Being a Brawerman Fellow has been one of the most impactful parts of my college journey. Of course, the financial support relieved a huge burden, which allowed me to focus on my studies. But what truly made the fellowship special were the experiences and people it brought into my life.
Through the biannual retreats, I heard from speakers who shared lessons from their years of leadership and service. They gave me wisdom I’ll carry far beyond college – about standing up for my beliefs, navigating challenges rooted in identity, and creating positive change in my community.
These retreats also connected me with influential leaders in JFEDLA, giving me insight into how Jewish leadership works on a larger scale. I also met peers who became close friends. It was amazing to reconnect at every retreat to see how much we had each grown. Everyone brought such different perspectives and passions, and being part of this group motivated me to work harder towards my own goals and values.
After each retreat, I always felt inspired by the stories of my peers and carried them with me long after returning home. The Brawerman Fellowship opened doors I never imagined. I spent ten days at Brandeis Collegiate Institute (BCI), learning new ways to celebrate and practice my Judaism while connecting more deeply to its history and traditions. I traveled outside of the continent for the first time to Thailand for a social action program rooted in Jewish values — an experience that shaped my worldview and helped me understand a beautiful new side of Judaism.
Soon, I will travel to Israel with support from the fellowship, which I know will strengthen my connection to my faith even more. Overall, the Brawerman Fellowship gave me community, confidence, and opportunities to explore who I want to be as a Jewish leader. It enhanced my college experience in countless ways, and its impact will stay with me for life.
Matthew Frischman
University of California, Santa Barbara Class of 2025
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