Enriching LIFE (Lainer Interns for Education) is a one-year fellowship for a select group of alumni of the Lainer Israel Interns program who are beginning careers in Jewish education and have taken their first professional positions. A cohort of ten Lainer alumni who are three to five years post-college will take part in

• intensive educational and networking experiences via two seminars:
  • The Fellowship will commence with a two-day seminar held in New York City on July 25-26, 2011.
    • During the seminar Fellows and Mentors will meet for sessions that will include workshops and sessions with mentors, JESNA staff, and outside presenters.
    • The seminar will allow participants to begin learning about the cutting edge of Jewish educational innovation and laying the ground work for the participants to collectively envision the future of Jewish education.
  • The Fellowship will culminate with a two-day seminar held in New York City in May 2012.
  • During the seminar Fellows and Mentors will participate in sessions that will allow them to contextualize their experiences throughout the year and allow them to understand how to actualize their educational vision.
• mentorship 
  • Each Fellow will be paired with a former Lainer intern who is an established Jewish education leader. The mentorship will connect Fellows with more senior colleagues who will provide guidance and counsel.
• a Community of Practice (CoP)
  • Following the seminar and throughout the year, Fellows will participate in a Community of Practice. The CoP will provide the Fellows with ongoing learning, networking and support through:
    • Three webinars on current issues and best practices in Jewish education featuring guest presentations by Jewish education field leaders. The topics for the webinars will be chosen by the Fellows.
    • Rich social networking via listserv, Facebook, and blog. Social networking opportunities will remain available to support ongoing connection and professional support after the Fellowship.

Eligibility:

Eligibility requirements will include

• Alumna/us of Lainer Israel Program
• Currently employed as a professional Jewish educator
• Between three - five years post college (i.e., alumna/us of Lainer Cohort 13-16)
• Commitment and availability to participate in all aspects of the Fellowship program (including attendance at the NRJE conference, participation in CoPs, mentorship, active online interaction)
• Goal, aspiration, and passion to be a Jewish educator
• Promise as a Jewish educator
• Professional Jewish education preparation and experience

How to apply:

• Applications and reference forms are available by downloading the following three documents:
  
  Enriching LIFE Application 2011 (138.02 kB)
  Enriching LIFE- Reference form (171.5 kB)
  Enriching LIFE - Supervisor's reference form (176 kB)
  
  
• Application forms include submission of recommendation by a reference familiar with their work and potential as a Jewish educator.
• In addition, applicants will be required to submit a brief personal essay about their Jewish education goals and aspirations.
• Applications are due April 15, 2011
• A selection committee including JESNA Board members and professionals will review the applications and choose the Fellows

For more information contact Dena Stein, Project Manager for Enriching LIFE by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 212-584-7341.

This fellowship was made possible (in part) by funds granted by the Covenant Foundation. The statements made and the views expressed, however, are solely the responsibility of the author(s).