JLIC SOUL (Sacks OU Leadership) Fellowship
JLIC’s Mission
The OU-Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) strives to engage students navigating the university environment while balancing their Jewish life. In addition, JLIC educates and provides avenues for spiritual development and exploration for Jewish students from varied backgrounds. JLIC presents a positive, sophisticated and welcoming face for Judaism on campus. We strive to inspire young adults to take ownership and responsibility for their Jewish lives in their communities.
The SOUL Fellowship aims to support JLIC’s mission to cultivate emerging Jewish leaders on campus and in the community.
Why a Fellowship?
A core tenet of JLIC is encouraging students to embrace a life of leadership and activism on behalf of the Jewish community throughout their time on campus and beyond. JLIC can accelerate leadership development by creating a framework for advanced education and training for select university students. JLIC directors will mentor emerging leaders on and off campus by supporting their social, communal, academic and career aspirations.
About the SOUL Fellowship
The SOUL Fellowship is a one-year program comprised of a cohort of Jewish university-aged fellows in Canada. We will embrace Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt”l’s approach to leadership as a guiding principle to develop leaders to impact on campus and in our community. JLIC will select approximately 10 affiliated students who have demonstrated leadership qualities during their first or second year of studies. Fellows will receive a stipend of up to $500 upon completion of the one year program.
Components
The JLIC SOUL Fellowship encompasses four key components:
Stage 1: Education • Fall 2024
Scholar: Participate in seminars based on the philosophy and teaching of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks from local and guest educators. Scholar session dates: TBD
Stage 2: Partnership • Winter/Spring 2025
Mentorship: Each SOUL Fellow will be paired with an JLIC alumnus or community member in their professional field of choice, to foster personal and professional growth.
Service: Apply skills to support their campus Hillel Jewish Learning Fellowships (JLF) through a peer-to-peer mentorship.
Stage 3: networking • Spring/Summer 2025
Network: Introductions to the JLIC network of supporters.
Stage 4: Campus Involvement • Fall 2024-Spring 2025
Community: Support JLIC directors to develop, promote and grow the campus community.
Leadership: Support and encourage incoming 2023-2024 cohort in a mentorship capacity.
Opportunity to participate in a Yavneh student leadership conference in USA.
We are now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 SOUL Fellowship cohort. The application deadline is September 23, 2024.
See below for frequently asked questions. Contact us with any additional questions at soulfellowshipcanada@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the SOUL Fellowship program?
Any university-aged Canadian is eligible to participate in the SOUL Fellowship.
Is the SOUL Fellowship only open to students with specific career paths/choices?
No, we will be looking to select fellows from a broad range of career paths/choices.
What level of Jewish knowledge and observance is required to be a part of this program?
We welcome all Jewish students to apply to the SOUL Fellowship. Students with leadership experience in the Jewish community will be given priority.
How long is the Fellowship?
The SOUL fellowship is a yearlong program made up of different components.
Is there a cost to participate in the SOUL Fellowship?
There is no cost to participate. Upon successful completion of the program, each fellow will receive a stipend of up to $500.
Am I guaranteed a summer employment internship?
We do not guarantee a summer position however we will work very hard with our alumni and community networks to ensure that you will have a paid or volunteer internship.
What if I cannot attend the scholar sessions? Can I still be part of the fellowship?
The scholar sessions are a mandatory component of the Fellowship.
What if I only want to attend the scholar sessions?
If there is sufficient interest, there will be an option to attend the scholar sessions independent of the Fellowship.
What is the frequency of the meetings between the Mentor and the Fellow?
Mentors will be asked to commit to two half hour sessions over the duration of the year. Mentors can expand their time commitment based on their own desire and availability.
