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J-Fellows Ottawa

Your community needs your voice.

Meet the people, build the skills and turn your ideas into meaningful action for Jewish Ottawa.

Join the Next Cohort See how it works ↓
Israel Bonds 75th anniversary logo Proud sponsor of Federation's Young Adult Division
01

Connect

Build genuine relationships with an ambitious Jewish peer group.

02

Grow

Learn from accomplished community and professional leaders.

03

Lead

Develop an idea and help turn it into something real.

Leadership starts here

Find your people.
Shape what comes next.

J-Fellows is the Jewish Federation of Ottawa's flagship leadership experience for young Jewish professionals who want to deepen their connection, grow their confidence and make a real contribution.

J-Fellows 2026 Cohort
Phase 1 · January to May

J-Fellows

Over five months, participants join six interactive sessions led by accomplished professionals. You'll build leadership skills, get an inside look at the Jewish communal landscape, and connect with a strong cohort of peers.

The cohort wraps up with the Dorot Legacy Reception, a live community showcase where teams pitch original projects built around real community needs. The winning project moves forward for actual implementation.

To complete J-Fellows, participants need to attend at least five of six sessions and present at the Dorot Legacy Reception.

Phase 2 · September to December

J-Fellows+

Exclusive to J-Fellows Alumni

J-Fellows+ is only open to graduates of Phase 1. This phase is about committee-readiness and communal governance, giving alumni the tools, knowledge, and relationships to serve meaningfully across Jewish and civic organizations in Ottawa.

Five evening sessions dig into governance, financial literacy, conflict resolution, advocacy, and Jewish leadership values. Participants also receive a complimentary community and board leadership training from a reputable institution. Federation can help interested participants identify and connect with relevant Federation or Federation-supported agency committees, subject to fit and availability. This creates a potential pathway to put their learning into practice.

2026 Cohort Co-Chairs
Elisabeth Levin
Senior Co-Chair · J-Fellows 2026

Elisabeth Levin

Consulting Manager, EY

Elisabeth returns as Co-Chair of the Young Adult 2026 Campaign and Co-Chair of the 2027 J-Fellows cohort. A long-time Ottawa resident, she is passionate about building connections among young Jewish adults and inspiring the next generation of community leaders. Elisabeth recently earned her MBA and works as a Consulting Manager at EY, supporting clients through complex business, digital, and people transformations. She has contributed to multiple projects through J-Fellows and continues to champion initiatives that foster inclusion and innovation.

Aliza
Co-Chair · J-Fellows 2026

Aliza Itskovich

Museum Educator, Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Aliza joins as Co-Chair of the Young Adult 2026 Campaign and Co-Chair of the 2027 J-Fellows cohort. Having grown up in Ottawa, she brings a deep connection to the local community and a commitment to its growth and vibrancy. As a Museum Educator at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, she creates engaging education experiences and community events, leveraging the power of partnerships and collaboration. Aliza is passionate about building connections among young Jewish adults and empowering her peers to invest in the future of the community.

The experience

Learning together, building community and turning ideas into meaningful action.

J-Fellows participants recognized at the DOROT Legacy Reception
J-Fellows participants speaking at the DOROT Legacy Reception
A J-Fellows cohort group photo
J-Fellows volunteering together in the community
J-Fellows participating in a leadership learning session
J-Fellows presenting a community initiative
The 2024 J-Fellows cohort celebrating together

Applications

Applications for the next J-Fellows cohort are currently closed and will reopen in December. Applications for J-Fellows+ are now open to J-Fellows alumni.

Apply to J-Fellows+
Questions? Reach out to Oren at [email protected]
Community Partner

Federation's Young Adult Division is proudly supported by Israel Bonds.

We are grateful for their support of Jewish young adult leadership and engagement in Ottawa.

For more information: Anita Almstedt, Executive Director, Ottawa & Atlantic Canada · 613.792.1142