Purpose: The Kenneth J. and Marilynn J. Friedman Family Scholarship Fund will recognize outstanding 12th graders whose families are members in good financial standing at Adat Ari El and follow the requirements below. This will be rewarded with a one-time college scholarship of up to $7,000. This could go to one applicant or divided between multiple applicants. 

All current 12th graders whose families are members of Adat Ari El are invited to apply for this scholarship, which will be awarded in May 2025. If you have any questions regarding the  requirements or the format, please contact Rabbi Emily Holtzman, Director of Youth Engagement at 818-766-9426 x241 or at eholtzman@adatariel.org.  

Selection of the winner will be based on several criteria:

Jewish Education – as evidenced by enrollment in an approved program of Jewish  Studies in the Los Angeles community. These programs would include but would not be limited to The Trana & Ronald Labowe Confirmation/Seminar Institute, Milken Community High School, deToledo High School or Shalhevet High School. 

OR 

Significant Jewish Communal Involvement and Activity – This could include such activities as AAE Youth Group, working in the Kenneth J. And Marilynn J. Friedman Family JLC, Diller Teen Fellows, BJE Internships, Bronfman Fellowship, JSU, Friendship Circle, Sherut L’Olam, B’nai Mitzvah Program tutoring or prolonged and regular involvement in  community service activities at Adat Ari El. 

AND

One written response to the following prompts in 500-800 words OR a Creative Display* responding to one of the prompts along with a 400-600 word explanation.

Pick one from the following prompts:

1. The number of antisemitic incidents both in the US and globally has risen over the last several years. We also have seen this reflected in politics and pop culture. How has this impacted your own Jewish identity and experience? 

2. Recent research has indicated that “Generation Z” is more invested in  thriving over just surviving. How has your Judaism helped you to thrive during your teenage years and how do you see Judaism as a factor in your long-term thriving? 

3. Write a letter to your B’nai Mitzvah age self and reflect on what becoming a Jewish adult has meant to you and how you plan to continue your Jewish journey after high school.

*The Creative Display can be written (a poem, a short story, etc.), visual (a drawing, a painting, a photograph, a video, etc.), performance based (a dance, a song, a monologue, etc.), or anything else you can think of! Make sure that the Creative Display responds to one of the prompts above and that you have a written piece to explain your piece.

If you need any clarification, please reach out to Rabbi Holtzman at eholtzman@adatariel.org.

Deadlines and Additional Items

a. May 5th, 2025 5:00 pm–deadline for all completed applications to be submitted 

b. May 8th, 2025–recipient/s will be notified 

c. May 10th, 2025–recipient/s recognized during Shabbat morning services 

Your completed application packet must include the following:

1) This Form

2) Typed essay of 500-800 words or a creative display with a 400-600 word description of relevance to the prompt 

3) Resume (not to exceed 2 pages typed) that highlights your Jewish education and Jewish community involvement and activities.  

4) High School Transcript

5) High-resolution JPG version of a photograph (senior picture is preferable) to be used in synagogue communication.