J Leaders Academy More Details

We will begin accepting applications for the next J Leaders Academy in early July 2023.

The application process is your chance to to tell us your story, and why you should be selected to be in the J Leaders Academy cohort.

Tuition includes housing, food for two weekend retreats, an all-day Sunday retreat, and eight Zoom sessions. This tuition rate provides a triple sleeping room at both retreats (3 people in each room). You are invited to request an upgrade to a double or private sleeping room at an additional cost to cover the increased room expense. Due to limitations of available sleeping room configurations, not all requests can be met, but we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Selection Considerations

The selection process will be based on the following:

• 21 to 35 years old – for this cohort, we expect most to live or work in the greater San Francisco Bay Area
• Humble, Hungry and Smart
• Upfront commitment to attend all sessions including retreats
• Desire for self-reflection and self-improvement
• Interest in exploring and learning more about Jewish values and wisdom
• Interest in giving back to and making a difference in the Jewish community and making the world a better place
• Certify fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 1
• Optional:  Short video
• Submission of online application

Finalists will be interviewed by representatives of the J Leaders Academy leadership team. Interviews will allow J Leaders to better understand your qualifications and interest, and equally important, provides candidates the chance to ask questions and learn more about the program.

Financial Aid

The cost of the J Leaders Academy is heavily subsidized thanks to the generous support of our many generous donors. The true cost of the Academy is closer to $3,500 per fellow. Even so, we recognize that this subsidized rate may not be affordable for everyone. The J Leaders board of directors is committed to ensuring that the Academy is accessible to all qualified prospective fellows, regardless of their economic circumstances.

Financial aid is provided as a grant to fellows for a 3-person shared room at both retreats, without any expectation of being re-paid. Financial aid in most cases does not cover 100% of the tuition. J Leaders awards financial aid on the basis of demonstrated need and the availability of funds. Financial aid decisions are made independently from program acceptance decisions and does not affect a candidate’s chances for acceptance. If at some point in their future, fellows are in a position to pay-it-forward for other deserving candidates, donations will be eagerly accepted and appreciated.

Weekend Retreats and COVID-19

Retreats are an integral part of the Academy program. The Academy includes three retreats: weekend retreats on October 28-30 (the program kick-off) and January 20-22 at the Mount Madonna Center (Watsonville); and a one-day Sunday, April 16th retreat. Weekend retreats will start with a Friday night Shabbat dinner and go through Sunday lunch. The Mount Madonna Center serves freshly prepared vegetarian meals.

We’re living through a period of often-changing requirements of what it takes to safely meet in person. All fellows are required to be vaccinated and provide proof in advance of attending the program. Retreat participants will be asked to obtain a negative home or PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours before arriving to each retreat. As well, indoor masks may be required for inside meetings. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please reach out to Peter Hoffman as soon as possible.

A list of recommended course materials will be provided to all fellows. We expect the cost of these materials will be less than $75.

Download J Leaders Academy Poster PDF