Exploring Judaism LGBTQ+ Writers Fellowship Application Information

Create the Jewish internet you want to see.

The Exploring Judaism Writers Fellowship is a paid four-month cohort-based fellowship for LGBTQ+ Conservative/traditional egalitarian Jews to cultivate their professional voice, expand their writing portfolio and networks, and share Torah with a broad audience.

You won’t just be writing into the void. You will create and publish five essays that you can use immediately as part of your job search and meaningfully contribute to the Torah of Conservative/Masorti Judaism.

Who is this for?

Are you an LGBTQ+ Conservative/traditional egalitarian Jew looking to hone your voice?
Do you want to write online, but don’t know where to start?

Interested in the fellowship but not LGBTQ+? Add your name to our waitlist for future writing fellowship opportunities.

What will this fellowship unlock?

  • Know your audience.
  • Write effectively when you undertake a writing task.
  • Conquer writing doubts.
  • Start creating a long-term writing plan.

How does this work?

Program structure

  • Live sessions on technical skills, content categories, internet writing, and Torah learning.
  • Video and written resources, templates, and examples.
  • Live co-writing sessions and workshops.
  • Personalized feedback on every piece of writing.
  • Monthly 1-1 mentorship sessions with a professional editorial coach.
  • Hevruta writing: develop one piece in collaboration with a colleague.
  • Panels with industry editors and leading LGBTQ+ voices.
  • Build an ongoing relationship with Exploring Judaism, and receive future calls for paid writing opportunities with us!

Your responsibilities

  • Write and publish five Exploring Judaism articles (two solo and one in hevruta during the fellowship; two additional pieces over the following summer).
  • Attend live, coaching, and co-writing sessions.
  • Follow through in a timely fashion.
  • Ask questions and engage fully.
  • Develop and submit a writing portfolio.
  • Build community with your cohort.

What have we already done?

Exploring Judaism is a project of USCJ and the Rabbinical Assembly. We aim to increase digital engagement with and for individuals and communities who identify with our movement.

We have reached hundreds of thousands online with our content in partnership with people like you!

The Program

Live sessions on technical skills, content categories, internet writing, and Torah learning.

(Tentative Schedule)

  • March 2026
    • Opening Session with CEO of Conservative/Masorti Judaism, Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal: Welcome & Introduction to Conservative/Masorti Judaism and your cohort
    • Writing online content, online Torah, and user intent
  • April 2026: First Solo Piece Due
    • LGBTQ+ Torah: Panel with Dr. Noam Sienna and Rabbi Chaya Bender
    • Internet LGBTQ+ Torah: Re-purposing sermons and teachings for online content with Emily Jaeger
  • May 2026: Hevruta Piece Due
    • Panel with the Conservative/Masorti Social Justice Commission
    • Workshop with Kimberly McElhatten: developing your voice & style; revising like a pro
  • June 2026: Second Solo Piece Due
    • Q&A with industry editors: Pitching and writing OpEds; building your network

Live co-writing sessions.

Video and written resources, templates, and examples.

  • Templates for Explainers, Practical Living, and Meaning-Making Content
  • Example pieces and explanations
  • Training videos and resources

Personalized feedback on every piece of writing.

  • Every piece is reviewed and given specific feedback

1-1 mentorship sessions to help students with their writing goals.

A writing portfolio that includes:

  • Mentor texts, blogs, and authors
  • Reusable writing templates
  • Writing goals
  • Personal writer’s statement

How much do you get paid?

Fellows will receive a $1000 stipend for their work upon completion of responsibilities.

FAQ

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Author

  • Rabbi Jeremy Markiz headshot

    Rabbi Jeremy Markiz is a teacher and consultant. Based in the Washington, DC area, he teaches the Torah of personal growth, meaning and intentionality, and making the world a better place. He writes a newsletter called, With Torah and Love. Rabbi Markiz helps clergy, congregations, and Jewish organizations grow and communicate clearly in the digital world, develop effective strategies, and solve problems with his consulting firm, Next Level Rabbinics.

    View all posts

Find meaning in your inbox.

Subscribe to receive our latest content by email.

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
Got questions?