Reform Movement Alumni for Israel
for Ages 22–35
Applications Are Open Now for the January–December 2025 Cohort
Whether you grew up at URJ camps, shared deep late-night conversations at a NFTY convention, had a bar or bat mitzvah with embarrassing photos to prove it, or lost friendships since October 7, the Reform Movement Alumni for Israel (RAFI) is for you.
RAFI, a leadership program for American Reform Jews ages 22 to 35, offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen your commitment to Israel and the Jewish people through travel, learning and friendship.
Amplify Israel will select 25 Reform movement alumni in nine locations across the U.S. (two to three per community) to join our inaugural 2025 cohort. To learn more and apply or nominate a participant, register for an information session.
This program is made possible thanks to a JNF Boruchin Center grant.
Program Highlights
Summer in Israel
Enjoy a week-long adventure in Israel in July 2025. Volunteer where needed, connect with Israel’s Reform movement, explore diverse communities, and visit JNF-USA sites.
JNF-USA Global Conference in Florida
Spend four days in Florida in October 2025 to celebrate your Zionism and build your social network. Learn from internationally renowned experts and entertainers at conference presentations, meet JNF-Future leaders, and connect with delegates from your region.
Host Your Friends at Local Bars and Restaurants
Each local team of 2–3 RAFI leaders will host four events for young professionals at restaurants, bars and cafes — on us! Your team will be matched with a Reform clergy member to facilitate conversation around Israel and answer questions.
Support Through Virtual Learning Sessions
Your cohort will meet remotely for five online study sessions to help deepen your understanding of Israel and the Jewish people, providing a safe space for you to question the material presented and to express any concerns and struggles.
Reform Clergy for Israel
Amplify Israel is seeking local Reform clergy to mentor our RAFI leaders and participate in our events. Join us in guiding the next generation of Jewish leaders and shaping the future of your community! Apply here to work with our cohort.
Interested in Bringing RAFI to Your Community?
Lay leaders who are interested in establishing a RAFI cohort in their community or supporting the program are invited to nominate a congregation/community today.
Learn More
For any questions, contact Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz, Ph.D., at tkaplowitz@swfs.org or (212) 877-4050, ext. 225.
In the Media
eJewish Philanthropy: JNF-USA pledges $250,000 to Stephen Wise Free Synagogue to connect young American Jewish to Israel
Matching grant will support the Reform Movement Alumni for Israel leadership program for young adults, an offshoot of the synagogue’s Amplify Israel Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions
By “Reform movement alumni” we mean American Reform Jews ages 22–35 who are alumni of our movement’s institutions — whether you were (or still are) a member of a Reform synagogue, attended a Reform summer camp or youth movement, or were enrolled at a Reform day school. If you meet this criteria, register for an info session to learn more!
We anticipate a cohort of 25 participants, with some 2–3 local RAFI leaders in up to nine locations across the United States.
Yes. Let us know you are interested and when to anticipate scheduling conflicts. We will try our hardest to make everything work out.
Local clergy will be selected by Amplify Israel based on their credentials, level of interest, and other factors to work with the RAFI leaders for four in-person events. Clergy who are interested in working with local groups should apply here.
The Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship is a project of Amplify Israel: A Stephen Wise Free Synagogue initiative. Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is a 501(c)(3) religious organization (Tax ID #13-1628215) and any donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.
