GatherDC and GatherNoVA’s Open Doors Fellowships (ODF) are immersive 6-month experiences that bring together and train Jewish young adults who live in the DMV to become leaders, conveners, and facilitators of DC Jewish life.
GatherDC and GatherNoVA’s Open Doors Fellowships (ODF) are immersive 6-month experiences that bring together and train Jewish young adults who live in the DMV to become leaders, conveners, and facilitators of DMV Jewish life. Fellows will become exceptional relationship builders and work to create a more welcoming, inclusive, and interconnected Jewish DMV community.
Fellows in the DC and NoVA cohorts learn leadership and engagement skills at bi-monthly meetings, welcome DC and NoVA newcomers to the city, and receive financial support to bring a unique capstone project to life – all while forming deep, lasting friendships with one another.
Professional leadership, program facilitation, communications, and team building training at bi-monthly learning sessions.
Stipends to take DC or NoVA newcomers out for coffee to help them find their place in Jewish life.
Your cohort may include a celebratory Shabbat experience or a weekend long retreat so you can develop meaningful relationships with like-minded peers.
Financial support to create a unique capstone project of your choosing that will enrich our local Jewish community.
A network of professional staff and peers to be a go-to resource for you.
Applications for the 2023 DC and NoVA Open Doors Fellowship cohorts will open in late Spring 2023 – stay tuned for more updates!
If you are a 20- or 30-something living in the DMV who is passionate about creating Jewish community, curious to learn more about your neighborhood and DMV Jewish life, interested in honing your leadership skills, and invested in building connections with other Jewish young adults — then this experience is perfect for you!
DC and Maryland residents may apply to the GatherDC ODF cohort and NoVA residents may apply to the GatherNoVA ODF cohort.
You should have some time, energy, and enthusiasm to spare from August 2023 – January 2024.
Applications for fall / winter 2023 DC and NoVA Open Doors Fellowships will open in May 2023. Check back then!
Note: ALL are welcome to apply. It doesn’t matter how involved you are – or aren’t – in Jewish life, what your Jewish background is, your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or nationality. If you’re thinking about applying but are unsure because you’ve never attended a Jewish event, service, or experience across the DMV – please still apply!
Contact GatherDC’s Engagement Director Noa Nir at noan@gatherdc.org for any questions you may have about the fellowship!
“The Fellowship allowed me to affect the Jewish Community by encouraging me to listen to the community’s needs, and providing me resources to create positive change.”
“The Open Doors Fellowship helped me remember what I love about my Judaism, as well as learn how to work with others to create a Jewish community that speaks more deeply to more of us.”
“This experience was a cornerstone experience for me. I learned to engage with others in a new way and to deepen my relationships. I’m excited to carry on the joy of connecting with my community!”
