Cohort-Based Learning Opportunities with Jewish Life at Duke
Jewish Life at Duke offers a number of non-credit, cohort-based learning seminars during the fall and spring semesters.
These various conversational, cohort-based seminars are for those looking to deepen their understanding and connection to Judaism on their own terms. When you participate you’ll have the opportunity to ask the big questions – Who am I? What communities am I part of? What is worth committing myself to, and why?
We make no claims about the “right” way to practice or not practice Judaism. Our job is to help you explore the tradition and find your own place, on your terms, in some of Judaism’s great conversations. We want to nourish you (meals are a part of the experience) and value your time (after completion of JLF programs you are eligible to receive a stipend).
Each semester, there are different cohorts, taught by various members of the Jewish Life at Duke staff. Students who participate come from diverse backgrounds and have a broad range of experience with Jewish learning. These cohorts are about meeting you where you are, bringing all of our knowledge, curiosity, and learning together.
Spring 2025 Cohorts
The following cohort-based learning seminars will take place in the Spring 2025 semester:
Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF): Life's Big Questions
Taught by Rabbi Elana Friedman and Springboard Fellow Seth Wittenberg
Monday nights (6:30-8:00pm), 10 weeks, beginning on February 3; (Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 Mar 3, 17, 24, 31, Apr 7) at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life
Open to: first-year through senior undergrads
This class is all about the BIG questions in life. We may not have the answers, but we'll create space to ask the big questions of our lives through a Jewish lens. You'll meet weekly with a cohort of fellow students, share a (free, kosher) meal and meaningful conversations, and are eligible for a $300 stipend on the conclusion of the program.
Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF): KOL YISRAEL: ZIONISM(S)
Taught by Heyman Winter Israel Fellow Orel Peretz
Monday nights (6:30-8:00pm), 6 weeks, beginning on February 3; (Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar 17, 24) at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life
Open to: first-year through senior undergrads.
Kol Yisrael is a 6-week cohort learning experience to explore questions animating the contemporary Israeli discourse. This Kol Yisrael class is called "Zionism(s)." We will explore the historical and modern context of Zionism, along with the multiple perspectives present in the debates surrounding it. Our learning will explore two core questions: How do competing visions of Zionism align and differ? For today and throughout history, what beliefs, values, and challenges have shaped Zionism and its proponents? You'll meet weekly with a cohort of fellow students, share a (free, kosher) meal and meaningful conversations, and are eligible for a $175 stipend on the conclusion of the program.
JEWISH LEARNING FELLOWSHIP (JLF): SEX, LOVE, & RELATIONSHIPS
Taught by Rabbi Elana Friedman
Wednesdays during lunch (time TBD), 5 weeks, beginning on February 5; (Feb 5, 12, 19, March 5, 19) on West Campus
Open to: first-year through senior undergrads who have completed JLF: Life’s Big Questions (JLF 1.0) in a prior semester or year
This class is a five-week exploration of sex, love, and relationships, JLF-style. Lunch is included.
4 THE MOMENT: JEWISH ART & WISDOM
Taught by Assistant Director for Student Engagement Rebecca Ezersky
Friday afternoons (3:00-4:30pm), 4 weeks, beginning on January 31; (Jan 31, Feb 7, 14, 21) at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life
Open to: first-year through senior undergrads
In this 4-week series, we will explore our individual and collective relationships to the Jewish tradition of artistic creation. Students will participate in an immersive journey into the intersection of Jewish spirituality and artistic expression, inspired by the insights and wisdom of both classical Jewish texts and modern art principles.
Every session will include an experiential/hands-on art-making opportunity. No prior experience in art production or formal Jewish learning is required. Afternoon snacks are included.
SENIOR SEMINAR
Taught by Rabbi Elana Friedman
Wednesday nights (6:30-8:00pm), 5 weeks, beginning on March 5; (March 5, 19, 26, April 2, 9) at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life. Final closing session (April 9) will take place at Rabbi Elana's house.
Open to: Class of 2025 graduating senior undergrads
Your time has come! Jewish Life at Duke's Senior Seminar is an opportunity for graduating seniors to reflect on the past four years and contemplate the years ahead. We are looking back, looking inward, and looking forward -- all through a Jewish lens and with our peers. Free, kosher dinner is included. The fifth and final session will be a closing session/siyum at Rabbi Elana's house.
JLD's Senior Seminar is open to all Duke graduating seniors and does not require previous Jewish background or knowledge, but does require a sincere interest in conversations around your Jewish journey, identity, and your future.
Apply Today
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the deadlines listed above. Once your online application is received, you will be contacted by email to schedule a brief, in-person interview with a member of the Jewish Life at Duke staff, after which you will be notified if your application to join the cohort has been accepted.
Applicants should be thirsty to learn but require no previous Jewish education background. Jewish Life at Duke is an egalitarian, non-denominational organization. We do not believe there is “one right way to be Jewish.”
Use the buttons above to apply for a cohort-based learning seminar today!
Past Participant Testimonials
- "JLF has made me feel like I belong on Duke's campus. As an incoming freshman, I initially applied to JLF just to be a part of something, of some group, that I could call myself a part of. However, I am leaving JLF with so much more... I would take a JLF course all 8 of my semesters at Duke if I could for the people, the conversations, and family (and the incredible Freeman food!)"
- "Everyone came to class each week ready to learn (and teach)! I'll be taking away from JLF a deep appreciation for Jewish thought and a newfound comfort that my ancestors faced and handled the same situations we experience today. JLF was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to a friend!"
"JLF: Israel completely changed the way that I thought about not only my relationship with Israel but also my relationship with Judaism. I came in expecting to just learn factual knowledge about Israel, the conflict, etc., which I did, but my biggest takeaways came from reflecting both on what Israel means to me and how we as Jews are all actually connected. JLF is one of the few times in my life where I've been able to learn purely for the sake of knowledge, and especially in discussing a topic as controversial and sometimes as uncomfortable as Israel, I'm especially grateful for a setting where I feel secure in asking questions and voicing my opinions."