CLAL’s Rabbis Without Borders Network (RWB) is the leading edge of today’s rabbinate. Rabbis Without Borders challenge themselves to see, experience, and create the next era in Jewish life. RWBs span different denominations and viewpoints, yet are united in an effort to communicate a Judaism that can compete in a globalized, interconnected world, in which identities and communal boundaries are increasingly permeable. To achieve this goal, RWBs are committed to the values of pluralism, service to everyone, and innovation in all aspects of Judaism.

To enter this exciting network of rabbis, Directed by Rabbi Rebecca W. Sirbu, we invite you to apply to be an RWB Fellow, with teachers and mentors from the CLAL Faculty. Each year we accept a diverse group of twenty rabbis to form a cohort group.

The RWB Fellowship is a one year program consisting of:

• An intensive peer cohort experience fostered through:
• Three in person retreats
• An interactive Google Group for ongoing conversations
• Relationship building through growth and study
• Multifaceted learning on issues central to American life today
• One-on-one coaching to bring innovative ideas to fruition

During the course of the RWB Fellowship, rabbis learn:

• How to use Jewish wisdom and practice as a public good.
• How to use the science of positive psychology to reimagine Judaism as a path of flourishing for individuals and communities.
• How to use postmodern identity formation theory, epistemology, and sociology to create a pluralist, accessible, usable and passionate Judaism.
• How to employ technology and social media to reach a larger audience.
• How to employ innovation theory and design thinking to create new Jewish products, services, experiences and organizations.

After completing the first year Fellowship, rabbis will be integrated into the larger RWB Network, an environment which fosters ongoing experimentation, innovative thinking, collaboration on projects, and opportunities to serve in diverse settings. Each Fellow is required to create at least one new program/initiative/curriculum/product as a result of the Fellowship (examples can be found here), be open to giving back to the community by serving in the RWB Service Corps, and committed to deepen the work of the RWB Network.

If this sounds exciting to you, then please apply! The ideal candidate is a rabbi who believes that the teachings of Judaism can help navigate every aspect of modern American life. This rabbi seeks to have an impact both within and beyond their individual congregation, organization, or community. Creativity and an ability to think outside the box are valued qualities.

We are looking for a diverse group of rabbis: pulpit, non-pulpit, and those forging new paths. All ages and stages are welcome. We just ask that you have at least one full year of rabbinic work post ordination before applying.

As part of the Fellowship we gather for three retreats. The Fellowship is awarded to you; however, there are basic retreat expenses. Total costs combined for all three retreats are: $1,500 for a double room, $1,950 for a single room. Travel is on your own. Scholarships are available – please do not let financial concerns get in the way of applying!

The 2018-2019 RWB retreat dates are as follows:

• June 11-14, 2018 at The Pearlstone Retreat Center
• Oct. 8-11, 2018 at Brandeis Bardin Campus
• Early 2019, TBD

To Apply: Visit: https://tinyurl.com/RWB2018Fellowship

Applications are due: Friday, Jan. 26, 2018. Late applications will not be considered. Questions? Please email our Program Coordinator, Shelli Aderman at: saderman@clal.org.