ACHARAI Fellows Program FAQs
Q: What is the ACHARAI Fellows Program (AFP)?
AFP is a personalized leadership development journey, offered through Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning that enables leaders to work closely with a cohort of peers, faculty, and coaches. For eight months, approximately 18-20 Fellows learn leadership theory, discover inspiring Jewish texts, participate in transformative leadership coaching, network with top leaders in our Jewish community, and discuss the diverse challenges of today’s Jewish leaders.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the ACHARAI Fellows Program (AFP)?
To participate in AFP, a leader must be next in line to become President of the Board of any Jewish non-profit in the greater Baltimore area. Most Fellows start the program with 1-3 years until their term as President begins and, some, begin their terms as President during AFP.
Q: What are the benefits of participating in and graduating from AFP?
ACHARAI prepares emerging leaders to step into board presidency with the skills, confidence, and perspective to lead effectively. Participants gain:
· Governance mastery and readiness for presidency
· Stronger leadership capacity to navigate complexity and lead others
· A broader communal perspective
· Leadership grounded in Jewish values and identity
· A high-caliber peer network of fellow leaders
Q: What is the structure of the ACHARAI Fellows Program?
AFP runs from November 2026 through April 2027 and is designed to balance depth with a manageable time commitment.
The program includes:
· 6 in-person sessions (Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 PM)
· 2 half-day Sunday retreats (9:00 AM-1:00 PM)
· Virtual workshops focused on foundational skills and core competencies of effective board presidency
The cohort begins with a meet-and-greet in October 2026 and concludes with a Siyyum (celebratory dinner) in May 2027.
Q: Do I need to attend every session?
Yes! We ask that applicants review the class schedule ahead of time to be sure they can attend every session. Because cohort class size is intentionally limited to enhance the experience, everyone plays an important role in the success of each class.
View the 2026-2027 Schedule Here
Q: What will I learn?
The AFP curriculum focuses on four core areas:
· Governance & Presidency Readiness – Clarify the role of the Board President, strengthen strategic thinking, and build the skills needed to lead effective, high-functioning boards
· Leadership Skills – Navigate complex challenges, lead through ambiguity, and build strong lay–professional partnerships
· Communal Leadership – Understand the broader Jewish ecosystem and your role within it as a communal leader
· Jewish Leadership – Apply Jewish values, identity, and responsibility to leadership decisions
Participants also complete a leadership assessment, gaining deeper self-awareness of their strengths and growth areas.
The program emphasizes practical tools and real-world application, equipping participants to immediately apply what they learn in their organizations.
Q: How many people are accepted into a cohort?
Typically, there are anywhere from 18 to 22 Fellows in a cohort.
Q: Who are the faculty?
We have an incredible line up of top-notch faculty. For each cohort, we bring in expert speakers and facilitators to address specific issues or trends.
Q: What is the tuition and fees for the program?
Tuition for the ACHARAI Fellows Program is $1,800 – This includes all classes, retreats, three leadership coaching sessions, a leadership assessment tool, and class materials. Organizations sponsor their nominee’s participation or may arrange to share the cost with their nominee. Alternatively, applicants may choose to pay the full tuition themselves.
We do not want the cost of AFP to deter anyone eligible from applying so, if you or your organization need financial assistance, please let us know.
Q: How do I apply?
To apply, applicants must be nominated by someone in their organization. This is usually the Executive Director, Rabbi, or other high level professional or lay leader. Nomination forms can be found here. In addition, applicants must also submit a personal application, which can be found here.
Q: Who has gone through AFP?
We have over 160 alumni and counting – Click here to see our list of alumni.
For more information, contact Naami Schorr at nschorr@naalehbaltimore.org