What is the Solomon Fellowship?
A transformative learning and mentorship opportunity for driven 11th and 12th grade Jewish students preparing for college, gap year, and beyond. Fellows study the great works of Judaism and the West in book clubs and Great Ideas Seminars, receive gap-year/college guidance, attend an in-person retreat where they study with top college professors and thought leaders, and are given the opportunity to cultivate their leadership skills and showcase their writing in the Solomon Journal.
Program Philosophy & Purpose
The purpose of the Solomon Fellowship is to introduce the best young minds to the most brilliant ideas and accomplishments of the Jewish and American civilization they are inheriting. This comprehensive program will empower students to excel academically by sharpening their critical thinking, cultivating their persuasive argumentation and writing, and strengthening their Jewish and Zionist identities. It is our belief that young people thrive when they are exposed to the timeless wisdom of those who came before them in a framework conducive to collective growth. We take great pride that by the time they graduate, each Solomon fellow will have absorbed and discussed great ideas in several focused seminars, submitted original essays to be published in a journal of Jewish and Western thought, and most importantly made lifelong connections with many other talented and motivated students.
We know that students at this age have one eye on college, and we are willing to invest our time, resources, and funds to facilitate this transition into the next chapter of their education. Our goal is to provide them with the necessary tools, guidance, and support that not only ensure their academic success but also empower them to approach their future, proud of their Jewish heritage and confident in their Zionism.
Timeline & Schedule
The Solomon Fellowship consists of several components over two semesters:
- Orientation Event: Held in New York City with a Zoom option for those who cannot attend in-person. Orientation is held on a Sunday toward the beginning of the academic year.
- Book Clubs: In the fall semester, Solomon Fellows study a great work with a leading teacher. Book clubs meet every two weeks, on Zoom. In 2025-2026, book clubs topics included Jewish history, Jewish thought, Jewish literature, and Zionism.
- Great Ideas Seminars: In the Great Ideas Seminars, offered in the winter/spring semester, Solomon Fellows examine long-form essays, generally selected from Tikvah publications, relating to a specific theme. These standalone seminars are primarily led by the Dean of the Solomon Fellowship, and they are offered on various dates/times to accommodate students’ busy schedules.
- Retreats: Solomon Fellows attend one retreat at a college campus, in the winter/spring semester. Three retreats are offered, allowing students to choose one that works best with their schedule. The retreats are typically held in January, February, and March.
- Solomon Journal: Solomon Fellows are invited to write for the Solomon Journal, with select Solomon Fellows invited to join our editorial board.
- End-of-Year Celebration: Held in the New York City area with a Zoom option for those who cannot attend in-person. The event is held on a Sunday in the early spring.
