Emerging Leaders Fellowship Shabbaton

February 11, 2025

On Friday, January 31–Sunday, February 2, 14 11th graders from around the country gathered at JTS for our first Emerging Leaders Fellowship Shabbaton. Over two days, they prayed together, strengthened their Jewish literacy, and deepened their connections through in-person friendships. Throughout this time, they gained a greater appreciation for what makes JTS a vibrant and unique hub of Jewish vitality.

The weekend began with Friday night services at the Columbia University Hillel. On Saturday morning, the cohort davened as a community, and in the afternoon, three JTS Rabbinical School mentors led an engaging shiyurim. Some students were familiar with the usual routine of the service while for others, it was new. They all shared both an innate curiosity and an openness to learn new things.

A special highlight was dinner on Saturday night. As the students enjoyed a kosher meal, most chose to voluntarily put away their phones in the center of the table, so they could enjoy the in-person connections. Many expressed interest in doing another Shabbaton, demonstrating the real bonds that were built.

According to Dr. Phil Keisman, director of Teen Education, “Studying texts as a group helped me understand the students’ intellectual curiosity and their desire to learn.”

Our Emerging Leaders Fellowship offers 11th graders from across North America the opportunity to study Jewish text, tradition, and history together. For more information, click here.