What does it take to build a future where Jewish values are brought to life through meaningful action? For professionals across the Federation system, the Catalyst Fellowship is answering that question by transforming Jewish service from a concept into a practice, from a program into a movement.

Launched by Jewish Federations of North America and Repair the World, the Catalyst Fellowship is more than a professional development opportunity. It’s a launchpad for Jewish professionals to lead with intention, act with purpose, and deepen their communities’ commitment to service. Over nine months, fellows build expertise in service learning, receive training and mentorship from national educators, and pilot new or expanded service programs in their communities. The result? A growing network of leaders translating ideas into action and reshaping the role of service in Jewish life.

From Ideas to Impact

For Jewish professionals ready to bridge service and identity, Catalyst offered the perfect next step. Fellows arrived with visions for meeting urgent needs and left with tested programs, microgrants, and a network equipped to lead impactful Jewish service of values-aligned peers.
 

“I joined the Catalyst cohort to deepen my skills in integrating volunteerism with meaningful Jewish programming,” says Joseph Mabry, Engagement Associate for Young Adults at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.

Having served with City Year AmeriCorps, Joseph wanted to “continue that work through a Jewish lens.”

Some found the fellowship was the moment to turn personal passions into community initiatives. “I have always been deeply involved in working with individuals with special needs, and this fellowship allowed me to bring my own ideas of service to life,” says Dodi Taylor, Manager of Jewish Community Engagement at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

Others uncovered new approaches to familiar challenges. While working with Rachel’s Table, Cara Lynn Lavender, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, learned that fundraising is about more than dollars. “Securing this grant taught me that every dollar is more than funding. It’s a vote of confidence in our mission.”

Rooted in Jewish Values, Driven by Action

At the core of all Repair the World training and programs is Jewish learning. Catalyst fellows are taught how to apply this Jewish education to infuse service with meaning and purpose. “One of the most valuable takeaways was gaining practical tools and real-life examples for infusing a Jewish lens into service work,” says Nate Weisband, Young Leadership Manager at Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona. “The Catalyst gave me the framework and confidence to ground service and community engagement in Jewish values with intention and clarity.”

For some, the fellowship provided a new way to reach underserved groups. “The fellowship provided tools and peer support to develop more intentional, inclusive outreach that resonates with young adults today,” says Jamie Carus, Manager of the Center for Volunteerism at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.

For others, it was a chance to lead through a values-driven lens.
 

“The Catalyst Fellowship offered me a unique chance to sharpen leadership through a values-driven lens and gain tools to address complex communal challenges with confidence,” says Jessie Dowsakul, Chief Program and Engagement Officer at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans.

 

Each fellow is given a Repair the World facilitator toolkit that provides frameworks for Jewish service learning and reflection applicable to Jewish holidays, rituals, and easy to replicate programs.

A Network of Leaders

Relationships built during the fellowship shaped the work long after the program ended. Fellows connected deeply during virtual learning and especially when meeting in person at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly.

“My experience as a Catalyst fellow has meaningfully expanded my professional network,” says Riva Cullinan, Programs and Engagement Associate at Birmingham Jewish Federation. “The relationships I’ve built are ones I know will extend beyond the program and have already begun to shape my work.”

Tracy Schwartz, Associate Director of Women’s Philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey,, echoes that sentiment. “I’ve built a valuable network of peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds who provide ongoing guidance and support.”

That in-person connection was a highlight for many. “One of the most meaningful parts of attending the in-person Catalyst Cohort was connecting face-to-face with professionals from around the country, each bringing unique experiences,” says Joelle Simon, Director of Community Engagement at Charleston Jewish Federation. “The engaging, hands-on sessions made learning more relevant and easier to apply.” Each year at the General Assembly, fellows and Repair staff also bring Jewish service to life by facilitating local service projects, putting their skills into practice in real time. The growing Catalyst alumni network continues to build on that momentum, learning from one another and sharing how service grounded in Jewish values is shaping both their personal growth and their communities.

Listening First, Then Leading

One of the fellowship’s biggest takeaways? Great leadership starts with listening. Fellows learned to start with partners’ needs before designing programs.
 

“Take time to identify and build relationships with prospective partners, truly listening to their needs,” says Leora Rozin, Director of Leadership Development at the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester. “Prioritize solutions based on your partners’ goals and find alignment.”

“I stay connected with local organizations and community members to understand the needs of the greater Austin area,” adds Joan Eisenberg Maniere, Volunteer Director at Shalom Austin. “This helps shape volunteer opportunities that address those needs effectively.”

The fellowship’s cohort model made these lessons stronger. “The key factor that makes programs like The Catalyst successful is the cohort-based model,” says Wendy McCreary, Community Program Manager at the Jewish Federation of San Diego. “It allows colleagues from across the country to share best practices, learn together, and support each other.”

Looking Ahead

Catalyst didn’t just integrate Jewish service into Federation life. It planted seeds for a new generation of leaders who understand that meaningful change happens when Jewish learning and service work hand in hand.

From Houston to Charleston, from Birmingham to San Diego, fellows are proving that when communities act with purpose, they create lasting impact. “The cohort gave me the language and framework to unite Jewish learning and service and innovate what Jewish service looks like globally,” says Joseph Mabry. That innovation is already underway—one relationship, one idea, one act of service at a time.