Every year, hundreds of unaffiliated university and college students from across the globe come to the Five Towns and Far Rockaway community to explore their heritage at Jewish Fellowships. The program is an immersive educational Jewish values experience that includes discussion groups, seminars, and hands-on experiences. Currently in its sixth year, Jewish Fellowships International has over 25 affiliate campuses, hosting their events throughout the year within the Five Towns/Far Rockaway community.
Jewish Fellowships’ mission is to inspire the next generation of Jews to connect to their shared history and explore its ancient wisdom, ultimately leading to proud and fulfilling lives. “We gently introduce them to a frum community where they see beautiful families, values, and middos,” says Director Rabbi Elisha Finman. “They spend time learning in the yeshiva where they see the Torah come alive! It’s nothing short of life changing.”
Rabbi Finman founded Jewish Fellowships as a result of the ever-growing need and desire of young Jewish souls to reconnect to something deeper. “We have seen an explosion of growth in Jewish outreach on college campuses within the last five years,” he says. “The college campuses are ready for it and the Five Towns/Far Rockaway community has a great opportunity to impact the next generation of young Jews from around the world.”
Utilizing a team of highly skilled lecturers and mentors, Jewish Fellowships has implemented a paradigm shift in informal Jewish education. Jewish Fellowships doesn’t only focus on classroom teaching. They educate through the experience of Jewish life. With this in mind, Jewish Fellowships is proud to name Rabbi Dov Snow as their new executive director.
Rabbi Snow, a PhD candidate at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, has an extensive background in outreach and working with Jewish teens and young adults. With over 12 years encompassing NCSY, a radio show, counseling, and consulting, Rabbi Snow brings a youthful energy and innovative approach to inspiring program participants and supporters. “It’s important to think outside the box and be open to new ideas,” he says. “We want to give these students a glimpse into the beauty of a Torah home. There needs to be the right balance of learning, experience, and excitement.”
To highlight the program’s past successes and unveil plans for the future, Jewish Fellowships is hosting a red carpet launch party on February 25 at Prime Bistro in Lawrence. The evening will feature selections from the restaurant’s new and creative menu, as well as divrei berachah from Rabbi Eytan Feiner, and a multimedia presentation which highlights the power of Jewish Fellowships.
For more information, contact Rabbi Snow at 516-507-0134 or dsnow@jewishfellowships.org.