Cultivating the Next Generation: The Bronfman Fellowship’s 40th Cohort Embodies Intellectual Excellence and Jewish Leadership in a Fractured Age

Cultivating the Next Generation: The Bronfman Fellowship’s 40th Cohort Embodies Intellectual Excellence and Jewish Leadership in a Fractured Age

Edited by: TJVNews.com

At a moment in global history defined by ideological polarization, rising antisemitism, and intensifying challenges to democratic norms, the need for thoughtful, principled, and intellectually agile leadership has never been more urgent. It is within this complex and often turbulent landscape that The Bronfman Fellowship has unveiled its 40th cohort—a distinguished group of 26 exceptional high school students from across North America whose collective promise signals not only continuity, but renewal, within the fabric of Jewish communal life and beyond.

This milestone cohort, selected in May 2026, represents a culmination of four decades of visionary investment in young Jewish minds. Founded in 1987 by the late Edgar M. Bronfman, a towering figure in both the business and philanthropic worlds, the Fellowship has consistently sought to identify and nurture individuals who demonstrate not only academic brilliance, but also emotional depth, moral seriousness, and an enduring commitment to communal engagement. The 2026 class stands as a vivid testament to that enduring mission.

Spanning 13 states and the District of Columbia, the Fellows reflect a remarkably diverse cross-section of the contemporary Jewish experience. They hail from backgrounds that include Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, secular, and culturally Jewish traditions, embodying the pluralistic ethos that lies at the very heart of the Fellowship’s philosophy. In an era when communal fragmentation often threatens cohesion, this deliberate embrace of diversity is both a strategic imperative and a profound statement of values.

The intellectual and creative accomplishments of the cohort are nothing short of extraordinary. Among them is a nationally ranked champion in Extemporaneous Speaking, a discipline that demands not only mastery of current events but also the ability to synthesize complex information with clarity and precision under intense time constraints. Another Fellow has immersed themselves in the rigorous discipline of Shaolin Kempo karate, training alongside members of Jackie Chan’s renowned stunt team in China—a testament to both physical discipline and cross-cultural engagement.

The cohort also includes an accomplished acrylic painter whose artistic explorations span mediums as varied as wheel-throwing and silk-screen printing, as well as the twin sisters known as the “ClimaTwins,” whose podcast on sustainability reflects a sophisticated engagement with environmental issues and a commitment to public discourse. Equally compelling is the inclusion of a student who has volunteered at a Romanian orphanage serving Jewish Ukrainian refugee children, demonstrating a profound dedication to humanitarian service in the face of geopolitical upheaval.

Such breadth of experience is not incidental; it is integral to the Fellowship’s design. Participants are selected not merely for their individual achievements, but for their capacity to contribute to a dynamic intellectual community in which diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively cultivated. As Becky Voorwinde, CEO of The Bronfman Fellowship, observed, “I am deeply impressed by the energy, diversity, and intellectual firepower of this group of Fellows.” Her remarks underscore the deliberate intentionality behind the selection process, which seeks to assemble a cohort capable of both challenging and inspiring one another.

The Fellowship year itself is structured as a transformative journey, beginning with an immersive summer experience that spans both the United States and Israel. During this period, Fellows engage in intensive study of Jewish texts, traditions, history, and philosophy, guided by an esteemed faculty that includes leading rabbis, scholars, and artists. This academic engagement is complemented by sustained dialogue with peers from the parallel Israeli program, Amitei Bronfman, fostering cross-cultural understanding and enduring relationships that transcend geographic boundaries.

The pedagogical framework is both rigorous and expansive. Fellows are encouraged to grapple with the “complex tapestry of Jewish texts and ideas,” engaging in conversations that are as intellectually demanding as they are personally meaningful. This is not education in the conventional sense; it is an invitation to wrestle with fundamental questions of identity, ethics, and purpose. It is, in essence, an exercise in intellectual and moral formation.

The faculty assembled for the 2026 cohort reflects the Fellowship’s commitment to excellence. Among them is Dr. Yitz Landes, Assistant Professor of Rabbinic Literatures and Culture at the Jewish Theological Seminary, who serves as Director of Faculty. His expertise in classical Jewish texts provides a critical anchor for the program’s scholarly endeavors. Dr. Evan Parks, a Germanic Languages scholar from Columbia University and the Fellowship’s Director of Education, brings a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective that enriches the intellectual landscape.

Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, Executive Director of the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at New York University, contributes a unique blend of spiritual leadership and institutional experience, while Darshanit Dr. Miriam Udel, a distinguished professor of German Studies and Jewish Studies at Emory University, offers insights that bridge literature, culture, and historical analysis. The inclusion of emerging leaders such as Risa Dunbar and Yahel Halevi as lead facilitators ensures that the program remains both grounded and forward-looking.

Artistic expression is also a central component of the Fellowship experience. Fellows participate in workshops led by contemporary Jewish artists, including acclaimed painter Joshua Meyer, multidisciplinary artist Anat Keinan, and photographer Marisa Scheinfeld, whose Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project has garnered widespread recognition. These engagements underscore the Fellowship’s belief that creativity is not ancillary to intellectual life, but integral to it.

Beyond the classroom, Fellows are afforded the opportunity to engage with a wide array of influential figures. Past speakers have included Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl, journalist Matti Friedman, policy expert Michael Koplow, and poet Joy Ladin. These interactions serve to broaden the Fellows’ horizons, exposing them to diverse modes of thought and leadership.

The selectivity of the program further underscores its prestige. With an acceptance rate comparable to that of the most competitive universities, the Fellowship employs a rigorous evaluation process that includes written applications, in-person interviews, and collaborative workshops. The outcome is a cohort distinguished not only by individual excellence but by collective synergy.

Adam R. Bronfman, president of The Samuel Bronfman Foundation, articulated the deeper significance of this endeavor, noting that the Fellows “speak to my father’s belief that young people can change the world in ways that previous generations couldn’t have envisioned.” His remarks highlight the enduring legacy of Edgar M. Bronfman, whose vision continues to shape the trajectory of Jewish leadership.

The impact of the Fellowship extends far beyond the duration of the program. Upon completion, Fellows join an alumni network comprising more than 1,600 individuals across North America and Israel—a vibrant community that has become a model for lifelong engagement. This network includes luminaries such as Daniel Handler, known to many as Lemony Snicket, acclaimed author Jonathan Safran Foer, and Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz, among many others who have made significant contributions across a wide range of fields.

Equally notable are the institutional and entrepreneurial initiatives launched by alumni, including organizations such as Keshet and Sefaria, as well as leadership roles within major Jewish institutions. Israeli alumni have likewise ascended to positions of influence within government, civil society, and the cultural sphere, further reinforcing the Fellowship’s transnational impact.

The stories of individual Fellows within the 2026 cohort offer a microcosm of this broader narrative. Harry Dweck of Princeton, New Jersey, exemplifies the integration of intellectual rigor and artistic expression, balancing his engagement with philosophy and journalism with his commitment to music as a cellist. Daniela and Sophie Gribetz of Riverdale, New York, embody a synthesis of academic excellence, creative expression, and environmental advocacy, while Matan Hakimi’s work in philosophy, science, and humanitarian service reflects a deeply rooted commitment to ethical inquiry and communal responsibility.

Ellie Bar-Lev’s involvement in political organizing and advocacy highlights the importance of civic engagement, while Abigail Maksin’s achievements in academic research and community service underscore the Fellowship’s emphasis on both intellectual and social impact.

Taken together, these narratives illuminate a central truth: the future of Jewish leadership is being shaped not in isolation, but through deliberate, sustained engagement with ideas, communities, and the broader world. The Bronfman Fellowship, in its 40th year, stands as a testament to the power of such engagement.

In an age often characterized by fragmentation and uncertainty, the emergence of this cohort offers a compelling counterpoint—a reminder that thoughtful, principled leadership is not only possible, but already in formation. Through its unwavering commitment to intellectual rigor, pluralism, and community-building, The Bronfman Fellowship continues to fulfill its founding vision: to cultivate individuals who are not only prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world, but to shape it with wisdom, integrity, and purpose.

As the 2026 Fellows embark on their journey, they carry with them not only the legacy of those who came before, but the promise of what is yet to come. In their curiosity, their creativity, and their commitment, one glimpses the contours of a future that is, in every sense, profoundly hopeful.

Such local fellows include:

New Jersey

Princeton, NJ. Harry Dweck is a current junior at Princeton High School. He is an avid reader, particularly of philosophy, science fiction, and journalism. Harry is very involved with his school’s student newspaper and Ethics Bowl team, and is also a member of the Princeton High School orchestra, where he plays cello. In his free time, Harry enjoys playing in a string quartet with friends, and has attended Kinhaven Music School for the past three summers.

