Jewish Learning Fellowship
The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) is a 10-week experiential, conversational seminar for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms. 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 committing myself to, and why? And we don't purport to have any of the big answers ... certainly not for anyone else.
We make no claims about the "right" way to practice or not to practice Judaism. Our job is to help you explore the tradition in a safe space and find your own place, on your terms, in Judaism's Great Conversation.
Vision
By the end of 10 weeks, we want fellows to feel like they have:
- Jewish friends. Let's be real: Jewish life doesn't happen by yourself in your dorm room or apartment. It happens with other people. We want you to feel like you have a bigger Jewish social network at the end of JLF.
- a Jewish community. We want you to feel a part of something bigger than yourself, and we want you to feel like you have a community after JLF, if you want one. What we're saying is, we're going to invite you to get coffee.
- ...learned something interesting. The wisdom found in Jewish texts, both ancient and contemporary, can be surprising, complicated, delightful, weird, mysterious, perplexing, and FUN. We'll read these texts broadly and generously in JLF, and we'll count on fellows adding their unique voices and perspectives into our conversations.
Fall 2022 Cohort
Applications will open for the Fall 2022 University of Richmond JLF Cohort closer to the start of the semester. If you are interested in participating or have questions about the program, please contact Jewish Chaplain and Director of Religious Life Josh Jeffreys.