Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fellowship?
Who is eligible?
What do we mean by “Jewish women of color”?
Is the Fellowship in-person or remote?
How many Fellows will be selected?
What will the Fellowship provide?
What is the time commitment?
Who are the mentors?
What kinds of writing will be expected of Fellows?
What is the application process?
What are the required Fellowship dates?
Is this a paid fellowship?
How can I learn more?
What is the Fellowship?
The Pomegranate Writing Fellowship for Jewish Women of Color is a year-long program, starting in early 2025, that provides support and structure for Jewish women and gender-expansive people of color who are ready to build momentum in their writing careers. The program is designed to help writers transition their writing from a passion to a sustainable pursuit. Through skill-building workshops, mentorship, and peer support, Fellows develop the confidence and know-how to begin or focus writing careers, navigate the business side of writing, and define themselves as writers with clarity and confidence.
Who is eligible?
The Fellowship is open to Jewish women and gender-expansive people of color, currently residing in North America,who are emerging or mid-career writers seeking the support to take the next step in their writing journeys.
What do we mean by “Jewish women of color”?
This fellowship is for Jewish women and gender-expansive people who self-identify with racial and ethnic backgrounds that have been historically under-represented in Jewish spaces. This may mean Jews who identify as Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, Mizrahi, Sephardi, and others. If you see yourself anywhere in this description, this Fellowship is for you.
Is the Fellowship in-person or remote?
The Pomegranate Writing Fellowship is entirely remote, allowing Fellows to participate from anywhere within North America. All meetings, mentorship sessions, and workshops will be conducted virtually, with no in-person requirements.
How many Fellows will be selected?
This year, six fellows will be selected through a competitive application.
What will the Fellowship provide?
- Dedicated time and space to focus on your craft, nurturing your creative voice with the support of mentors and peers
- Regular cohort meetings that foster a sense of belonging, mutual support, and shared growth
- Connection with a professional mentor to provide ongoing support and guidance
- One-on-one meetings with the Fellowship Director for personalized coaching and editing
- Jewish teachings and experiences to further ground and expand our work in Jewish values and concepts
- Connection to the growing Pomegranate Fellowship community and network
- Professional development to support the professional aspect of a writing career
- Support to grow your voice and impact within the Jewish community
- Opportunities to publish your work and amplify your voice through JWA’s platforms and partners
- A $3,600 stipend to recognize your commitment and help support your journey
What is the time commitment?
On average, Fellows should expect to spend 8-10 hours per month on Fellowship activities, including cohort meetings, workshops, writing, and mentorship.
Who are the mentors?
Each Fellow will be matched with their own mentor, an experienced creative professional who also identifies as a Jewish woman or gender-expansive person of color. Mentors will bring experience and an invaluable understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this space. Fellows and their mentors will connect in one group webinar and two one-on-one sessions. Mentors will be compensated for their time and contributions.
What kinds of writing will be expected of Fellows?
Over the course of the Fellowship, you’ll conceptualize, write, refine, and submit for publication 2-4 pieces that reflect the topics and genres you’re passionate about. This is an opportunity to unearth and bring to life pieces you’ve always wanted to write but may not have felt fully supported to explore. Any piece can center your identity, or not, based on what feels authentic to you. At least one piece should be suitable for publication in JWA’s online publication, Jewish Women, Amplified.
What is the application process?
Applications open June 15, 2026. The application consists of a few short-answer questions. Two writing samples are required, one of which should be a piece of narrative, non-fiction (for example, a personal essay, op-ed, blog post, article, etc). The deadline to apply is July 12, 2026. The application process dates are:
- June 15: Application opens
- July 12: Application closes
- August 16: Finalists informed
- August 16-30: Finalist interviews held (please mark calendars for this week to have time for interviews if selected as a finalist)
- August 31: News shared with fellows
What are the required Fellowship dates?
The 2026 Fellowship runs from October 2026 to August 2027. Fellows come together for monthly gatherings for a combination of learning, writing, peer support, and professional development. The majority of gatherings will take place on the second Sunday of the month, beginning October 11, 2026. When the second Sunday conflicts with a Jewish holiday, we have shifted the date. Most of the sessions will be 90 minutes long, from 10-11:30am PST/1-2:30pm EST.
Please mark the dates and times below and be sure that you are able to commit to them if selected for the Fellowship. We understand that life happens and we will be in conversation together with Fellows if an unexpected situation arises during the Fellowship.
- October 11, 2026*
- November 8, 2026
- December 13, 2026
- January 10, 2027
- February 14, 2027
- March 14, 2027
- April 11, 2027
- May 9, 2027
- June 13, 2027
- July 11, 2027
- August 1, 2027
*Our first session will be 2 hours to allow more time for getting to know one another, establishing communal norms, and doing an overview of the fellowship together.
Is this a paid fellowship?
To recognize the time they will commit to this program and the work they will produce, Fellows will receive a stipend of $3,600.
How can I learn more?
For any other questions, please feel free to contact the Fellowship director Rabbi Georgette Kennebrae.
