New Leaders Fellowship

Advancing the Next Generation of Community Leaders

Step into your role as a leader in the Jewish community!

You’ve built a successful career—now it’s time to take the next step in your leadership journey. The New Leaders Fellowship gives professionals in their 30s and early 40s the skills, inspiration, and connections to build board leadership skills, deepen your Jewish learning, and shape the future of our community.

Applications are now open for the 2025 – 2026 cohort.
Deadline to apply is October 31. 

HONE THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO MAKE AN IMPACT Through retreat-style sessions and expert-led workshops, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to serve on boards, lead community initiatives, and be a force for change in your professional and personal life.

BUILD LIFELONG CONNECTIONS As a Fellow, you’ll be part of a select cohort of professionals who share your values and commitment to strengthening community. You will also join our impressive alumni network that extends beyond the Fellowship.

DRAW ON JEWISH WISDOM TO SHAPE THE FUTURE Learn from Jewish thought leaders and grapple with the big questions we as Jews need to be asking. Put your values into action and lead the way to building a stronger future for our community.

“The JFCS New Leaders Fellowship was truly outstanding. The intelligence, thoughtfulness, and care from all involved was inspiring. I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn from such an incredible faculty and my fellow Fellows.”

—Anthony Ciccone, Commercial Counsel, Stripe, 2024 Cohort

What You’ll Gain

Fellows develop a comprehensive toolkit of board leadership and community-building skills, including:

• Courageous Leadership: Building trust and connection across difference
• Innovation in the Jewish Community: Exploring new models for engagement and growth
• Tzedakah and Giving Jewishly: Understanding the values behind meaningful philanthropy
• Advocacy and Public Policy: Learning strategies to influence change
• Governance and Financial Leadership: Leading with vision, strategy, and accountability

You’ll also meet with legislators, engage with influential community leaders, and gain behind-the-scenes access to JFCS’ work in fundraising, advocacy, and impact.

Fellowship alumni also have access to continued learning and networking within our Fellowship Alumni Network.

 “It can be difficult to know how to get started as a lay leader in the Jewish community. The New Leaders Fellowship helped me bridge the gap from volunteer to board leadership.”

—Danielle Heller, Revenue Accountant, Intuit, 2023 Cohort

Learn from Distinguished Faculty

You will learn from and network with an esteemed faculty of leading voices in Jewish thought, business, and civic life. Past speakers include:

• David Bocarsly, Executive Director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC)
• David Chiu, City Attorney of San Francisco
• Barry Finestone, President and CEO, Jim Joseph Foundation
• Dr. Anita Friedman, Executive Director, Jewish Family and Children’s Services
• Paul Geduldig, CEO, Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
• Rabbi Joshua Ladon, Vice President, West Coast and Senior Faculty, Shalom Hartman Institute
• Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 8
• Supervisor Myrna Melgar, District 7
• Liz Schaffer, Nonprofit Financial Management Consultant
• Manny Yuketiel, Owner, Manny’s, Community Leader and Activist

A Legacy of Leadership

Founded 175 years ago, JFCS has long been a cornerstone of care and innovation in the Bay Area. The New Leaders Fellowship builds on this legacy by preparing the next generation to carry our community forward with strength, compassion, and vision.

Alumni of the Fellowship now serve on nonprofit boards, lead advocacy initiatives, and drive philanthropic projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

“Engaging in ongoing learning with a group is a unique and valuable experience. I discovered more about myself and my leadership strengths, and I now feel ready to serve my community in meaningful ways.”

—Monica Spitzer, Immigration Attorney, 2024 Cohort

Fellowship Commitment

Participation requires a six-month commitment to in-person sessions, retreats, and workshops. Fellows are also asked to make a personally meaningful contribution to JFCS in support of the programs that sustain our community.

How to Apply

Our community needs your leadership now more than ever. Get involved and help build a strong, resilient future!

Applications are now open for the 2025 – 2026 cohort of the New Leaders Fellowship.

Questions? Contact Tamar Zaken at [email protected]