Elevate your leadership skills while learning the fundamentals of community organizing through LUNAR's Leading Light Fellowship!
Commencing in August 2025, this 1-year program will convene a national cohort of Asian Jewish young adults and equip them with the skills and resources to foster local Asian Jewish communities across the U.S.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship kicks off with a weekend Shabbaton training retreat in New York, where our cohort will gather in-person and participate in foundational leadership and team-building sessions. Travel expenses, lodging, and meals are provided.
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Supported by LUNAR staff, fellows collaborate to build Asian Jewish community in their own cities, through planning and facilitating local events. Fellows are equipped with a plethora of resources, including 1:1 coaching, a comprehensive handbook, digital tools and templates, funding, skill-building workshops, and monthly co-working sessions. In addition, each fellow is offered a personal stipend, with the potential to earn more through optional speaking opportunities, press appearances, or additional events.
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Halfway through the year, fellows gather for a winter weekend retreat in Los Angeles to re-center, deepen their learnings from the first half of the program, and continue developing their hubs.
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By the conclusion of the program, fellows will:
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Become confident leaders, bridge builders, and advocates for their communities
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Be equipped to collaborate, communicate, and navigate challenges
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Reclaim and deepen their relationships to their Asian Jewish identities
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Develop key community organizing and event planning skills
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Strengthen and expand their professional networks
Timeline
May 23, 2025 - Applications due
June 13, 2025 - Decisions finalized
September 2025 - Fellowship commences
TBD September - In-person weekend retreat in NY
TBD January/February - In-person weekend retreat in LA
August 31, 2026 - Fellowship concludes
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
This program is designed as an affinity space for Asian American Jewish leaders, with a particular focus on young adults ages 21-35. However, we welcome applications from Asian American Jewish adults of any age.
We define Asian American Jews as people who identify as both Jewish (whether by heritage, religion, or culture) and Asian American. This includes mixed-race folks, transracial adoptees, Asian Jews by Choice, and more. We fully welcome those in the process of converting to Judaism, or simply on a Jewish journey.
We are primarily seeking applicants within our six LUNAR hubs (Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York City), but are open to considering applicants in other cities, depending on interest.
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What is the time commitment of participating in this fellowship?
In addition to attending two 3-day retreats, each fellow dedicates approximately 5-10 hours per month to this program. This includes attending leadership coaching, partner meetings, and co-planning and facilitating 6 or more events throughout the year.
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Is there any cost to participate?
No; although many fellowship models do charge participation fees, our vision is to keep this fellowship accessible for participants of any income level. Thanks to generous support from our funders, we are proud to offer this program at no cost to fellows, along with providing a $4,000 stipend to each fellow.
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What types of events can fellows lead?
Fellows collaborate to plan and facilitate local LUNAR events across six categories:
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Social Gatherings - game nights, Shabbat dinners, picnics, hikes, etc.
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Holiday Events - Hanukkah, Passover, Lunar New Year, Double Heritage Month, etc.
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Healing Spaces - identity processing spaces, healing circles, meditation, etc.
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Jewish Learning - Torah discussions, ritual circles, sessions with our Rabbi in Residence, etc.
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Bridge Building - Jewish-AAPI dialogue sessions, joint service projects, etc.
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Arts & Culture - book clubs, open mics, museum trips, concerts, etc.
Events range in size and scope, from casual movie nights to in-depth Passover seders. The audience for each event may vary, whether an intimate affinity space for Asian Jews, a large event open to everyone, or something in-between. We welcome and encourage partnerships with local organizations, student groups, synagogues, and more.
Contact
Got further questions? Contact Maryam Chishti (maryam@weareasianjews.org) and Jenni Rudolph (jenni@weareasianjews.org).