Program
Overview
The Jewish Summer Learning Fellowship, located in the New York Catskill Mountains, is an immersive six-week retreat for Jewish students passionate about deepening their Jewish knowledge and identity. This full-time fellowship invites a select group of students to live, learn, and grow together in a community that fosters intellectual curiosity and spiritual development.
Aimed at college students and postgrads, the fellowship is designed for those who have had little past opportunity for Jewish study. It offers a rich encounter with the Jewish library, marrying Hebrew language skill-building to thoughtful study of core Jewish texts, practices, and ideas. Throughout the summer, students engage in a diverse array of coursework, exploring biblical narrative, ritual and legal practice, and Jewish thought and philosophy. Over the six weeks, they will cultivate the tools to approach foundational Jewish texts independently.
Not all the learning happens in the classroom, however. In the beautiful surroundings of the Catskills, there’s an emphasis on experiential learning as well, through Shabbat experiences and activities in nature. This unique program is more than an academic venture—it’s a holistic journey of personal and spiritual growth, facilitated by tefillah (prayer) and niggun (song) within shared communal life. Over the course of the summer, fellows build meaningful relationships and learn foundational skills that will enrich their Jewish lives for years to come.
The fellowship has separate, parallel programs for men and women located on campuses in close proximity, with select joint programming throughout the summer.
In recognition of their commitment to the fellowship and its vision of fostering Torah study, spirituality, and community, accepted full-time fellows receive a $3,000 stipend and are provided with meals and accommodation during the program.
To qualify, applicants must have completed a year of college or the equivalent thereof.
The schedule for Summer 2025 is still being finalized, but here’s an idea of what a typical day might look like:
Sample Schedule
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Tefillah
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM: Breakfast
9:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Jewish Texts: Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Jewish Practice: Shabbat: The law and the spirit
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Beit Midrash/Review
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Break
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Jewish Ideas:
Faculty
Scholars & Teachers
- Dayan Berel Bell Scholar in Residence
- Rabbi Avrohom Berns Guest Lecturer
- Rabbi Bistritsky Lecturer
- Reb. Chanchi Goldstein Scholar in Residence
- Rebbetzin Baila Hecht, Director Scholar in Residence
- Rabbi Shea Hecht Scholar in Residence
- Rabbi Yitzhak Hecht, Director Scholar in Residence
- Mrs. Cipi Junik Guest Lecturer
- Rabbi Moshe Kalmanson Lecturer
- Rabbi Mendy Karzag Lecturer
- Rabbi Klyne Lecturer
- Rabbi Moshe Plotkin Lecturer
- Rabbi A. L. Raskin Guest Lecturer
- Rabbi Eli Silverstein Lecturer
- Mrs. Chana Silverstein Lecturer
- Mr. Tibor Spitz, Holocaust Survivor Guest Lecturer
- Mrs. Naomi Spitz, Holocaust Survivor Guest Lecturer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Jewish Summer Fellowship the right program for me?
If you are interested in investing in your Jewish education, this is the place for you! The Jewish Summer Fellowship is a place where like-minded students from around the world can come for a 40-day immersion into Jewish knowledge and culture. It is a chance to learn how to read Hebrew, and familiarize yourself with Jewish practice and ideas. The Fellowship fosters an environment of curiosity and growth. It provides a place to ask questions to friends, mentors and others on a similar journey.
What Will I Gain from the Jewish Summer Fellowship?
The Jewish Summer Fellowship is designed to help Jewish students feel confident and comfortable in their own Jewish identity.
Through the program, you will:
- Develop Essential Skills: Learn to read Hebrew and gain the tools to navigate foundational Jewish texts with confidence.
- Grow Spiritually and Intellectually: Deepen your understanding of Judaism, its teachings, and its relevance to your life.
- Build Meaningful Connections: Meet like-minded peers and forge lasting friendships within a supportive and inspiring community.
The Fellowship is more than a program—it’s a transformative journey that empowers you to grow, connect, and accomplish in ways that will shape your Jewish identity for years to come
Do I qualify to attend the Jewish Summer Fellowship?
What is the cost of the Jewish Summer Fellowship? Do you offer any scholarships?
What would my commitment to myself and My JSF look like?
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Do I qualify to attend the Jewish Summer Fellowship?
If you are a Jewish college student with limited or no formal Jewish education, have a desire to study Torah and learn more about your heritage, this program was designed with you in mind.
If you do not meet these qualifications, and are still looking to join the JSF, please reach out to us directly as we have limited slots to accept students who only meet some of our qualifications.
What is the cost of the Jewish Summer Fellowship? Do you offer any scholarships?
We offer full scholarships to ALL qualified students who commit to our full 40-day program (including classes and assignments).
Please fill out our application form to get started and a member of our staff will reach out to you in 2-3 business days to let you know your qualification status.
*Scholarship covers food, board, classes and all extra-curricular activities.
What would my commitment to myself and My JSF look like?
In order to be accepted as a “qualified” student (and receive full-scholarship). A student must attend the Jewish Summer Fellowship for the full 40-day immersive experience. Students will be expected to attend all classes, prayers, meals, extra-curricular activities, complete a required reading, presentation project, and final paper.
*If you are unable to commit to these guidelines, you may still be eligible to join the program on a part-scholarship.
What is "Earn while you Learn"?
Any qualified students who comes to the JSF for the full 40-day program, attends all classes, completes all assignments, and meets all the requirements laid out in the commitment pledge is eligible to receive $3,OOO!
*These monies are in addition to the scholarship that covers the cost of the program for qualified students.
What is the registration process for the Jewish Summer Fellowship?
Step 1: Complete our online application form.
Step 2: After your application is reviewed, a member of our team will contact you to schedule a Zoom or phone interview.
Step 3: Decisions are sent out in February and March. If accepted, you’ll receive an acceptance email with a commitment form and detailed instructions for submitting your deposit. (The deposit is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program.)
Step 4: Once your deposit is received, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the next steps.
Step 5: Show up for yourself! Embrace this opportunity to grow, learn, and make the most of your experience.
Where are you located?
Our women’s campus is located at 6678 route 52 Greenfield Park, NY (bus stop in Ellenville, NY).
Our men’s campus is located at 689 Route 55 in Napanoch, NY (bus stop in Ellenville, NY).
There is on site parking at both campuses, should a student be bringing their own vehicle.
*For help covering travel expense cost, you may try applying for the ChabadOnCampus Study Away grant Learn More.
I am hesitant about coming to the Jewish Summer Fellowship, is there someone I can talk to who has come to your program in the past?
Absolutely! Please reach out to us by phone or e-mail and we’ll put you in touch with one of our alumni.