The 35th International Nahum Goldmann Fellowship gathered together 36  dynamic Jewish leaders from 16 countries, representing multiple communities from across the Jewish world to explore: Truth & Responsibility: Perspectives for the Jewish tomorrow. 

The rich diversity of the group created the foundation for an honest exchange of ideas around some of the most troubling issues of our time. “The NGF model is so effective and necessary at the moment in instilling and recentering the importance of Jewish Peoplehood in the Jewish community’s consciousness,” noted Deborah Fishman from the USA. 

The tough and meaningful conversations between the Fellows extended from the formal faculty-led presentations into informal chats over meals, during walks and often late into the night. The program was infused with music and culture, created by dynamic workshops that explored music and identity and culture and truth, as well as by the large number of Fellows involved in music and art. 

In the beautiful hills of Águas de Lindóia, the Fellowship was infused with a unique Brazilian flavor. On Thursday, Fellows were treated to a taste of Brazilian culture and community with  an energetic Brazilian drumming workshop, and during a session exploring the history and current reality of the Brazilian Jewish community.

 “I believe this experience is deeply valuable for anyone involved in community work, education, activism, or leadership,” explained Uriel Aiskovich, a Fellow originally from Argentina but now based in Germany. “I was especially encouraged by the fact that, in most cases, people were able to truly listen to one another, even when they didn’t agree. I left with a renewed sense of possibility for dialogue within diverse Jewish spaces.”

The Fellows headed into Shabbat with a strong sense of community and shared purpose. The Fellows co-created a Shabbat experience, including Kabbalat Shabbat services and a lively late night tisch. “I loved that it was so accommodating, inclusive and eclectic. In fact, I would say incredibly unique and probably one of, if not the most unified Shabbat service in the world,” said Joshua Friedman from South Africa. 

Within the complex and often divisive times in which we find ourselves, the 35th International NGF was able to create a renewed sense of common Jewish peoplehood among a diverse group of current and developing Jewish leaders.