Program Overview

The Weinstein Fellowship, Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s premier young leadership development initiative, is designed to shape the next generation of local and global Jewish leaders and philanthropists. Through a comprehensive 15-month curriculum rooted in core Jewish values, participants embark on a transformative journey with a network of their peers:

• Comprehensive Understanding of the Jewish Community: Gain a deep understanding of the Jewish community in Milwaukee, Israel, and worldwide, including key players, dynamics, and challenges.
• Connection to Israel: Foster a meaningful connection to Israel, promoting a nuanced understanding of its importance and relevance within the global Jewish context.
• Community Leadership Development: Cultivate a sense of belonging within our community, forging connections with peers, alumni networks, and community leaders. Establish connections with agencies and programs within the Jewish community and lay the foundation for active involvement and leadership roles.
• Philanthropic Engagement: Develop a profound understanding of philanthropy, emphasizing its crucial role within the Jewish community, and cultivate skills for impactful giving and engagement.
• Continued Learning and Action: Engage in a curriculum that builds on Jewish values, promoting ongoing learning, reflection, and action, with a focus on leadership values, thereby fostering a network of leaders within the Jewish community and beyond.

The program offers a rich curriculum encompassing guest speakers, facilitators, insights from community leaders, leadership style assessments, Jewish learning, and community-building activities. Nationally recognized, the program serves as a model for other communities aspiring to develop young leaders.

What’s Expected

The Weinstein Fellowship requires a substantial commitment from fellows in terms of time, engagement, active participation, and philanthropic giving. Successful applicants commit to full participation in all scheduled sessions, including retreats and a transformative 10-day Israel trip. The program calendar is provided in advance to facilitate effective scheduling.

Program Commitments:

• Meet one evening per month throughout the program duration (April 2024 – June 2025).
• Attend a mandatory weekend retreat.
• Actively participate and engage in all scheduled sessions.
• Attend optional quarterly social events to foster community connections.
• Commit to a volunteer opportunity with an agency, program, or Jewish organization, to be initiated no later than upon graduation.
• Make a two-year commitment to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign with a minimum gift of $360 in 2024 and $720 in 2025. Additionally, we ask that your minimum philanthropic giving to the Jewish Community be $500 for 2024 and $1000 for 2025.

Israel Trip Details:

• Participate in a highly subsidized 10-day Israel trip in November 2024.
• Fellows contribute approximately $1000 towards the overall cost of the trip.

This comprehensive commitment ensures a transformative and enriching experience, fostering leadership development and community engagement.

Weinstein Fellowship Candidates Have…

• Demonstrated passion for and involvement in the Milwaukee Jewish community.
• A willingness to learn, explore new ideas, and embrace diverse perspectives within the Jewish community.
• A commitment to philanthropy and an understanding of its role in community development.
• An appreciation for global Jewish issues, coupled with a strong desire to make a lasting impact on the local Milwaukee community.
• A dedication to continuous learning and personal development, aligning with the program’s curriculum and values.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, understanding the importance of collective efforts in community development.
• Capability for strategic thinking and planning, with an eye for long-term community impact.
• Appreciation for cultural diversity within the Jewish community, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• A genuine interest in fostering a meaningful connection to Israel and incorporating it into leadership roles.
• A commitment to making a lasting impact, demonstrated by a willingness to volunteer and contribute beyond the program’s duration.