2026 Trans & Non-Binary Student Clergy Ambassadorship (USA Only)

The Trans & Non-Binary Student Clergy Ambassadorship invites transgender and non-binary rabbinical and cantorial students to share their unique Torah and shirah through scholar-in-residence Shabbatonim at Conservative/Masorti congregations.

As an Ambassador, you’ll gain meaningful experience teaching, leading, and connecting with congregants over the course of a sponsored Shabbaton. The Ambassadorship also offers a supportive space to try out divrei Torah, liturgy, and hazzanut, receive thoughtful feedback from lay leaders and clergy, and deepen your confidence in congregational work. Along the way, you’ll expand your professional network, strengthen your résumé, and gain practical experience that supports your path toward placement after graduation.

 

Information & Eligibility

Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15th at 11:59pm ET. Ambassadors will be notified by March 1st. 

Eligibility: Current rabbinical and cantorial students at Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, Jewish Theological Seminary, or the H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Music who self-identify as trans or non-binary are eligible to apply.

Program Details: Ambassadors will be placed in Conservative/Masorti synagogues in the USA for a Shabbat during Spring/Summer 2026. 

Ambassadors will meet virtually with congregational clergy and lay leaders for 1-2 planning sessions in advance of the Shabbaton and 1 session after Shabbaton for debrief and feedback. 

Ambassadors take a leadership role in proposing, designing, and implementing programming for Shabbaton, which may include (but is not limited to): divrei Torah / tefillah, interactive song-leading/learning, text study, family services, workshops, etc. Please share your initial proposal in question 8. 

Accommodations: Ambassadors will be housed with either a host family or in a hotel / short-term rental, dependent on student preferences, accessibility needs, and available accommodations. 

Stipend: Ambassadors receive a $2,000 stipend to cover accommodation, travel expenses, and prep time subsidized by the Movement’s Center for Human Dignity & Public Policy.

Please reach out to lberger@rabbinicalassembly.org with any questions.

Student Information
Motivation to Participate
While this program is specifically for students who are transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive, it does not require students to educate about their identities or center their identities in this work. However, we have heard from several students that the opportunity to speak and teach from lived experience is empowering. Is there anything you would like us to know either about your identities or ways you would like us to think about how much you want to teach or speak about them?
Accomodations
Where would you be comfortable staying?
Are there any other special accommodations (dietary, accessibility, etc.) we should be aware of?
If yes, please elaborate here