NITZOTZ

Jewish Embodiment Teaching Fellowship

WHAT

WHO

WHEN

ASK

PREP

APPLY

The Nitzotz Jewish Embodiment Teaching Fellowship is a national cohort-based training program for emerging Jewish embodiment teachers.

Each Fellowship cohort will include two in-person training intensives, online learning and community of practice sessions, teaching practicum, and coaching. Graduating Senior Fellows will have completed 200 hours of direct learning and supervision in Mitsui Method curricula, methodologies, and pedagogies.

Fellows may be independent practitioners and those currently working within Jewish institutions (schools, JCCs, synagogues, and other Jewish community-based organizations).

Cohort One will begin Fall 2026 with our opening retreat Sept 28 - Oct 1.

The Nitzotz program offers two distinct fellowship tracks:

Studio Fellows: Work directly with Mitsui Collective, contributing to our local and online programs, including our Cleveland-based studio and new Abracadabra afterschool program. This track includes a teaching stipend and direct hands-on teaching experience with Studio Mitsui.

Partner Fellows: Integrate Jewish embodiment frameworks into their existing professional roles within Jewish organizations, synagogues, schools, community centers, or advocacy groups, expanding the reach of embodiment work across the field.

Important Dates

Application Deadline — September 9, 2026

Notification of Status — September 18, 2026 

Retreat One + Fellowship Launch (Cleveland) — September 28 - Oct 1

Retreat Two (Cleveland) — January 10-14, 2026 

Practicum Phase — October 2026 - June 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about the program? FAQs may be found at this link, which will be updated with additional FAQs as received.

Prepare Your Application

An application prep document may be found at this link. We estimate the application will take 2-3 hours total work to prepare and submit.

Please note: max lengths for responses are guidelines, not strict requirements. Brevity is appreciated, however. We are also more interested in authentic responses sharing who you are than perfectly crafted mini-essays.

Use of AI: while we understand that AI tools can helpfully support the development of application materials, we expect that responses clearly and authentically reflect your voice and personhood. Please use such tools judiciously, if at all. Any intellectual property or creative work shared and represented as your own must in fact be your own intellectual property and creative work. If AI has been used in preparation for any such material, indicate how and to what extent it has been utilized.

Ready to Apply?

Please complete the full application here. Applications cannot be saved in progress. We highly recommend using the above application prep document to prepare your responses in advance so that you can paste them into this form when ready to submit your full application.

Cohort One applications are due September 9th, 2026 by midnight in your time zone.

  • Now is the time to be getting out of our heads in and into our bodies, to access our multiple ways of knowing and building skill and proficiency with getting in touch with embodied knowledge!

    Rabbi Adina Allen

    Founding Rabbi & President, Jewish Studio Project

  • To return home to ourselves and to our roots is one of the most powerful steps to sustaining communal thriving. The promise and possibility increases exponentially with a program of this nature — deepening the field, broadening its reach, and extending the power of shleimut (wholeness) to both the individual and the collective.

    Imani Romney-Rosa Chapman, DMin, ACC

    Founder & President, imani strategies, llc & Mitsui Institute Faculty 

  • We're thrilled for Mitsui Collective and the expanded impact this generous grant will enable. As a long-time partner and champion of their work, BeWell recognizes the game-changing power of integrating bringing Jewish embodiment practices into Jewish education. Mitsui leads the way and shows how real well-being can happen by weaving body, mind, and spirit together through Jewish wisdom. This is how we all help Jewish communities truly flourish.

    Sara Allen

    Executive Director, BeWell

    Associate Vice President, Community & Jewish Life at Jewish Federations of North America

  • By blending Jewish spirituality with embodied well-being, Mitsui Collective is providing a lifeline of restoration in challenging times. Their work is a vital resource for many, especially those doing the hard work of social service and activism—offering the inspiration and groundedness needed to stay resilient.

    Cheryl Cook
    CEO, Avodah

  • Mitsui Collective’s Teaching Fellowship has the potential to expand the field of Jewish education. By empowering more educators to integrate Jewish embodied practices into their teaching, the Fellowship will create meaningful pathways for people to experience Jewish spirituality in ways that are personal, accessible, and deeply resonant across diverse learning styles.

    Rabbi Melinda Mersack

    Director of jHUB

  • There is a tremendous need for Jewish leadership training at the intersection of embodiment, trauma healing and anti-racism work, which is beautifully aligned with Mitsui Collective’s mission, vision, values and practices. Jewish educators serving in a variety of settings and professional roles will be equipped, empowered and supported by this timely initiative to serve as catalysts for much needed transformation and healing within Jewish institutions and the wider community. Amen! Selah!

    Karen Erlichman, D.Min, LCSW

    Therapist, Spiritual Director, Colleague

  • My learning with Mitsui has always been rewarding. Exploring embodied practices opens up new, deeper meanings within Jewish tradition, values, and concepts. I advocate to bring more embodied learning and practices into Jewish education for all ages, as it promotes connections with community, and content, and can be a welcome pathway out of the world driven by digital devices.

    Judith Schiller

    Former Director, Retreats Institute — Jewish Education Center of Cleveland

The Nitzotz Jewish Embodiment Teaching Fellowship is made possible (in part) by funds granted by The Covenant Foundation. Statements, content, and views expressed, however, are solely the responsibility of Mitsui Collective.