Schedule

Online Learning

Thursdays 11:00 am-1:00 pm ET / 9:00-11:00 am CT / 8:00-10:00 am PT)
If the online meeting times pose an intractable conflict for you, please contact Rabbi Elizabeth Richman to discuss your options prior to applying.

A series of learning sessions to build community, learn concepts of human rights and connections to Judaism, introduce AJWS’s work and build skills, and provide context for the international travel experience.

Orientation
October 29, 2026

Human Rights Seminars and Travel Preparation
November 5 and 19, 2026
December 3, 10, and 17, 2026
January 7, 14, and 21, 2027
February 25, 2027

Educational Preparation
Short readings, video clips, and brief text studies done independently as individuals and/or in havruta will take ~20 hours total between November and April

International Travel

An immersive, week-long experience in the Dominican Republic from Sunday, January 31 to Sunday, February 7, 2027. Travel will emphasize engaging with local activists, experts, and history, exploring the impact of U.S. policy on the Global South, and continuing to practice leadership and advocacy skills.

Take Action

Engage in post-trip action — including advocacy in Washington, D.C. — to deepen your skills, share your experience, and stay engaged in AJWS’s work.

Media and Publications Workshop (Online)
February 25, 2027

Advocacy Preparation Workshop (Online)
Either March 4 or March 25, 2027 (dependent on timing of travel to D.C.)

Travel to D.C. for the AJWS Leadership Advocacy Convening
Either March 15-17, 2027 (M-W) or April 6-8 (T-Th), 2027 (TBD)
While travel to D.C. is most likely to be April 6-8, please hold both sets of dates. The final dates will be confirmed once the new 120th Congress publishes its schedule in January 2027.

Siyyum/Festive Conclusion 
Either April 8, 2027 or TBD in May 2027 (dependent on timing of travel to D.C.)

Requirements

Fellows are expected to support AJWS’s human rights work and help deepen AJWS’s impact by:

• Participating in all required GJF components: online sessions, international travel, advocacy in Washington, D.C., and post-trip engagement.
• Writing and/or speaking about their GJF experience and AJWS’s work through op-eds, media interviews, videos, blogs, and/or local news stories. AJWS Communications staff will provide necessary support.
• Participating in meetings with elected leaders and U.S. Government officials to advocate for policies that advance AJWS’s human rights work.
• Responding promptly to AJWS action alerts, sign-on letters, and other advocacy opportunities.
• Connecting AJWS to elected leaders in your home region with whom you have relationships.
• When appropriate for your community, sharing AJWS advocacy opportunities with community members, social action committees, and/or clergy associations.

Learn More

For more information, please contact Rabbi Elizabeth Richman.