Ritually Rooted
A fellowship for college-aged individuals who want to dig deeper into Jewish learning, customs and traditions, finding and creating relevance for today.
Ritually Rooted has had a tremendous impact on my growth as a Jewish leader. It gave me the tools, confidence, and mentorship to explore and create meaningful rituals that are authentic to my identity and community. The program helped me connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, expanding my perspective and deepening my understanding of inclusive leadership. I now feel more equipped to guide others in spiritual and communal settings with intention and creativity. – 2025 Fellow
As a Ritually Rooted Fellow, you will:
- Learn timeless Jewish wisdom
- Connect with a cohort of peers on campuses across North America
- Build relationships with mentors and faculty who are innovators and community builders
- Be eligible to receive grant support from the Men of Reform Judaism after completion of the fellowship to design and lead your community in creative ritual
Ritually Rooted Fellows are:
- Jewish college-aged individuals from across North America who are available January – April 2027 to learn in a cohort of peers from skilled and supportive faculty, and mentors who are innovative community builders.
- Rising leaders in their communities.
- Excited to explore new knowledge and skills by by studying and engaging with different forms of Jewish Ritual.
What past fellows say about the experience:
- “I am walking away from this experience with more clarity, more confidence, and a community that truly understands what it means to be rooted in something sacred.” – 2025 Fellow
- “Ritually Rooted has allowed me to understand the meaning of a ritual and how rituals are actually a part of my everyday routine. I feel like I have a deeper, more enriched understanding of what a ritual is and I am looking forward to applying this idea to my everyday life both religiously and secularly.” Ella Rosenblatt, The Ohio State University Class of 2028
- “Ritually Rooted has been a life-changing experience for me. As a young Jewish leader… it gave me a space where I felt seen, valued, and empowered to bring my full self into Jewish practice and leadership. The learning, mentorship, and community all came together in a way that deepened my commitment to serving my community with purpose and creativity.” – 2025 Fellow
- “Ritually Rooted allowed me to connect with other like-minded Jewish leaders in a similar age range, and bounce ideas off of each other. I feel like my support system has grown, which is something I find really important in leadership. I also feel more knowledgeable and confident in my ability to experiment with rituals and make them more modern.” Jordan Teitelbaum, University of Central Florida Class of 2026
For any questions, email Erin Fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
At least a little bit. If you aren’t sure if you have enough of a connection, reach out for more information.
HUC is committed to building a learning community that represents the diversity of the Jewish Community. Jews-by-choice, Sephardi Jews, Mizrahi Jews, Jews of Color, people of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, LGBT2QIA+ people, and people who come from poor or working-class backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please reach out to Erin Fine if you have questions about how you will feel supported in this space. On your application form, you can also indicate in which areas you will need help to feel successful and supported in the fellowship.
Ritually Rooted has two components to the application process:
- A nomination form filled out by a colleague, mentor, or supervisor in your community
- An application with information about you, your background, and your interest in the program.
The commitment for Ritually Rooted is about 20-25 hours total over the course of the Spring semester/Winter and Spring quarters. This breaks down to:
- Ten, 90-minute synchronous learning sessions on Thursday afternoon/evenings
- Three, 90-minute synchronous mentoring sessions in the month of March, staggered around Spring break
- Asynchronous community ritual participation in discussion
- A couple hours of optional independent reading and videos to prepare and enhance session learning
All group sessions will happen on Zoom. If it is geographically possible, small group and chevruta sessions may happen in-person.
Fellows will learn with a wide range of mentors and faculty from across North America and the Jewish ecosystem.
There is no cost to participate. In fact, fellows are eligible for ritual project grants upon completion of the program thanks to the generosity of Men of Reform Judaism.
