Zehut Jewish Identity Fellowship

Sundays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., monthly, and two trips.  Full Calendar

The Zehut* Jewish Identity Fellowship is a year-long exploration of fundamental questions of Jewish identity, Israel, Antisemitism, our obligations to the Jewish people, the stranger and to humanity open to Bet Torah teens in 10th grade. 

Issues we may explore together include: the idea of peoplehood, the history of Israel, the right of Jewish self determination, the relationship between Judaism and democracy, the Israel/Palestine conflict, what it means to go from a powerless people to having power, the relationship between Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism and the Jewish mandate to welcome the stranger and not oppress strangers because of our own story of having been strangers. The curriculum will be developed using materials published by the Shalom Hartman Institute. 

We will meet monthly for discussions and guest speakers Sunday, 11:00-12:30 in-person at Bet Torah. The fellowship will include two trip experiences. We will spend a Sunday in New York City exploring the Jewish immigrant experience and what it means to live at a time when we have two homes: North America and Israel. Second day trip is planned for Spring 2024 ( TBD).

In 2024, we are planning to visit Tucson, Arizona for a multi-day trip to the US-Mexico border during presidents’ week. This trip will sensitize us to the immigration experience of others through conversations with non-profit leaders, recent immigrants and include our own experience of crossing the border.  

The Zehut Jewish identity fellowship will provide thinking, framing and first hand experiences with the goal of equipping young adults to become thoughtful, caring and engaged future Jewish community members and leaders. There will be opportunities for follow up in 11th and 12th grade and beyond. 

The fellowship will primarily be taught by Rabbi Brusso with guest speakers. There may be required reading between sessions. 

The fellowship will require a brief essay application for participation. 

The 2022-2023 year was a pilot class and we will continue to evaluate content, curriculum and trips for future years. 

Tuition for 2023-2024 is $450 including speakers, curriculum, educators, 1 day trip, and 1 trip to Arizona contigent on airfare. Cost should not be a barrier to participation. Financial aid is available. 

*Zehut means identity