Frequently Asked Questions
What are the goals of the fellowship?
The Jewish community needs leaders who feel empowered to speak up, to initiate important conversations, and to advocate for their own rights and the rights of others. To become leaders, young Jewish women and non-binary teens* need role models, community support, and communication tools to enable them to take their rightful place in the world and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the Jewish future. The Rising Voices Fellowship provides all these things and more.
The goals of the Rising Voices Fellowship are to empower young Jewish women and non-binary teens* to become active contributors to the Jewish and feminist narratives; to use their writing to advocate for positive social change; and to become leaders in their communities and beyond.
*JWA embraces expansive understandings of what it means to be Jewish and a woman. We welcome and encourage applicants from any Jewish background, as well as non-binary, genderqueer, and gender-questioning applicants who want to explore the identity "Jewish woman" in all its complexity.
What are the fellowship activities?
The RVF curriculum focuses on feminism, Judaism, identity, and social justice. During a webinar at the beginning of each month, fellows learn about a particular topic related to the fellowship themes. They are then given a writing assignment based on that topic, alternating each month between writing for the Jewish Women's Archive's online publication and another form of storytelling (including journaling, creative writing, and oral history). The writing process includes editing with JWA staff and a peer editor. In addition, fellows gather for retreats twice a year for in-depth learning and community building.
What is the time commitment for the fellowship?
Fellows spend approximately 8-10 hours per month on writing, peer editing, and webinars. The Fellowship also includes two retreats that are typically weekend-long and in the Boston area. Tentative retreat dates for the 2024-2025 cohort are Thursday, August 22-Sunday, August 25 and Friday, April 5-Sunday, April 7. COVID precautions such as requiring rapid testing before travel and masking during travel will be taken.
What is the application process?
Applicants are required to submit the following information:
- One reference from a teacher or other adult in a supervisory role.
- A short paragraph answer as to why the applicant wishes to be a part of the fellowship and what the applicant hopes to get out of it.
- Two writing samples (300-350 words) on provided topics.
Application Process Timeline:
This year, applications are due April 1, 2024. In late April, JWA staff will email first-round decisions to applicants and will schedule half-hour virtual interviews with finalists to take place in early May. Staff will be in touch with interviewees at the end of May with final decisions.
Apply for the Rising Voices Fellowship today!
How much does the fellowship cost?
The Rising Voices Fellowship's program fee uses a sliding scale model, which can be paid monthly or as a one-time payment. We are committed to making the program accessible to all, and we will work with Fellows and their families to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation.
The sliding scale include options for a one-time payment between $500-$3000 or for ten monthly payments between $50-$300.
The upper limit on the scale ($3000 or $300/month) still represents only 50% of the total program cost per participant; the remainder is subsidized by JWA's operating budget. For those who have the capacity to pay the full cost, we welcome donations beyond the subsidized sliding fee amounts.
What's included in the program fee? All travel (up to approximately $1,000 round-trip), lodging, and food costs for two in-person retreats, as well as 10-15 webinars, speaker honoraria, program materials, and staff time for the Fellowship.
If you have any questions about the program cost, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
What does it mean that the Fellowship is pluralistic?
We welcome participants from all Jewish backgrounds. Our Fellows have identified as Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Traditional Egalitarian, Orthodox, unaffiliated, and secular, as well as Sephardi, Mizrahi, and Ashkenazi. All the food we provide at retreats is kosher according to Orthodox standards, and our retreats fully accommodate those who are Shomer Shabbat. Jewish observance is not required, and we explain and define all Jewish customs and terms for those who may not be familiar. Friday night and Saturday morning services aim to make everyone feel comfortable and included, incorporating prayers and songs from a variety of Jewish communities.
Can applicants apply from outside North America?
No, we can only accept applicants who live in North America.
How can I learn more?
If you have additional questions please contact us.
I am forever grateful to you all for being the part of my being that helped me through my journey to identify and recognize the missing pieces of my heritage- when I came across my Jewish community they had held me with open arms and explained to me the meaning of last name and the most profound aspect of the journey my ancestors had to endure till the day I existed—I am from Morocco— most of my family still lives there- I would love to see you all and share the untold stories of grace and love that I witnessed in my home—and what I freely discovered in my spiritual ways— I most tell you one day how I honor the kind of spiritual surroundings that we all needed to endure for the glory of family as whole. I love you .🙏📿🤍