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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 Ethics
2026-2027
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See Sample
part 1:
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.

See Sample
part 1 (cont):
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.

See Sample
part 2:
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?

courses coming soon

2027-2028
Interpersonal Relationships and Moral Living
part 1:
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.

part 1 (cont):
Jewish Love Secrets
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.

part 2:
OMG!
The Foundation 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.

2028-2029
Foundations of Life: Legal Definitions, Ethical Dilemmas, and Personal Growth
part 1:
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.

part 1 (cont):
Living Your Dreams
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.

part 2:
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.

2029-2030
Jewish Culture and Identity
part 1:
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.

part 1 (cont):
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.

part 2:
Jewish 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.

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 three-part course is individually accredited by Gratz College. You can take just the courses that interest you and still earn legitimate college credit.
Will my college accept Gratz College credits?
The college credits earned through JLI Teens are issued by Gratz College, the accredited institution that serves as the credit-granting provider for this program.
While Gratz College cannot guarantee that any particular college or university will accept transfer credits, many institutions have accepted Gratz College credits in the past.
Use the dropdown below to search for your college and see whether it appears on the list of schools that have previously accepted Gratz College credits.
Please note: Transfer credit policies can change at any time, and the final decision always rests with the receiving institution. Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor or registrar’s office to confirm how credits may transfer and apply toward their degree program.
✓Albright College
✓Alfred University
✓American University D.C.
✓Arcadia University
✓Arizona State University
✓Boston University
✓Bucks County Community College
✓Cabrini College
✓Carnegie Mellon University
✓Clark University
✓Colgate University (Hamilton, NY)
✓Columbia University
✓Cornell University
✓Dickinson College
✓Drexel University
✓Eastern Michigan University
✓Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
✓Franklin & Marshall College
✓George Washington University
✓George Mason University of VA
✓Goucher College
✓High Point University
✓Hofstra University
✓Holy Family College
✓Indiana University - Bloomington
✓Ithaca College
✓Johns Hopkins University
✓Kean University
✓La Salle University
✓Lafayette College
✓Lander College for Men
✓Lehigh University
✓Lesley College
✓Lock Haven University
✓Long Island University - C.W. Post Campus
✓McGill University, Canada
✓Miami University
✓Millersville University
✓Moore College of Art & Design
✓Muhlenberg College
✓New York University
✓Oberlin College
✓Ohio State University
✓Penn State University
✓Philadelphia University of Science
✓Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
✓Riders University
✓Rosemont College, PA
✓Rutgers University (State of NJ)
✓Salem State University
✓Salisbury University
✓Shippensburg University
✓State University of New York (SUNY)
✓Syracuse University
✓Temple University
✓Touro College
✓Towson University
✓Tufts University
✓Tulane University
✓University of Arizona
✓University of California Santa Barbara
✓University of Chicago
✓University of Connecticut
✓University of Delaware
✓University of Florida
✓University of Hartford
✓University of Manitoba
✓University of Maryland
✓University of Massachusetts
✓University of New Hampshire
✓University of New Orleans
✓University of Oregon
✓University of Pittsburgh
✓University of Tennessee
✓University of Wisconsin
✓Vassar College
✓West Chester University
✓West Virginia University
✓Widener University
No matching colleges found.
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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