Genesis is a three-week residential program at Brandeis University for approximately 40 outstanding Jewish high school students from across the world. Students choose from one of two academic courses, taught by Brandeis-affiliated instructors. Courses meet for two hours each morning, Monday-Friday with time for Nesiyot (Explorations) in the afternoons, Kavanot (Spiritual Practice) and informal programming in the evenings and on Shabbat. Course work leads up to a capstone project. The Genesis Community Educator (CE) is an immersive position defined by educational collaboration, experimentation and community-building to create an exceptional growth experience for participants from around the world. We deeply value a diverse staff that accurately reflects the Jewish community, and strongly encourage Black Jews, Jews of color, Jews with disabilities, LGBTQIA Jews, low-income Jews and Jews from other marginalized communities to apply.
Qualifications
- Have completed an undergraduate degree by the start of the summer (current or previous graduate work in Jewish studies, Jewish education or current rabbinical school enrollment preferred);
- Possess teaching experience, especially in experiential education and with teens;
- Have experience in and strong familiarity with Jewish community and a range of Jewish practice and observance;
- Ability to lead (or assist in leading) daily minyanim, tefillah and other spiritual practice endeavors;
- Be creative, flexible, collaborative and enthusiastic.
Key Responsibilities
Residential and Community Life
- Live in the residence halls with the participants;
- Monitor participants’ physical/emotional well-being and serve as positive role models;
- Support the participants in following the community guidelines and making responsible decisions as they negotiate living in the community at Brandeis;
- Create a supportive environment within which participants can expand their comfort zones, explore new ways of expressing themselves and grow personally and spiritually.
Jewish Life and Educational Programming
Morning Minyan
Students have the opportunity to participate in an optional 8:30am daily minyan, which is facilitated by the CEs, in collaboration with the Assistant Director. Depending on the interests of the students, morning minyan may take different forms, to be determined in collaboration with the students.
Nesiyot/Explorations
Each CE will design and facilitate a three-week (2 sessions per week)“nesiyah” for a small group of participants that explores important facets of community: people, ideas, and experiences. Nesiyot are hands-on programs that involve authentic experiences shaped by the participants. CEs do much of the individual planning of Nesiyot prior to the summer with support from senior staff. Collaborative planning is encouraged throughout the summer.
Kavanot/Spiritual Practice
Each CE will design and facilitate a 45 minute Kavanah/Spiritual Practice session, to occur weekday evenings after Dinner. Students choose one Kavanah for the entirety of Genesis. Examples of previous Kavanot include: God Talk, Meditation, Learner’s Minyan, Text Study, etc.. CEs do much of the individual planning of Kavanot prior to the summer with support from senior staff. Collaborative planning is encouraged throughout the summer.
Community Educators will be hired and are expected to work with the Assistant Director for 10 hours before June 24 on summer programming and arrive at Brandeis with complete draft lesson plans of Nesiyot and Kavanot.
Shabbat
CEs work with senior staff and students in weekly Shabbat planning, leadership, and celebration. This will include CE leadership of tefilah (prayer) and/or limudim (learning sessions), as well as offering morning or evening kavanot (spiritual practices). Shabbat prep is on Monday and Thursday evenings.
Program Dates
Sunday, June 28-Sunday, July 19, 2026
Staff Training Dates
Wednesday, June 24-Saturday, June 27: Staff Orientation in residence at Brandeis.
Compensation
$2900 plus room and board (dorm-style living with other Genesis staff)