Learning Opportunities
"Hillel’s Jewish Learning Fellowship is the most diverse learning experience in terms of level of ability and movement of Judaism. While the topics are serious, we can still all laugh and learn together. It made my freshman year experience at the UW even stronger. I can’t wait to learn more!"
Ethan S., Sophomore
What is The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)?
JLF is a 10-week experiential, conversational seminar for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms. Led by Rabbi Andrea Steinberger and other Hillel staff, we’re interested in asking big questions. You know, the big stuff — like 'Who am I?' 'What communities am I a part of?' 'What is worth my commitment, and why?'
We're proud to say that we make no claims about the “right” way to practice or not to practice Judaism. Our job is to help you explore and find your own place, on your terms, in Judaism’s Great Conversation. At JLF, we'll break bread together each week. We’ll also invite you to coffee, spend a Shabbat together, and help you feel connected to next steps and alumni offerings after JLF ends. In addition to gaining knowledge, JLF fellows also can earn a scholarship at the end of the program.
Want to learn even more? Click here.
Explore the classes we offer
JLF 1.0
Life's Big Questions
Meet new people. Make community. Learn something great! JLF is LIT! Come for the food. Stay for the conversation. Topics Include? Where is Home? What does it Take to Be a Good Friend? What Does Productive Disagreement Look Like? What’s The Point of Celebrating Shabbat? JLF promises a free dinner each week. A stable community. In person and Virtual Conversation
With Rabbi Judy & Sophie
Wednesday 6-7 pm
Starts February 3rd
JLF 2.0
Life's Bigger Questions
This group is for anyone who has taken any JLF seminar and just wants more! Good food and conversation. Topics include: Protest or Pray? God or No God? Practicing Gratitude! What to Do When you have so many Questions? Come join the conversation.
With Rabbi Andrea
Wednesdays 7-8 pm
Starts February 3rd
JLF Social Justice
Together we'll explore the connections between Jewishness and justice and examine where we're living up to our values, where we come up short, and what we might be able to do about it! We'll wrestle with some of the big stuff: power, inclusion, equity, race, policing, ecology, and more. We'll get to know each other and learn to see how we can use our Jewish learning to build a better world. No topic is off limits.
With Micah & Sophie
Fridays at Noon
Starts February 5th
The Struggle
Is-Real
Free Lunch and Deep Conversations about Israel and Palestine. If you are ready for a deep look at Israel from the perspective of Jews and from the perspective of Arabs and Palestinians –If you feel that you’ve had some Israel education but you’ve never heard about the Palestinians – grab this opportunity!
Learn to articulate what your own views are and to hear from other students in respectful, open and intentional conversation.
With Gal, Greg and Rabbi Andrea
Fridays 12-1PM
Starts February 5th
JLF: Israel
This JLF has all that JLF goodness but with an Israel perspective. Good Food. Conversation.
Topics Include: What’s Your Israel Story? What is Zionism? What Could Israel Be? Who are the Mizrachi Jews? What are the Social Protest Issues in Israel? How Does Government work there? This is the chance to learn more and to ask those enduring questions you have about Israel.
With Israel Fellow Gal
Tuesdays 7-8PM
Begins February 2nd
The End is the Beginning:
Kabbalah for Senior Year
This gathering is open to all seniors who are looking for some connection and some conversation and a space to be with other seniors. This is a great opportunity to lessen your anxiety and to try to make sense of this crazy world we live in.
With Rabbi Andrea & Micah
Meets 1 Tuesday evening each month
The Struggle
Is-Real
Free Lunch and Deep Conversations about Israel and Palestine. If you are ready for a deep look at Israel from the perspective of Jews and from the perspective of Arabs and Palestinians –If you feel that you’ve had some Israel education but you’ve never heard about the Palestinians – grab this opportunity!
Learn to articulate what your own views are and to hear from other students in respectful, open and intentional conversation.
With Gal, Greg and Rabbi Andrea
Fridays 12-1PM
Starts February 5th
JLF: Israel
This JLF has all that JLF goodness but with an Israel perspective. Good Food. Conversation.
Topics Include: What’s Your Israel Story? What is Zionism? What Could Israel Be? Who are the Mizrachi Jews? What are the Social Protest Issues in Israel? How Does Government work there? This is the chance to learn more and to ask those enduring questions you have about Israel.
With Israel Fellow Gal
Tuesdays 7-8PM
Begins February 2nd
The End is the Beginning:
Kabbalah for Senior Year
This gathering is open to all seniors who are looking for some connection and some conversation and a space to be with other seniors. This is a great opportunity to lessen your anxiety and to try to make sense of this crazy world we live in.
With Rabbi Andrea & Micah
Meets 1 Tuesday evening each month
A Seat at the Table: Civic Dinners
This 10-week fellowship is for all students who are passionate about social justice and want to explore how to pursue repairing the world (tikkun olam).
Through A Seat at the Table we hope to:
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Design meaningful conversations around big issues
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Bring diverse perspectives together
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Build community through building connection
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Motivate and mobilize action
Interested? Email Shelby at: sfosco@uwhillel.org
The Graduate Chavurah
Join other graduate students and young professionals in our Graduate Chavurah. Our Chavurah, Hebrew for Fellowship, will explore Jewish stories, share experiences, and build community.
We'll meet every other Monday evening (beginning February 8th) at 6pm. You bring your thoughts, perspectives, experiences, and whatever else seems like a good idea to bring; we'll take care of the rest!
Interested? Reach out to Rabbi Judy () or Micah ()!
"The Jewish Learning Fellowship was the first time I felt like I was connecting with my spirituality in a safe, judgement-free zone. JLF created a space for all of us to reflect and enjoy each other’s company.”
Jessica M., Sophomore
Learning In Progress!
