Venture Israel Fellowship

Now accepting applications from Jewish professionals serving the San Francisco Bay Area or Greater Philadelphia

Venture Israel Fellowship is a program of Jewish Learning Venture in partnership with Jewish LearningWorks. The fellowship aims to nurture a diverse network of Jewish professionals and lay leaders who are eager to create robust and engaging education programs focused on the dynamic complexity of today’s Israel.

  • Structure: Year-long, Israel education experience. Includes a seminar in Israel, and pre- and post-trip online learning.
  • Timeline: From January to December 2027, traveling to Israel in March. 

Probing and reflecting on the dynamic and complexity of Israel of today

Venture Israel fellows will deepen their knowledge of Israeli culture, society, history, and politics. As a learning cohort, they will gain, and practice using, essential tools in the design and delivery of innovative Israel educational experiences within their own communities. 

Fellows will:

  • Create Israel programming within their institutions
  • Implement new and innovative approaches towards strategic Israel programming in partnership with an Israel Engagement Team at their home institution
  • Be part of a wider network of leaders who are grappling with similar, complex issues around Israel education and engagement
  • Appreciate the unique value of being an Israel-focused “Family Influencer,” someone who impacts and inspires families as they navigate their Jewish journeys

Program Timeline

  • January 1: Launch meeting, in-person from 2 – 5 pm. Location pending confirmation.
  • February 4: Virtual gathering from 9 – 10:30 am, PT.
  • March 2 – 11: Israel seminar.
  • April 13: Virtual gathering from 9 – 10:30 am, PT.
  • October 11: Virtual gathering from 9 – 10:30 am, PT.
  • November 11: Virtual gathering from 9 – 10:30 am, PT.
  • December: Final gathering, in-person. Exact date, time and location pending confirmation.

Plus, one in-person meeting at your site with our team.

Organizations sponsoring fellows are asked to view the fellow’s participation as a professional development investment, and consider this time as work time, including the duration of the Israel Seminar.

All fellows will be mentored and become part of a cohort of alumni ensuring the continuity and implementation of their learning.

learn more & apply

Early bird deadline: November 16, 2026. We will accept applicants on a rolling basis.

The subsidized trip cost is $2000, to be shared by the individual and their organization. Limited scholarship is available. Learn more about participant requirements, expectations, and program leadership on Jewish Learning Venture’s website. 

Learn More & Apply

Jewish LearningWorks will review applications on a rolling basis to choose a diverse group of 8-10 Bay Area participants. Completion of the application is not a guarantee of participation.

Questions?

Please contact Rebecca Goodman, Venture Israel Fellowship Community Program Leader, Bay Area at rebecca@jewishlearning.works.

todah rabah to our funders

Bay Area participation in the Venture Israel Fellowship is funded in partnership with Laura and Gary Lauder, Friedkin Philanthropies, and a generous anonymous donor.