank David, Jeni, and the entire staff for such a phenomenal and transformative experience. I learned, connected, felt seen and heard, and was very inspired.
Ruben Shimonov, USA
Thank for the most outstanding program and eye opening experience.
Gavi Ziegler, South Africa
It was one of the most beautiful challenges of my life, personal and professional. I did not think it could be so transformative to live this program. Thank you NGF and MFJC for making it possible.
Lu Slipakoff, Argentina
I was present in a moment that I will never forget. This was an opportunity that led to my growth and shifted some of my thinking. I was challenged and pushed to grow, to leave my comfort zone and to see the world through a new lens. I came home inspired and with a spirit renewed to push on with the work that I need.
Stuart Diamond, South Africa
I am staying in touch with a few people from the NGF and planing to continue our meaningful conversations. In some cases, we are thinking of developing projects and initiatives together.
Aga Jablonska, Poland
I think the Fellow Panel is an amazing opportunity for the fellows to both show what they learned and also teach. It is fantastic that the fellows are respected enough to be offered this platform.
Roy Shukrun, Canada
For me this was a life changing experience. It really was, so I thank you for the opportunity to allow me to be part of it. I will really try my best that the energy and enthusiasm that we got there goes beyond Ohalo Manor and continues with us for our future Jewish communal life.
Daniel Grauer, Colombia
It was warm and beautiful, a real oasis in time filled with love.
Karoline Henriquez, Israel
This experience was unforgettable. I am inspired by the intentionality of making this space inclusive.
Roy Shukrun, Canada
Shabbat at NGF was open and beautiful, especially because it was constructed by individual participation throughout the day.
Jaime Azrad, Mexico
Lighting the candles all together (women and men), the sight of the Kinneret, the emotion of each step of the Sabbath and the great participation of all, was for me a magical, spiritual and transforming experience.
Luciana Slipakoff, Argentina
If you would like to submit any photos or testimonials please contact us at ngf@mfjc.org
