Who should apply to this program?

The Hartman Teen Fellowship is designed for motivated and engaged Jewish teens who are committed to Jewish learning and community. Our Fellows, grades 10-12, are excited to dive deeply into an educational community, learning with faculty of the Hartman Institute, and engaging in meaningful discussions with Jewish peers from across North America. Fellows have big questions about Judaism and the Jewish people and want to play an active role in building a bright Jewish future in North America and Israel.

What is the recommendation process?

We suggest reaching out to your recommender for their support before completing the application. Once you submit, they will automatically receive a personalized recommendation form asking them to evaluate the applicant’s ability to think critically, engage in text-based Jewish learning, explore Jewish identity and peoplehood, and contribute positively to an inclusive Jewish community. No letter of recommendation is required.

Do I need to know Hebrew to participate?

Classes and texts are taught in English. The Hartman Institute believes that Judaism’s textual tradition – from rabbinic writing to contemporary Jewish thinkers – belong to all Jews. We welcome teens from public schools, Jewish schools, homeschools, and secular schools who are ready to unpack Judaism’s textual tradition to build a stronger Jewish future.

Why does the Fellowship call itself a pluralistic program?

The Fellowship is a unique opportunity to engage in in-depth Jewish learning with Jews from different communities across North America. The Hartman Institute is committed to Jewish peoplehood, understanding that our community is responsible for one another, even as our practices, politics, experiences, and insights may differ. This diversity of experience and perspective strengthens our community. All in-person events are shomer shabbat (Shabbat observant) and all food is certified kosher.

What is the time commitment?

We take our Fellows’ ideas and their time seriously, and we ask that Fellows take the time commitment seriously. When the program is in session, there is a one-hour (average) commitment per week. Throughout the academic calendar the Fellowship:

• Meets for two in-person shabbatonim (weekend gatherings), one in the Fall and one in the Spring (Friday-Sunday).
• There are six virtual Beit Midrash learning sessions on Sundays (one hour each, Fellows must attend two over the course of the year)
• The rest of our virtual learning is divided into three trimesters. Trimester A and B classes meet once a week (Sunday-Thursday) for four sessions, one hour per session (Fellows must take two classes between Trimester A and B). Trimester C classes meet once for one hour (Fellows must take two). Fellows are encouraged to register for trimester classes based on interest and availability.
• There will be opportunities for in-person, regional gatherings throughout the Fellowship in communities with large concentrations of Fellows. 
• Attending the Opening Shabbaton is required for participation in the Fellowship, as is attendance in the virtual components of the Fellowship. Participation in the Closing Shabbaton is by invitation only, based on successful engagement in all Fellowship components.

When will application decisions be released?

Applicants will be notified of their admission decision by May 15th.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

If you have additional questions, please email Jesse Steinman, Manager of Teen Community & Engagement.