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 cohorts are open to all students, regardless of background.
These various conversational, cohort-based seminars are for those looking to deepen their understanding and connection to Judaism on their own terms. No prior Jewish knowledge is required! 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.
2025-2026 Cohort and Educational Opportunities
The following cohort-based learning seminars will take place in the during the 2025-2026 fall & spring semesters:
Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF): Life's Big Questions
Taught by Rabbi Elana Friedman and Springboard Fellow Dani Faulhaber
Open to: first-year through senior undergrads
This 10-week experiential, conversational seminar takes place one day per week in the evenings. Dates and times vary by semester. Sessions will be held at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life.
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 $250 stipend on the conclusion of the program.
Applications now closed.
Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF): KOL YISRAEL: ETHNIC DIVERSITY
Taught by Heyman Winter Israel Fellow Orel Peretz
This 6-week program takes place one day per week in the evenings. Dates and times vary by semester. Sessions will be held 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 "Ethnic Diversity." We will explore how various ethnic communities in Israel balance "being Israeli" with their own traditions, histories, and cultural backgrounds, while preserving their distinct histories and identities.
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.
Applications now closed.
DIALOGUE ACROSS DIFFERENCE
Taught by Rabbi Elana Friedman, Campus Rabbi and Jewish Chaplain
This 1-session program will take place on Thursday, October 30 and Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Students need only participate in one date.
Have you every felt like you don't understand the "other side" of the Jewish community? Do you feel like your friends all have the same views as you? Join your fellow students in a facilitated, small-group conversation about our differences in the Jewish community, with free lunch or dinner included. This conversation uses the model of Resetting the Table (RTT): Dialogue Across Difference. RTT's program style is not to eliminate differences, but to help people transform their differences into a source of connection, learning, and problem-solving. This is not about convincing anyone of your views, but rather a chance to have productive conversation where we speak, listen, challenge each other, and deliberate with honesty, mutual recognition, and respect.
(SPRING SEMESTER) HILLEL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Taught by Assistant Director Rebecca Ezersky
Dates and times vary by year. Sessions will be held at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life.
New Initiative! The Hillel Leadership Institute is a 10-session cohort experience for sophomores, juniors, and seniors that will help students build real leadership skills like communication, collaboration and delegation, and storytelling. Students will connect with a community of peers and leave with the tools to make a bigger impact on campus and beyond. After the 10 week cohort experience, students will build their own initiatives on campus.
Open to: sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students
(SPRING SEMESTER) SENIOR SEMINAR
Taught by Rabbi Elana Friedman
This 5-week program takes place one day per week in the evenings. Dates and times vary by year. Sessions will be held at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life. Final closing session will take place at Rabbi Elana's house.
Open to: Class of 2026 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.” These cohorts are open to all students, regardless of identity or background.
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."