The Ruskay Institute for Jewish Professional Leadership is a transformative learning opportunity for exceptional individuals who demonstrate excellence in their work on behalf of the Jewish community and potential for professional growth. The Institute sharpens vision and expands leadership capacity through intensive retreats, individual coaching, personal leadership assessments, monthly seminars, and ongoing peer support.
Ruskay Institute
Ruskay Fellows are professionals whose work history indicates:
- Their dedication to working on behalf of the Jewish community
- A record of accomplishment and capacity for growth in leadership
- Current professional employment at a Jewish nonprofit in New York City, Long Island, or Westchester
- Approximately 4-9 years of full-time work experience
- Readiness to participate fully in an intensive cohort experience
Meet our Cohort 6 Ruskay Fellows.
Meet our Cohort 5 Ruskay Fellows.
The Ruskay Institute for Jewish Professional Leadership’s curriculum is designed around three pillars:
I. Leading With Purpose: Developing and Articulating a Vision to Inspire Others
II. Leading Through Influence: Strategies for Impact
III. Leading with a Nuanced Understanding of Jewish Communal Context
Every Ruskay Fellowship experience features:
- Transformative learning experiences with expert faculty
- Leadership assessments
- Professional coaching
- Engagement with outstanding leaders
- Time for reflection and practice
- A network of diverse colleagues
- Strategies and tools to inspire collaboration, creativity, and authentic leadership
Cohort 6 Schedule:
- Welcome reception and orientation: September 16, 2025
- Two immersive retreats: November 10-14, 2025 + May 5-7, 2026
- Monthly single-day sessions: October 21, Dec 4, Jan 14, Feb 5, March 12, April 16, June 2
- Six professional coaching sessions
- Ongoing communication with peers between sessions
The Institute has a three-stage selection process.
Stage 1: NOMINATION
- Self-nomination: Professionals may indicate their own interest by submitting a self-nomination and contact information for a professional reference.
- Nominating others: Candidates may be nominated by a supervisor, mentor, colleague, executive director, lay leader, or Ruskay alum.
The nomination period for Cohort 6 has ended. Nominations for Cohort 7 will open in 2027.
To better reflect the full diversity of the Jewish community, we encourage nominations that include individuals historically underrepresented in Jewish leadership.
Stage 2: APPLICATION
Selected nominees will be invited to complete an application.
Stage 3: INTERVIEW
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview.
Finalists must submit our letter of support form signed by their supervisor and CEO or Executive Director. The Fellowship is almost fully subsidized. Sponsoring agencies pay $1,000 per Fellow. If the fee affects your agency’s ability to nominate a candidate, please contact us to explore an alternate arrangement.
The Ruskay Institute honors John Ruskay’s visionary leadership and commitment to professional development. The program is funded by an endowment created by friends and colleagues of John Ruskay upon his retirement after 15 years as executive vice president and CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.
Who are Ruskay Fellows?
What does the Ruskay Institute offer?
How do I apply or nominate a candidate?
Why is it called the Ruskay Institute?
Ruskay Fellows are professionals whose work history indicates:
- Their dedication to working on behalf of the Jewish community
- A record of accomplishment and capacity for growth in leadership
- Current professional employment at a Jewish nonprofit in New York City, Long Island, or Westchester
- Approximately 4-9 years of full-time work experience
- Readiness to participate fully in an intensive cohort experience
Meet our Cohort 6 Ruskay Fellows.
Meet our Cohort 5 Ruskay Fellows.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Erica Goldman.
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