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., Junior
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, Rabbi Judy, Micah, Shelby, Sophie, and Lidor, 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 about JLF? Click here.
What is The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)?
JLF 1.0
Life's Big Questions
JLF 1.0 is an opportunity to take a step back from our busy lives and enter a non-judgmental space to slow down and ask questions of personal meaning. How do I take a break? How can conflict be productive? Where does gratitude fit into my life? What is important to me? We will eat dinner and build community while exploring these questions, as we try to find a place for Jewish wisdom in our lives.
With Rabbi Judy & Sophie
Wednesdays 6-7:30 pm
Starts February 2
JLF 2.0
Sex, Love, and Romance
Let's unpack the hookup culture. Let's talk about gender, sexual agency and stereotypes that we hold. Let's ask questions like: Do soulmates exist? Does Judaism have anything to say about how much sex is too much? Not enough? How is queerness understood in the Jewish tradition? We will eat dinner together each week, all while exploring these intense and important questions about intimacy and relationships.
With Rabbi Andrea & Shelby
Wednesdays
6-7pm – Open to students in Greek Life
7:30-8:30pm – Open to all students
Starts February 2
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
Fridays at Noon
Starts February 4
The Struggle
Is-Real
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
JLF: Israel
Want to learn about the Israeli culture through food? This is your chance!
Join our Israel fellow Lidor for meaningful sessions discussing the Israeli culture, art and society by making traditional Israeli food.
Every week we will cover different subject and will make together delicious food.
With Lidor
Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm Starts February 8
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
Kol Yisrael
Kol Yisrael is a six-week learning cohort, led by our Israel fellow Lidor. We will face with some of the most lively questions in Israeli society today. We will take deep dives into six of Israel’s minority communities: Holocaust survivors, Mizrachim, Ethiopians, Russians, Arab-Israeli/Palestinian citizens of Israel, and Druze. Everyone is welcome to join! Participants will receive a stipend for participation, distinct from the JLF stipend.
With Lidor
Fridays, 12-1pm
Starts February 11
Torah on The Terrace
Torah on the Terrace Dive into Jewish texts - from the Torah to modern voices - to ask the big questions in life. We will meet on the Terrace. Rain location: Lakeview Lounge at the Union.
Interested?
Contact Rabbi Judy at jgreenberg@uwhillel.org.
Fridays, 12-1pm, starting October 8.
The Grad 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 October 11th) at 6:00pm. You bring your thoughts, perspectives, experiences, and whatever else seem s like a good idea to bring; we'll take care of the rest!
Interested? Reach out to Rabbi Judy (JGreenberg@UWHillel.org) or Micah (MArielRohr@UWHillel.org)!
"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!
