J-Fellows is the Jewish Federation of Ottawa's flagship young adult leadership initiative. It's built for young professionals who are ready to go deeper in their connection to the Jewish community, grow as leaders, and take on real roles that make a difference. The program runs in two phases: J-Fellows builds the foundation, and J-Fellows+ takes it further.
J-Fellows
Over five months, participants join six interactive sessions led by accomplished professionals. You'll build leadership skills, get an inside look at the Jewish communal landscape, and connect with a strong cohort of peers.
The cohort wraps up with the Dorot Legacy Reception, a live community showcase where teams pitch original projects built around real community needs. The winning project moves forward for actual implementation.
To complete J-Fellows, participants need to attend at least five of six sessions and present at the Dorot Legacy Reception.
J-Fellows+
J-Fellows+ is only open to graduates of Phase 1. This phase is about committee-readiness and communal governance, giving alumni the tools, knowledge, and relationships to serve meaningfully across Jewish and civic organizations in Ottawa.
Six evening sessions dig into governance, financial literacy, conflict resolution, advocacy, and Jewish leadership values. Participants also receive a complimentary community and board leadership training from a reputable institution. The program closes with a capstone placement on a Federation or Federation-supported agency committee, putting everything learned into real practice.
Elisabeth Levin
Elisabeth returns as Co-Chair of the Young Adult 2026 Campaign and Co-Chair of the 2027 J-Fellows cohort. A long-time Ottawa resident, she is passionate about building connections among young Jewish adults and inspiring the next generation of community leaders. Elisabeth recently earned her MBA and works as a Consulting Manager at EY, supporting clients through complex business, digital, and people transformations. She has contributed to multiple projects through J-Fellows and continues to champion initiatives that foster inclusion and innovation.
Aliza Itskovich
Aliza joins as Co-Chair of the Young Adult 2026 Campaign and Co-Chair of the 2027 J-Fellows cohort. Having grown up in Ottawa, she brings a deep connection to the local community and a commitment to its growth and vibrancy. As a Museum Educator at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, she creates engaging education experiences and community events, leveraging the power of partnerships and collaboration. Aliza is passionate about building connections among young Jewish adults and empowering her peers to invest in the future of the community.
Apply to J-Fellows
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the next cohort opens.
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