Ruskay Institute

Meet the 2023 Ruskay Fellows

Fellows are professionals whose work history indicates:

• 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
• 4-9 years' work experience (suggested)
• Readiness to participate fully in an intensive cohort experience

The Ruskay Institute curriculum is designed around three pillars:

Leading with Purpose: Developing and Articulating a Vision to Inspire Others

Leading Through Influence: Strategies for Impact

Leading with a Nuanced Understanding of Jewish Communal Context

Program 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

The Ruskay Institute has already selected Fellows for cohort 5.  UJA will seek nominations for the next cohort in 2025. 

Schedule for Cohort 5 (2023-2024)

Welcome reception and orientation (September 12, 2023)

Immersive retreats (December 4-8, 2023 and May 7 - 9, 2024)

Single day learning sessions
September 12, October 24, November 13, January 31, February 27, March 14, April 1, and June 4

Opportunities for communication and practice between sessions

Six coaching sessions

The Institute has a three-stage selection process. 

NOMINATIONS

• We have already selected Fellows for our fall 2023 – summer 2024 program. In 2025 we will seek candidates for the next cohort.
• 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.

* While you may nominate as many candidates as you like, please understand that a limited number of nominees will be invited to submit applications. To better reflect the full diversity of the Jewish community, we encourage nominations that include individuals historically underrepresented in Jewish leadership.

APPLICATION
Selected nominees will be invited to complete an application.

INTERVIEW
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview.

Finalists must submit our letter of support form signed by their supervisor and 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 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.