FAQ
Who should apply?
Individuals with strong backgrounds in Jewish text, an ability to read and translate from the original language, and a strong interest in ethical questions. Areas of particular expertise may include Talmud, rishonim, codes and their commentaries, early and modern she’elot uteshuvot, Hasidut, or history. Participants should be able to decode all aforementioned texts in the original Hebrew or Aramaic as necessary.
People of all genders, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses, people with disabilities and people of color are encouraged to apply.
What is the time commitment?
As a contributor, you will be asked to:
- Attend 4-6 virtual meetings over the course of June, July, and August, with the full cohort of contributors, expert consultants and T’ruah team members
- Collaborate closely with one chevruta (partner) to lead the cohort through discussions on one question/challenge; do individual research on this question; translate and compile sources; and compose the final paper and source sheet about one challenge
- Contribute research and feedback for two other pairs of contributors
What will we create at the end?
Contributors will work in pairs to produce:
- A paper aimed at clergy, educators, and Jewish organizational leaders that presents the ethical question under consideration, walks its readers through a deliberative process which draws extensively on Jewish text and scholarship, and concludes by recommending Jewish ethical guidelines for approaching the question
- An accompanying source sheet (including English translation of original texts, as necessary) featuring key texts from the research process, designed for Jewish clergy and educators to use in their communities.
Is there compensation?
Contributors will receive a $1000 stipend each over the course of the three-month process.
What is the timeline for this project?
May
- May 27: Project launch and call for applications
June
- June 17: Applications due* (*Deadline extended in light of recent events to allow more time for people of color, allies and activists to apply)
- Mid-June: Contributors selected and notified
- Meeting 1: Determine questions and pairs
July
- Meetings 2, 3 and 4 if necessary: Focused discussions on each selected question, including expert consultants
- Initial research and writing
August
- Meetings 5, 6 (if necessary): Contributors present findings and receive peer feedback
- August 30: Final papers and source sheets complete
Who will read the materials we produce?
The published long-form papers will be aimed at clergy, academics, and others with an interest in and capacity to independently engage in deep text analysis. The companion source sheets prepared by contributors will be designed as a more accessible resource for both clergy and laypeople. T’ruah also plans to create videos, resource guides, webinars, and social media content to make the group’s findings available and accessible to the broader Jewish community.
How do I apply?
Applications are now closed. Join our mailing list, and follow us on Instagram for updates and to access the papers and resources that emerge from this project!