LIGHTING THE WAY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN
TO
TEACH, MENTOR, AND LEAD THROUGH TORAH.
Presented by 4G NCSY and the OU Women’s Initiative
for passionate college and post college-aged women looking to make an impact in their communities through informal education and lay leadership.
Learn Skills in public speaking, leadership, and meaningful informal chinuch.
Gain Awareness of halachic and hashkafic considerations in mentorship, leadership and community involvement.
Create Relationships with world-class educators, mentors, and peers from your cohort.
Embrace Opportunities to impact your community.
In loving memory of Gordon Goldman z”l (Gershon ben Avraham Yitzchak v’Alta Chaya Feiga), a dedicated high school teacher who believed deeply in the importance of empowering women through first-class education and visionary leadership.
Dedicated by his children, Vivian and Nathan Bloch.
WHAT IS THE TORCH FELLOWSHIP?
Master Classes
Twice per month, fellows will participate in Zoom classes that will include:
- Skills-based sessions with leading educators and community leaders, focusing on practical teaching techniques.
- Leadership workshops centered on real-world tools and strategies.
- Exposure to diverse Torah voices and hashkafic perspectives through engaging discussion and dialogue.
Topics include:
- Storytelling
- Small-group facilitation
- Navigating halachic & emotional challenges that arise in communal work
- Building authentic relationships
and more!
Mentorship
Each fellow is paired with a seasoned Torah educator or communal leader for:
- 1:1 monthly check-ins
- Shadowing experiences (shiurim, events, Shabbatons etc.)
- Feedback loops on recorded teaching or writing
Capstone Project
Fellows complete a tangible deliverable under mentor guidance, such as:
- A shiur series
- A community learning initiative
- A teen Shabbaton curriculum
This project will demonstrate the skills that the fellows have acquired through the master classes, in-person seminar, and experiences with their mentors.
In-Person Seminar
Fellows will join together for a one-day seminar at the OU Headquarters in Manhattan for sessions with educators and opportunities to hone skills while connecting with mentors and each other.
Alumni Network
Graduates receive access to the Torch Network for ongoing connection, leadership opportunities, and 4G and OU Women’s Initiative pathways.
Program Stipend
Fellows each receive a stipend for $500 upon completion of the program.
IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY AS A TRAINED LEADER WHO CAN PROVIDE MEANINGFUL TORAH, INSPIRATION, AND CONNECTION.
WHO IS THIS FELLOWSHIP FOR?
The Torch Fellowship is a 6-month leadership and educator training program for Jewish women (ages 20–25) who are passionate about Torah, mentorship, and community-involvement — but who may not envision themselves in a traditional classroom role. Through master classes, mentorship, a capstone project, and community, this fellowship develops women into confident, capable, informal educators and leaders.
IMPORTANT DATES:
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, June 7, 2026 | Applications Due | Scroll down to apply! |
| Week of October 12, 2026 | Opening Master Class | Followed by Zoom classes twice per month in the evenings. Nights determined based on cohort availability. |
| TBA | Torch In-Person Seminar | A one day live seminar at the OU Headquarters in Manhattan. |
WHAT MAKES THIS FELLOWSHIP DIFFERENT?
The Torch Fellowship is more than a training program — it’s a grassroots incubator for future Torah educators and leaders.
Fellows gain practical, transferable skills in teaching, mentorship, and community leadership that can be applied anywhere — from giving shiurim and leading women’s learning programs to mentoring teens and strengthening community education initiatives.
By the end of the program, fellows will be equipped to:
- Teach and mentor with confidence
- Lead women’s programs with real-world experience and Torah-guided perspective
- Join a growing alumni network for continued learning and support
- Contribute as educators, leaders, and partners in the broader community
This isn’t just a fellowship — it’s preparation for a lifetime of communal impact.
Applications accepted until Sunday, June 7, 2026
Apply today!