Learning Cohorts

JLF provides a semester of intellectual and experiential learning for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism.

This semester we are offering Life's Big Questions

We make no claims about the “right” way to practice or not to practice Judaism. Our job is to help you explore the tradition in a safe space, and find your own place, on your terms, Jewishly.

JLF meets once a week, for 10 weeks, for an hour and a half. And we'll feed you. You have to eat sometime, right? Additionally, fellows earn a stipend at the end of the semester.

"How is JLF different from other programs?"

JLF is run by Ithaca College Hillel - the official hub for Jewish life on campus. We are a pluralistic, non-denominational organization. That means that we don't believe that there is just "one right way to be Jewish" - the goal of JLF isn't to make you "more religious" or "less religious," but to give you a space to explore what being Jewish could mean to you with a community of interesting and fun people. Put simply, we want you to ask “big questions” about being Jewish, not give you “big answers.”

"I still have questions!"

Great! I would love to answer them. Let's grab coffee soon? email me at kconnollysisk@ithaca.edu

"I'm into this. What do I do now?"

Applications for JLF will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 1, and I would urge you to apply as soon as possible - spots fill up quickly. You can apply through our Instagram @ichillel

Happy Learning!

This six-part series will be our time to regularly gather to explore big questions facing Israeli society and engage in meaningful conversation about the variety of values at play and in tension. The name Kol Yisrael has two meanings. In Hebrew, the word Kol (כל) means “all”. While we can’t provide “all” perspectives and narratives during our time together, each session will present competing voices that give us a platform not only to understand the big questions facing Israel today, but also why those who disagree have compelling reasons to do so. There might be times when you hear something surprising, unfamiliar, or challenging. Our Jewish tradition tells us that in order to learn, we have to “make for yourself a heart of many rooms” (Tosefta Sotah 7:7). This means that part of Jewish learning is to make space in our heart for perspectives that we disagree with. Our goal throughout this series is to understand the various voices in Israeli society in terms of the value that they’re fighting for. I hope that this helps us bring more nuance into the room, to deepen the conversation, and to present Israel in a new and inspiring way.

In Hebrew, Kol (קול) also means “voice”. When we learn together about Israel, we’ll be listening to Israeli voices, ensuring that when we teach about Israel, we do so through the stories, words, and experiences of Israelis themselves. This series will focus on how Jews share and navigate space in Israel, so we will be focusing specifically on Jewish-Israeli voices.

Hungry?

Kol Yisrael offers free lunch every week!

Is it worth it? 

KY comes with a stipend upon completion, free food every week, and you don't have to be Jewish to participate!

I have more questions!

Great! I would love to answer them. Let's grab coffee soon? email me at kconnollysisk@ithaca.edu