Before Jewish Changemakers, Liora Shafir never envisioned herself as a leader. But through the six-week online program, Liora discovered leaders come in all different forms. 

“I’m always the quiet one in the back of the room. You don’t have to be the loudest one. You can be the quiet person in the corner and still be a leader. There are many styles of leadership and many unique skills and talents that a leader can have,” she says. 

Changemakers provides $350 stipend to participants while they build new connections on their Jewish leadership journey. Launched in the summer of 2020, the first Jewish Changemakers Fellowship was a six-week, virtual learning experience of over 1,000 participants from across the world. Since then, the program has grown and developed to meet each subsequent moment and challenge: the pivot from the digital spaces back to in-person gatherings, rising antisemitism, and polarization. 

The Fellowship program focuses on leadership development, making a difference in the community, and connecting with professionals and peers for Jewish young adults ages 21-27. The program begins with a six-week virtual fellowship, and Changemakers alumni become part of our network — with access to ongoing opportunities for leadership, connection-building, mentoring, and career advancement. Through the fellowship and alumni engagement, Changemakers grow their skills and contacts needed for future success. The Jewish Changemakers Network now comprises over 2,500 alumni, offering a continuing source of interaction, growth, and support, and with each completed Fellowship cohort, that community only grows. 

Liora discovered Changemakers when she was taking part in a four-month long Masa Israel internship program. She had extensive Israeli experience as she was born in the country, moved to Canada at the age of 11, and participated in Birthright and the Masa internship. However, she desired to have a deeper connection to Judaism and thought Changemakers would offer this opportunity.  

“You leave Israel, but you don’t stop being Israeli. Judaism has been something that has always followed me around. When I saw Changemakers, I thought it was really interesting. I wanted to reconnect with that part of myself,” she says. 

Changemakers introduced Liora to different Jewish perspectives and backgrounds from around the world. The most memorable presentation was from a black female rabbi. “What I didn’t realize before this program was how Judaism affects people’s lives differently. It also made me understand how much more connected I am to who I am through other people’s experiences,” adds Liora.  

She found the time commitment minimal—three to five hours a week. Although she is now considered an alumnus of Changemakers, she has continued to be involved in the program by sitting on the board and leading a cohort through discussions as a staff member. Liora recommends those who are eligible for Changemakers to apply. 

“It’s so incredible to meet all these people and hear these diverse stories and life experiences. These are truly inspiring people. If I can do it, anyone can do it,” she says.  

Changemakers is now accepting applications for the next cohort. The deadline for applications is January 26.