Fellowship Archive
Events in 2018 in North America, including the mass shooting at Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, led to a great deal of individual, communal, and political soul-searching for American Jews. The Regional NGF invited US-based participants to think together, intelligently and creatively, about the future of the Jewish community in the United States.
Program
The intensive and highly interactive program addressed some of the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing USA Jewry.
Session included: ‘Where are We and How did We get Here?’, a multi-perspective panel on the last 25 years of American Jewish life, including ideologies, denominations and politics and ‘This Moment in America’, answering questions like: ‘Is America safe for the Jewish community?’ and ‘Is there such a thing as American Judaism?’
In addition, Fellows selected intensive Workshops from: ‘American Jewish Identity in Film’, ‘Power and Powerlessness in Jewish and American Thought ’ and ‘On the politics and political lives of American Jewry.’
Faculty
Prof. Shaul Kelner, Associate Professor of Sociology and Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University, USA
Rabbi Dr. Rachel Sabath Beit Halachmi, scholar, author, institutional leader, strategic innovator and public speaker, USA.
Prof. Steven Windmueller, Professor of Jewish Communal Service, Hebrew Union College, USA
Prof. Saul Berman,Professor of Jewish Studies, Stern College of Yeshiva University, Adjunct Professor, Columbia University School of Law, USA
Rabba Yaffa Epstein, Director of the Wexner Heritage Program, USA
Prof. Eric Goldman, Adjunct professor of cinema at Yeshiva University, USA
MORE ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
This Regional USA NGF brought together a remarkably diverse group of young Jewish Americans, representing a spectrum of political, ideological and religious viewpoints and orientations. During the course of 3 days, the Fellows engaged with issues of Jewish relevance, social justice, Israel and American Jewish identity.
Video
Image Gallery
Testimonials
I enjoyed the diverse opinions and that we had to get uncomfortable with the speakers in order to grow.
Aliyah Jacobson, Texas
I really love the NGF and the safe space it creates. It is a rare environment which is much needed.
Blake McCabe, New York
Loved this experience and VERY grateful for the opportunity to come together with this community.
Josh Kanter, Michigan/New York
I am really walking away feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the experience and I would highly recommend the Fellowship to anyone.
Alyssa Gorenberg, Illinois
It’s rare to see so many different individuals and spectrums represented at one table. Yet they each demonstrated Ahava Yisrael and love for each other. Beautiful
Bradley Caro Cook – California
I walked away with new and interesting ideas, as well as an invigorated thirst for Torah.
Rivka Cohen, New York
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of the Fellowship. I learned a lot, and it helped orient me on issues that have been spinning in my head for years.
Margee Burch, California
It is such an honor to be a part of this phenomenal program, and to have the chance to teach, and to learn with, this incredible group.
Rabba Yaffa Epstein
Sometimes we don’t have the tools to deepen our knowledge and courage. If anything this weekend gave us that- the support of our peers and tools to go forth and be great.
Helena Bondar, New York
This was a formative experience for me as an emerging Jewish leader, particularly as I transition into my next role.
Julia Crantz, Washington
One of the best and most unique experiences I’ve had in my Jewish professional life.
Bradley Caro Cook, California
If you would like to submit any photos or testimonials please contact us at ngf@mfjc.org
