Eligibility

The DFI seeks candidates who exhibit:

• A high measure of intelligence, sophistication and depth of experience

• An active, enterprising persona

• Discontent with the status quo

• Ample desire to be challenged

• The capacity to influence and openness to be influenced

• Outstanding measures of integrity, maturity and emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of self

• An abundance of both humility and self-confidence

• A record of persistence, resilience, hard work, and accomplishment

• A penchant for action, risk and creativity

• Readiness to make the best use of the opportunity

LEADERSHIP

The DFI values a variety of models of leadership (reform, innovation, and [cultural] creation) and seeks candidates who are active in conventional, as well as unconventional, forms of civic and Jewish engagement.

The DFI seeks candidates who are committed to improving their capacity to exercise the leadership required to create new forms, and reinvigorate existing forms, of Jewish expression. Though a deep understanding of Judaism and Israel is critical for effective American Jewish Leadership and indeed is a central goal of the Fellowship, the DFI is not best suited to those who are primarily seeking to explore their relationship to either. Those who are interested in primarily learning about Judaism and/or Israel should visit http://www.israelexperience.org.il/.

AGE

The DFI is open to American/Canadian Jews between the ages of 22-29. (To be eligible, one must be 22, but not yet 30 prior to August 1.) Successful candidates exhibit the maturity and life experience to be able to make the best use of the Fellowship to refine, rather than construct, their individual identity. Please note that the DFI will not make exceptions to this, or other, eligibility requirements.

CITIZENSHIP

Non-American/Non-Canadian citizens may be eligible for the DFI -- with prior approval of the DFI Director.  Candidates must be/have been residents of the US, having graduated from an American high school, and must intend to reside permanently in the US.  Non-American/Non-Canadian citizens interested in receiving approval for application should contact stevej@dorot.org. 

CAREER

The DFI is designed for the future Jewish lay leader, one who has neither received nor intends to receive formal training in any other Jewish professional preparatory program (i.e., rabbinical school, Jewish communal service programs, etc.).

ALIYAH

As the purpose of the Dorot Fellowship relates to the American Jewish landscape, candidates who do not intend to reside in the U.S. are not eligible.

AFFILIATION AND EXPERIENCE

The Fellowship does not require that candidates have previous experience in Israel, knowledge of Hebrew, or a particular affiliation with any denomination or movement.