The Campus Commons program is led by The Bronfman Fellowship, which has 38 years of experience in fostering pluralistic Jewish community and leadership through our flagship year-long Fellowship program for Jewish teenagers in North America and Israel, and through programming for our vibrant alumni community. Our 1,400+ alumni have significant impact on the Jewish world and beyond through their work as community builders, deep thinkers, moral voices, and cultural creators. Learn more at bronfman.org.

Campus Commons is open to any full-time college student who:

• Identifies as Jewish.

• Has completed at least one year of college (sophomore or above).

Due to requirements from our funder, early preference will be given to students who are from NY and/or who attend a NY college.

If you're too young to apply this year, please add your name to this form.

We are looking for students who seek out opportunities for intellectual growth, and who have a track record of formal or informal leadership on campus.

We do NOT look at grades and transcripts when selecting Bridge Builders.

In addition to the skills and knowledge you'll gain and the connections you'll make, you will receive a Certificate in Relationship Building Across Difference.

Yes, it is!

All costs related to the retreat, including accommodations, meals, and roundtrip travel from New York to the retreat site, are fully covered by the program. 

Students living outside of New York are responsible for their travel to and from New York. We have a travel fund available for those who live outside of New York and need support for their travel. No one will ever be turned away due to cost. Financial documentation is never required.

Additional Support: We have limited stipends available for those whose ability to participate in our program is limited by work, expenses, or other circumstances, This will not affect eligibility. No one will be asked to produce any financial documents. Contact sophia@bronfman.org to inquire.

We have limited stipends available for those whose ability to participate in our program is limited by work, expenses, or other circumstances. This will not affect eligibility, and no one will be asked to produce any financial documents.

Contact sophia@bronfman.org to inquire.

No! The Bronfman Fellowship is a nonpartisan, apolitical organization. We are committed to bringing people together from a wide spectrum of beliefs, backgrounds, and affiliations.

We welcome all identities, orientations and genders to apply to Campus Commons. We strive to maintain an open atmosphere and encourage Bridge Builders to bring their whole selves to the program.

We will explore a diversity of Jewish works, including but not limited to traditional religious texts, philosophy, literature and poetry, visual art and contemporary thought. We believe relationships can be built across difference through a shared personal and intellectual encounter with Jewish text and ideas, regardless of someone’s prior level of familiarity with Jewish learning.

Positive Pluralism is the deep understanding that a person can learn and grow from relationships with those who are different from them, and the recognition that this ability can and should be nurtured. Most importantly, it’s the knowledge that therein lies the key to a better future. Positive Pluralism has its roots in ancient Jewish wisdom, grows strong with self-exploration and discovery, and stretches its branches in all directions to an improved world.

At a retreat center near New York City (exact location TBA). All participants will stay on site. Food, travel, and accommodation for the in-person seminar are fully covered.

(Please note: Cohort 2's Fall retreat experience will take place over a Shabbat while Cohort 3's Winter retreat experience will take place over weekdays.)

We strive to make Shabbat a comfortable and meaningful experience for all of our students. All programming is in the spirit of the day and we design the program so that students who are shomer Shabbat can fully participate. Students will work together with staff support to create a pluralistic Shabbat experience during our retreat. There will be space to indicate on the application if you would like to talk to our team about your Shabbat observance at the retreat.

Our hope is that all participants will find useful ways to bring this experience back to their campus. After the seminar, participants who are interested in formalizing a bridge-building project on their campus can submit their concept.  At least 10 Bridge Builders per cohort will be selected to receive a $500 stipend as well as up to $250 of reimbursable expenses to accomplish their project. They will also participate in additional mentoring sessions with staff to help ensure that their project is a success.

Campus Commons is made possible through a seed grant from the UJA-Federation of New York.

Please contact campuscommons@bronfman.org.