The application period is closed for the 2012-2013 Fellowship Program.

The Fellowship Program offers talented young college graduates who are passionate about Yiddish language and culture the opportunity to spend a year as full-time Book Center staff. 

Fellows provide content for existing programs and spearhead new projects. Read about what this year's Fellows have been up to on their blog, Tsum yarid (To the Fair).

Fellows work in a number of areas, including:

Books & Collections — developing, digitizing, and curating our collection of Yiddish books, audio books, and archival materials

Education & Outreach — developing onsite and online opportunities for education in Yiddish language and culture

Oral History — collecting, editing, and curating stories and cultural artifacts of Jewish life

Past Fellows have done important work, including:

• Launching the Wexler Oral History Project
   
• Curating the Book Center’s permanent exhibition on Yiddish literature
   
• Digitizing rare audio recordings of renowned Yiddish writers

• Developing online courses and exhibits
   
• Establishing a new grant for Yiddish translation as well as a translation conference

• Creating and leading educational tours of the Book Center
   
• Writing for and co-editing the Yiddish Book Center's magazine, Pakn Treger

Applicants should be recent college graduates with strong backgrounds in Jewish studies or related disciplines,  a working knowledge of Yiddish, and demonstrated interest in Yiddish language and culture. Continuing education in Yiddish language, literature, and culture is part of the Fellowship experience.

The program runs from September 2012 through August 2013. Each Fellow receives a stipend of $28,000 plus health insurance.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

All application materials must be received by January 2, 2012. 

Send to: Amy Leos-Urbel, Director of Educational Programs, at aleos-urbel@bikher.org, or at Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West St., Amherst, MA 01002.

To apply:

1.      Send your resume or CV;
2.      Send a cover letter addressing why you want to be a Yiddish Book Center Fellow, and describing  your relevant interests and experiences;
3.      Have your college and/or university send official academic transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work directly to Amy;
4.      Have three references (at least one academic instructor, at least one professional supervisor, and one additional reference) send their letters of recommendation directly to Amy;
5.      If you have questions, please email Amy at address above or call 413.256.4900 ext.131.

All application materials must be received by January 2, 2012.