Application Instructions

The Pomegranate Prize recognizes 10 emerging leaders in the field of Jewish education each year. Through the Prize, these Jewish educators are encouraged in their pursuits and offered the resources and connections necessary to accelerate their development, deepen their self-awareness, and amplify their impact on the field. Through a variety of programs and activities, Pomegranate Prize recipients learn from and with leaders in the field of Jewish education, thereby deepening the field’s “bench” of transformative practitioners and reinforcing those uncommon connections among Jewish educational leaders that The Covenant Foundation seeks to create and nurture. Through this Prize, The Covenant Foundation seeks to capture the passion that comes with new experience, to nurture new leadership for the field in an intentional way, and to enable emerging educators to take risks and make a difference.

Pomegranate Prize Recipients: Qualities and Qualifications

Pomegranate Prize recipients are unique voices in the field of Jewish education. While each recipient will bring their own vision and approach to their work, they share many qualities as a group.

• They are entrepreneurial, curious, creative, and willing to take risks in their work.
• They are eager for connections that will expand and diversify their personal and professional networks.
• They demonstrate autonomy and the capacity to chart their own journeys within the Pomegranate Prize experience.
• They are driven to improve themselves and contribute meaningfully to the field of Jewish education.
• With their learners and colleagues alike, they are generous of spirit, showing enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and mentoring others.
• They are self-reflective, humble, and kind.

To qualify for a Pomegranate Prize, applicants must:

• Be in the field of Jewish education for 10 years or less. Professional experience is defined as paid, post-higher education positions.
• Work in the field of Jewish education with primary responsibilities as Jewish educators, not as administrators or higher education faculty members. Candidates may work anywhere that Jewish education takes place, including (but not limited to) day schools, synagogues, camps, etc. and in areas of interest such as climate, environment, arts, and social justice.
• Live and work in North America.

The Covenant Foundation values diversity in background and experience; BIPOC and LGBTQ2IA+ applicants are encouraged to apply.

In acknowledgement of their contributions, and to seed their potential growth as outstanding Jewish educators, Pomegranate Prize recipients receive:

• A one-year cohort experience, connecting them to their fellow Pomegranate Prize recipients and the broader Covenant network of Jewish educators.
• Coaching and support from The Covenant Foundation as they advance their careers.
• A monetary prize of $15,000 to advance their professional development.
• Recognition at a special Pomegranate Prize program in their honor as well as at the annual Covenant Awards Celebration.

If selected, Pomegranate Prize recipients commit to:

• Attending The Covenant Foundation’s fall events—recognizing the recipients of the Pomegranate Prize (Thursday , October 29th, 2026) and the Covenant Award (Wednesday , October 28th, 2026)—as a guest of the Foundation. The events will take place in New York City .
• Participating in the Foundation’s 2027 Project Directors’ Retreat. This two-day retreat takes place in May in the New York area and is the primary venue for forging connections with colleagues in the field.
• Submit two annual updates on their professional work.

The Covenant Foundation’s 80 Pomegranate Prize recipients are driving transformative change and making profound contributions across the field of Jewish education. We’re delighted to open the application process again this year and look forward to having the opportunity to learn about applicants’ work.

Application Instructions

Full applications are due by Monday, March 23rd, 2026. All applications must be submitted through this form. Please read all of the instructions thoroughly on this page and the next page before beginning the application.

The application includes the following components:

• Four short essays (400 words max. each)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Résumé (document should be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format)
• Bio (200 words max.)

For your reference, the essay questions are:

• What accomplishments are you most proud of? Share examples of your educational
  impact.
• Where do you see your opportunities for professional growth?
• How would you like to see Jewish education evolve over the next decade? What
  would you bring to this evolution?
• What inspires you to be a Jewish educator? Share an example of a meaningful or
  rewarding experience.

Selection Procedures and Notification

All completed applications will undergo review by a panel of experts in the field of Jewish education. During the selection process, The Covenant Foundation may request additional information from applicants. The Foundation will notify the applicants selected for the Pomegranate Prize and all other applicants by late August 2026.

Assistance

If you have any questions or require accommodations to complete this application, please contact The Covenant Foundation at PomPrize@covenantfn.org.