FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            Contact: Robin Metalitz, JUFJ    
August 17, 2009                                                                                                202-408-1423; robin@jufj.org

JEWS UNITED FOR JUSTICE ANNOUNCES THE JEREMIAH FELLOWSHIP
YOUNG ADULTS INVITED TO APPLY FOR NINE-MONTH PROGRAM

Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) is excited to announce the launch of the Jeremiah Fellowship for the first time in Washington, D.C.  The Jeremiah Fellowship will educate and train a select cohort of young adults (ages 25-35) to become the next generation of Jewish social justice change makers. Creative, dynamic, and engaged young Jews who are already volunteer leaders or have leadership potential, are passionate about making our community better, are actively interested in building community, and are committed to using the skills gained through the Fellowship are encouraged to apply.

Jews United for Justice is proud to partner with the Progressive Jewish Alliance in bringing this exciting program to Washington.0

During the nine-month course, Fellows will come together twice monthly to discuss different models of putting ethics and values into action, for intimate conversations with leaders in the Washington Jewish and social justice worlds, and for intensive study of Jewish history and texts. Two Fellowship retreats during this year will offer in-depth training in practical professional and leadership skills, study of Jewish tradition and history, and intensive community-building activities.

"There are a tremendous number of promising young Jewish leaders in the Washington, DC area who are committed to building more just and equitable communities," said Rabbi Elizabeth Richman, JUFJ's Program Director and Rabbi in Residence, who will be leading the program.  "The Jeremiah Fellowship will bring these future leaders together, help them make connections between their Jewish identity and their broader social justice work, and assist them in developing the skills, knowledge, and relationships that will make them a force to be reckoned with."

Participants leave the Fellowship with concrete skills in community organizing, activism, and grassroots fundraising, better equipped to pursue their own volunteer work and careers in the social justice field. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  The deadline to apply is September 8, 2009.

More information is available at jufj.org/jeremiah.  Questions can also be directed to jeremiah@jufj.org or 202-408-1423.

Local funding for The Jeremiah Fellowship in Washington has been provided by a generous grant from the United Jewish Endowment Fund.  National Funding has been provided by Progressive Jewish Alliance through the Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Family Foundation, the Richard S. and Lois Gunther Family Foundation, Jewish Funds for Justice, and the Ruth/Allen Ziegler Foundation.