New York

Bronx, NY. Daniela Gribetz is in her junior year at SAR High School in Riverdale, NY. At school, she is a leader in her school’s women’s prayer group and a member of the Model UN team. She was a teen journalism fellow and peer mentor with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, works as a Hebrew tutor for kids in kindergarten through middle school, and regularly chants Torah at local synagogues. Since she was in first grade, she has been a member of the Riverdale Children’s Theater; she also plays classical piano, crochets, and loves to swim and hike. For the past five years, she has hosted a podcast with her twin sister called “ClimaTwins” (climatwins.com); an aspiring meteorologist and glaciologist, she can probably tell you the ten-day forecast for wherever you’re headed.

Bronx, NY. Sophie Gribetz is from Riverdale, New York and attends SAR High School. She plays piano, performs in musicals, chants Torah in local synagogues, competes at Model UN, and, together with her twin sister, hosts a podcast about sustainability called “ClimaTwins.” She spent two years living in Jerusalem and speaks Hebrew natively. She enjoys teaching Hebrew poetry, exploring nature, creative writing, traveling, learning languages, and spending time with her friends.

Bronx, NY. Matan Hakimi of Riverdale, New York, is a student at Heichal HaTorah High School. He has strong interests in philosophy, scientific research, and Jewish texts, and enjoys exploring ethical questions and how different perspectives shape people’s values and understanding of Judaism. Outside the classroom, he is involved in community service, including volunteering and working with individuals with disabilities, and recently participated in a volunteer mission to Romania, assisting an orphanage serving Jewish Ukrainian refugee children. He also pursues creative work in the arts and independent research projects that allow him to explore new ideas. Through his studies and community involvement, he seeks to deepen his understanding of Jewish thought while engaging thoughtfully with a wide range of perspectives.

Brooklyn, NY. Ellie Bar-Lev is currently a Junior in the “Law and Society” track of Brooklyn Technical High School, in New York City. She is an active member of her school’s Congressional Debate team and has been involved with local politics for most of her high school career. Ellie served as an intern for the electoral campaigns of State Senator Zellnor Myrie and City Councilwoman Crystal Hudson.

She is the co-founder of the Youth Working Families Party, and is currently involved in grassroots organizing efforts for several local congressional campaigns, as well as other forms of protest and advocacy. Her family belongs to Lab/Shul Synagogue in Brooklyn, and she was a member of the AJC Leaders for Tomorrow 2024 Cohort. When Ellie is not in school or otherwise involved with different internships/programs, you’ll find her practicing her photography around New York City, or DJing with different genres of music.

New York, NY. Abigail Maksin is a student at the Ramaz Upper School in Manhattan. Born and raised in Brighton Beach, she has grown up in a vibrant Russian and Ukrainian culture. Abigail attended a public school in Brooklyn up until seventh grade, when she joined a newly created mehina (beginner) program to help her catch up in her Judaics. She is now thriving in honors Judaic classes, engaging in meaningful conversations in her classes.

Abigail is the president of her school’s environmental club, psychology club, as well as president of the Israel advocacy club through her involvement in the StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship. She is also the junior editor of her school’s literary magazine, Parallax. She has won several awards for her school’s Model UN team as well as the Model Congress team. Abigail is currently performing research on how physical activity affects child cognitive development through Columbia University’s BrainSTORM research mentorship program. She has also initiated her school’s LearnToBe chapter, an organization where she tutors underprivileged children.

New York, NY. Talia Yost is a junior at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, New York. She practices Reform Judaism and attends Congregation Beth Elohim. Talia is currently a Junior Editor for her school newspaper, The Saint Ann’s Ram, and co-founder of Young Democrats for Change (YDC) club at her school. She is also an award-winning creative writer and street photographer.

Plainview, NY. Hayley Donner Maultasch is a sophomore at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School and an active leader in both her school and the Jewish community. At school, she serves as Executive PR Secretary on the Student Government Executive Board and is the founder and president of the Peace of Mind Club, a student-led initiative focused on promoting teen mental health awareness and support.

Hayley is also involved in peer mentoring, youth outreach programs, and is a member of the varsity tennis team. In the Jewish community, she serves as Regional Treasurer (Gizborit) for BBYO’s Nassau Suffolk Region, helping lead and support Jewish teens across Long Island, and previously served as her chapter’s treasurer. She is also a Kenneth Leventhal High School Intern with StandWithUs, where she receives training in Israel education and combating antisemitism.

Hayley is active at Temple Chaverim in Plainview and participates in advocacy initiatives through her temple youth community. Additionally, she conducts independent research through her school’s science research program examining the linguistics of Holocaust survivor testimonies and the role of storytelling in the transmission of intergenerational trauma. She has been recognized for her leadership and service through several youth and academic organizations and remains deeply committed to strengthening Jewish life, education, and community engagement.