Forum for Jewish Leadership (FJL)

17/09/2026

🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇮🇱 Applications are now open for the UK tracks of the FJL Summer Leadership Program!

Spend your summer gaining hands-on professional experience, deepening your Jewish connection, and developing your leadership skills through our programmes in New York or Tel Aviv.

📆 First-round applications close November 8th
🔗 Apply via the link in our bio

10/09/2026

As we enter the High Holy Days, FJL CEO Ben Thwaites shares an idea about bringing joy to our lives.

Wishing our entire FJL community around the world a Shana Tov 🍎🍯🍏

May the year ahead be filled with peace, meaningful connections, and many opportunities to make an positive impact!

09/09/2026

🌍 FJL Alumni Reunions Around the World

Over the past few weeks, FJL alumni from across the globe have come together ahead of Rosh Hashanah — reconnecting with old friends, welcoming new faces, and coming together for meaningful inspiration as we enter the new year 🍎🍯

🇨🇦 Three years of Canadian FJL alumni came together in Toronto for an evening of connection and conversation, joined by Mark Halpern, CEO of Wealth Insurance, who shared insights on mentorship, personal growth, and preparing for the High Holidays.

🇮🇱 In Israel, 30 FJL alumni and friends gathered in Tel Aviv for a meaningful shiur with Rabbi Effie, who shared powerful pre-Rosh Hashana inspiration and reflections as we prepare to enter the new year.

🇦🇺 Three years of Australian FJL alumni came together in Sydney for a special pre-Rosh Hashana gathering. We were honoured to host Rabbi Gad Krebs, Rabbi of Moriah College , who shared a powerful message about growth, purpose and finding your path.

🇬🇧 In the UK, over 80 FJL alumni from cohorts dating back to 2011 came together for our largest UK alumni reunion yet. See our previous post for photos from the incredible UK Alumni BBQ! 🇬🇧

From Canada to Israel to Australia and the UK, it was a beautiful reminder that FJL is more than a programme — it’s a global community 💙

02/08/2026

WASHINGTON DC - WEEK 4 🏛️🇺🇸

On Sunday morning we arrived in Washington, DC and had an impact session with Shira. We kicked off the week with an introduction to the city from Talya, before enjoying dinner at Char Bar with guest speaker Dr Ken Weinstein. We ended the evening with a beautiful boat cruise along the Potomac River. 🚤

The following day, we heard from Rabbi Shemtov, the Rabbi to the White House, and Rabbi Eli before visiting the Israeli Embassy, where we gained a fascinating insight into diplomacy and international relations. We were also privileged to hear from Minister Hasson and later that evening welcomed Alan Davidson, head of government affairs at Databrick, who shared his own experiences and career journey.

Our final full day in DC saw us visit Capitol Hill, where we took part in FJL Impact Sessions and heard from Adam Grimes. We then had the opportunity to explore the Capitol before spending the afternoon at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, a deeply moving experience.

The week concluded with our final banquet, celebrating everything we had experienced over the past four weeks. Looking back on our journey - from New York to Philadelphia, Kemp Mill and Washington, DC - we are so proud of everything our students have achieved.

Thank you to everyone who made this summer possible! As we head home, we leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships and a renewed sense of purpose. Until next year! 🇺🇸❤️

27/07/2026

NEW YORK – WEEK THREE 🗽🇺🇸✨

Another incredible week of the NY FJL programme has flown by! Throughout the week, our students continued their internships, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of industries.

On Thursday evening, we visited an AI start-up where we took part in focus groups exploring a new product and discussing both the exciting opportunities and potential challenges that artificial intelligence presents

On Friday morning we were privileged to hear from Rabbi Rowe who gave us a fascinating Q&A session. The weekend gave everyone some well-earned free time, with many students enjoying everything the Upper West Side and New York City had to offer before another busy week began!

On Monday evening, we were privileged to hear from Val Myteberi, Dean of Cardozo Law School, who shared her journey to America and reflected on the challenges universities have faced since 7th October. We were also delighted to welcome Rabbi Jonny back from the UK before finishing the evening with another Impact Session.

On Tuesday night, we gathered on the upper west side where Rabbi Eli Birnbaum officially joined the programme and delivered an inspiring talk. We then headed up to the rooftop, taking in breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

Wednesday evening marked the beginning of Tisha B’Av. We visited Ground Zero for a moving and emotional session, reflecting on loss, resilience and remembrance. On Thursday, we continued the day with meaningful sessions led by Shira Jackson and Rabbi Eli, before hearing the powerful testimony of Jamie Lassner, a 9/11 first responder. We concluded the fast together with a film and uplifting singing, ending the day with a real sense of unity.

On Friday morning, we said goodbye to New York and travelled to Kemp Mill, where we were warmly welcomed by the wonderful local community for Shabbat.

As one chapter closes, another begins. Thank you, New York, for an unforgettable three weeks, we’re so excited to see what Washington, DC has in store! 🏛️🇺🇸

16/07/2026

FJL NEW YORK – WEEK TWO🗽🇺🇸🇬🇧

Another incredible week in New York!
On Wednesday, we had the privilege of hearing from Malcolm Hoenlein, who shared his wealth of experience and insights into Jewish leadership and global affairs.

