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chase your dreams, find your people, and explore your jewish identity.

The Jewish learning program that boosts your college resume while you grow.

four amazing reasons to join

The Goldstein Fellowship

Gain entry to the Goldstein Fellowship, a credential that signals your commitment to personal growth and leadership.

Relevant Topics

Learn Judaism’s surprisingly practical wisdom for relationships, ethics, mental health, and what life is all about.

College Credit

Earn college credit while you discover your Jewish identity, Jewish knowledge, and Jewish pride.

Amazing Community

Meet other ambitious, fun-loving Jewish teens who care about their heritage, and make friends for keeps.

what we’re learning

Foundations of Life: Legal Definitions, Ethical Dilemmas, and Personal Growth
2025-2026
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See Sample
part 1:
Life on
the Line
You Make the Call

Debate real ethical dilemmas from the news. Should we rescue strangers at personal risk? What about euthanasia? You decide first, then discover what Jewish wisdom says about life-and-death choices.

See Sample
part 2:
Complicated Me
Understand What Makes You Tick

How well do you know yourself? What makes you... you? Meet the dynamics that shape your inner life and get a deeper understanding of human nature and what it takes to succeed at relationships, beat stress, and achieve happiness.

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part 3:
Living Your Dream
Creating a Life Plan for Success

See the values and skills that will not only get you through life but also help you thrive and succeed beyond your wildest imagination. Unpack the building blocks of success.

courses coming soon

2026-2028
Super
Jew
The Miracle of Jewish Survival

Why have Jews survived when other ancient peoples disappeared? Explore antisemitism, the Holocaust, what being “chosen” means, and what Jewish pride actually means in today’s world.

Jewish
Revolutions
Building a Better World

One person can change everything. Explore how Jewish values shape modern causes, such as: social justice, protecting the planet, human freedom, and world peace. What’s your revolution?

Love Secrets:
A Jewish Take
Advice from the Most Unlikely Sources

What do movies and social media teach about love and dating? Compare Hollywood’s messages with ancient Jewish wisdom about connection, beauty, and relationships.

OMG!
The Battle Between Faith and Logic

Can you believe in both G-d and science? Explore your biggest questions about faith, logic, and existence. Discover how Torah and modern science actually work together.

Sticky Situations
What Can You Do When Ethics Aren’t Easy?

Watch the Torah navigate impossible ethical dilemmas: Should we pay ransom to a terrorist? Should a murderer inherit their victim? When should you refuse a risky surgery? See Jewish ethics in action.

Is It
Legit?
Steering Your Way Through Everyday Ethical Dilemmas

Life’s full of tough choices. Should you cheat to get ahead? Lie to protect someone? Build your personal GPS for navigating right and wrong using Jewish wisdom.

Myth
Busters
What They Didn’t Tell You in Hebrew School

Talk about Jews with tattoos and other taboos. Do Jews believe in angels? How about heaven and hell? Why is the pig the most non-kosher animal? And speaking of food, where did gefilte fish come from? Discover the truth behind Jewish traditions.

Why I Love
Israel
Hear It for Yourself

Why does everyone have an opinion about Israel? Explore the history, conflicts, and connection between this small country and your Jewish identity.

Hollywood
Idol
Jewish Values Meet Popular Values

Every movie sends a message about life. Decode Hollywood’s quiet influence on your values and compare pop culture’s wisdom with Jewish teachings.

what they’re saying

"

Our son was very drawn in by the sessions. I think it was an important experience, as he is at an age when he is rapidly forming beliefs about the world. I would recommend this to all parents with teenagers!”
Debbie Willaman
JLI Teens parent, San Diego, CA

"

I gained a better understanding of the Jewish view on issues through text readings and group discussions. I was impressed by the supportive environment my peers provided, enabling thoughtful discussion and analysis of major problems in everyday life. Thank you!”
Daniel Shein
JLI Teen, age 17, Melbourne, Australia

"

I have learned so much from the classes and you that I will instill into my everyday life. Thank you so much.”
Jon Stalk
JLI Teen, age 16, Miami Beach, FL

"

JLI provides our youth with the questions that need to be asked as they attempt to create their own identities as young Jews in a modern world.”
Joel Cahn
JLI Teens parent, Clinical Psychologist, Clarks Green, PA

"

I love JLI Teens! It was engaging and different from any Judaic studies I’ve had in the past.”
Jaclyn Pavlofsky
JLI Teen, age 14, Cincinnati, OH

got questions?

Get Answers.
What is the Goldstein Fellowship?
The Goldstein Fellowship is a five-tier fellowship within the JLI Teens program that empowers Jewish teens through a structured journey of Jewish learning. It rewards long-term commitment with meaningful recognition that strengthens college portfolios while helping students connect to their heritage, build Jewish identity, and stay focused on their academic goals.
Will the Goldstein Fellowship help a college application?
Fellowships traditionally recognize students selected for their potential to make meaningful, long-term contributions in their field. Being part of a fellowship demonstrates academic growth and maturity, with each level reflecting deeper involvement. The five-tier Goldstein Fellowship highlights sustained commitment, personal growth, and leadership.
What if I’m not super religious?
Perfect! This program is for ALL Jewish teens, regardless of background or observance level. We explore Jewish wisdom through the lens of modern life.
Is this just for “smart kids?”
Nope! This is about curiosity and growth, not grades. If you’re wondering about life’s big questions or what being Jewish means, you belong here.
How do I earn college credit?
11th- and 12th-graders who complete the full 3-part course will receive 3 college credits per year.
How do I become a part of the Goldstein Fellowship?
The Goldstein Fellowship’s strength lies in its five-tier structure, which shows real, long-term commitment. Students progress from Candidate (one six-week course), to Associate (one full year), to Scholar (two years), Fellow (three years), and finally Laureate (four years). Each level reflects increasing dedication and achievement, exactly the kind of sustained growth colleges value. Awards increase with each tier, reflecting the student’s ongoing growth and development.
Can I get college credit even if I don’t do the full fellowship?
Yes! Each course is individually accredited by Gratz College. You can take just the courses that interest you and still earn legitimate college credit.
What if there’s no program near me?
We’re in 97 communities worldwide and growing! If we’re not in your area yet, let us know; we’re always looking to expand to new communities with interested teens.
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