The Ivy League Torah Study program, started thirty-five years ago by Rabbi JJ Hecht, opened its six-week immersive learning program this week with an incredible start. Located at new grounds in the Catskill Mountains, the picturesque, creek-side property features a waterfall and scenic hiking trails, available exclusively for the students’ use.
The Ivy League Torah Study program—now known as the Jewish Summer Fellowship—opened its six-week immersive learning program this week with an incredible start.
Thirty-five years ago, Rabbi JJ Hecht OBM had a conversation with a Harvard student that sparked the beginning of this program. “I discovered Judaism in college,” the student said, “but I have nowhere to go to explore it further without giving up a crucial job opportunity in the summer.” That’s when the idea was born. Rabbi Hecht, with the help of the Rennert family, secured a stipend for each student who participated, allowing them to immerse themselves in Jewish life and learning without forgoing the financial benefits of a summer job.
Every summer since, the program has invited students to study Torah free of charge, with each fellow receiving a stipend. Over the years, the program expanded to include students from non–Ivy League schools as well, and was renamed the Jewish Summer Fellowship. The program has always been held at NCFJE’S upstate grounds, Camp Shaloh.
This year, due to unforeseen circumstances, the men’s division was forced to relocate for the summer. Thankfully, a stunning new location was secured. Located in the Catskill Mountains, the new grounds are a picturesque, creek-side property featuring a waterfall and scenic hiking trails—all available exclusively for the students’ use.
The new location allows the students to completely tune out of the hustle and bustle they’re used to in college campus life, and enjoy and explore the beauty of Hashem’s natural world, while being taught by experienced and highly engaging teachers.
Under the leadership of newly appointed director Rabbi Mendel Brawer, the program partnered with Chabad on Campus International to provide travel grants for students, some of whom have traveled from as far as the UK. Throughout the year, Rabbi Brawer worked closely with campus Shluchim to ensure that the needs of every student will be met during the summer.
The program’s curriculum is specifically designed for students with little to no formal Jewish education. The twelve fellows will spend the next six weeks immersed in courses on Chumash, Hebrew reading, Gemara, Halacha, and Chassidus. In addition, they will receive hands-on instruction in leading a Jewish life through practical sessions on Kashrus and Hilchos Shabbos, along with Tefillin and Tzitzis tutorials, and unique Shabbos experiences in different New York Jewish communities. The classes and immersive experiences are designed to give the students the knowledge, confidence and skills to live proud, engaged, and meaningful Jewish lives.
With increased enrollment this year, compounded by the situation in Eretz Yisrael and the disruption of many students’ summer plans, there has been overwhelming interest from new students eager to join. However, due to the limited capacity of the new site, this has posed a challenge. “We are actively working on finding solutions to accommodate more students,” says Rabbi Shimon Hecht of the NCFJE Executive Committee.
The National Committee is still in the process of raising the necessary funds to cover the additional costs of the new location and to accommodate more students. If you would like to take part in this incredible zechus, please consider donating using the link below. Or reach out directly to Rabbi Shimon Hecht at [email protected]
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