Director of Jewish Life Betsy Polk participates in prestigious Israel program at the Shalom Hartman Institute

The experience allows Polk to bring tools back to Elon’s campus to elevate the tone and level of discourse about Israel. 

Betsy Polk, Elon’s Director of Jewish Life, was awarded the prestigious Hartman Fellowship for Hillel Professionals to participate in the Shalom Hartman Institute’s summer program for Jewish leaders from across North America.

Betsy Polk, Director of Jewish Life
As part of the program, Polk had the opportunity to work with a select group of Jewish leaders and educators to delve into the nuances of Israel as a core element of Jewish life. Through a framework of ongoing study, enrichment and intellectual leadership training, Polk gained tools to cultivate conversations about Israel upon her return to Elon’s campus.

“I’m grateful for this program and the opportunity it provides to explore the important role Israel plays with American Jewish identity with a cohort Hillel leaders and a faculty of leading-edge thinkers and scholars,” said Polk.

The fellowship is facilitated by the Hartman Institute’s senior faculty, and includes peer-study, discussions, field trips, and close work with senior professionals to help participants apply their learning to the campus setting.

Polk will continue to participate in the program throughout the 2019-20 academic year.