Thursday evening was one of the most impactful moments of the programme as we volunteered with Knock Knock Give a Sock. We spent the evening meeting members of the local community, hearing their stories and being reminded of the importance of human connection. We were also so excited to welcome Elisheva to the programme!

On Friday morning, we travelled to Philadelphia where we kicked off Shabbat preparations with a challah bake before being warmly welcomed by the incredible Philadelphia community. Shabbat was filled with an unforgettable atmosphere that made the weekend so special.

On Saturday night, we heard from Carly Chodosh, who gave a fascinating and thought-provoking talk as an orthodox s*x therapist, encouraging open discussion and answering our questions with honesty and sensitivity.

After travelling back to New York on Sunday, we were ready to begin another exciting week of internships. On Monday evening, we joined members of the Upper West Side community for Scholars Night, where we learnt together and shared ideas in a truly inspiring evening of meaningful discussion. The girls then rounded off the night with cheese, w**e and bracelet making! 🧀🍷

On Tuesday evening, FJL alumnus Max Steinberg joined us to share his journey since completing the programme. It was incredibly valuable to hear from someone who was once in our shoes and to receive advice and guidance as we continue our own journeys.

Two amazing weeks down, countless memories already made, and we’re so excited to see what the next week has in store! 💙

10/07/2026

FJL NEW YORK – WEEK ONE 🗽🇺🇸🇬🇧

What a way to kick off the FJL New York Programme! Our first week has been packed with unforgettable experiences, incredible opportunities and lasting memories.

We began with orientation before hearing from Scott Bornstein at Greenberg Traurig’s Manhattan offices, followed by a boat ride along the Hudson River. That evening, we were warmly welcomed into the home of the Muro family, long-time friends of FJL, for a wonderful dinner and the perfect start to our New York adventure.

On Thursday, we had the privilege of visiting the United Nations, where we enjoyed a fascinating tour and learnt more about the work of one of the world’s most important international organisations. That evening, we heard from Jonathan Harounoff, spokesperson for Israel at the UN, before a panel of young professionals from a range of industries shared valuable career advice and insights.

On Friday, we heard from injury attorney Harry Rothenberg, who spoke about some of the fascinating cases he has worked on. We then visited one of New Jersey’s biggest attractions, the American Dream Mall, where owner Paul Ghermezian gave us a behind-the-scenes tour, with plenty of time afterwards to enjoy everything the mall has to offer! 🎢

Shabbat was spent with the incredible Passaic, New Jersey community, where we experienced exceptional hospitality, meaningful discussions and an inspiring Shabbat atmosphere.

This week also marked the beginning of our internships, with students settling into exciting placements across a wide range of industries. We were also fortunate to tour Bloomberg’s offices and hear from Head of HR Ken Cooper, who shared his career journey, valuable advice and insights into leadership and professional growth.

One unforgettable week down, and this is only the beginning. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store! 💙

09/07/2026

✨ Week 8 Recap ✨

🇬🇧🇺🇸 On Friday both the UK and US group came together for an incredible Shabbaton in Raanana, FJL’s largest Shabbaton on record, with over 80 people!

🏞️ On Sunday, our groups headed to Gush Etzion for a day of history, and beautiful scenery. Guided by Steve Gar, an elite counter-terrorism specialist, participants heard about his personal experiences, explored the history of the Judean hills by jeep, and ended the day with dinner generously hosted at the home of Stacey and Amir Goldman, who shared their own professional and personal stories.

💼 On Monday, our internship coordinator had the chance to see our UK participants in action at their internships. Visits to Deloitte Israel Darrow and Explorium offered a glimpse into the different professional fields they have had the opportunity to work in this summer.

🧆 Tuesday brought the UK and US groups together for dinner, graciously hosted by Ben and Aviva Thwaites. Our honoured guest speaker for the evening was Alan Sacks, brother of the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. He shared stories of him and Rabbi Sacks childhood, as well as reflections on his own journey to Israel and career in law at Herzog Fox & Neeman

🌟 Looking forward to another meaningful week ahead!

03/07/2026

02/07/2026

✨ Week 7 Recap ✨

🇬🇧🇺🇸 This week, our UK and US tracks continued their journey together through meaningful experiences, powerful conversations, and hands-on learning across Israel.

📍 On Sunday, participants travelled to southern Israel to better understand the impact of the October 7th massacre. As today marks 1,000 days since October 7th, it was especially meaningful for the group to visit these communities and hear firsthand stories of loss, resilience, and recovery. The group heard from Rabbi Herzl Shaubi, who shared his incredible story of surviving October 7th, his recovery, and the miracles that carried him through. They also visited his preserved office, where the damage from a rocket strike remains as a powerful reminder of that day. Throughout the day, participants visited the Tekuma Car Cemetery and the Nova Festival Memorial, heard firsthand stories from volunteers at a Pina Chama (rest stop) and שובה אחים - Shuva Brothers , and witnessed how communities across the south continue to respond with resilience, unity, and hope.

🎤 Tuesday evening, we had the opportunity to hear from Trevor Asserson, who shared his experience as a leading international litigator before discussing his research on media coverage of the Israel–Hamas war and encouraging participants to think critically about the information they consume.

🇮🇱We’re looking forward to another meaningful week ahead, beginning with a combined Shabbaton in Ra’anana.