Dr. Irwin E. Vinnik Scholarships for Advanced Study in Israel

Essay by 2008 recipient Adam Westbrook
Summary of Activities by Dr. Caryn Aviv January 2007
Essay by 2006 recipient Gregg Drinkwater
Essay by 2006 recipient Levi Fero
Essay by 2006 recipient Karen Lerner

The Dr. Irwin E. Vinnik Fellowship provides scholarship funds to individuals who would benefit from educational travel and research in Israel. It is available to those who are from Colorado or are studying or teaching in Colorado, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability. Students who are currently enrolled in programs in Judaic Studies, Religion, Human and/or Civil Rights or Interfaith study or who are pursuing ministerial or rabbinic degrees are encouraged to apply. The Vinnik Family’s desire is to honor Dr. Vinnik’s love of education and his dream of bridging the gap between the United States and Israel and between Jew, Muslim and Christian. The family hopes that recipients of the Fellowship will learn about Israel, Judaism and religious differences and pass on the knowledge and understanding gained during their stay, thereby enhancing the important task of interfaith awareness.

Application must include:

1. Statement of purpose that clearly articulates the proposed plan of study and/or research and state how it will inform your general course of study or professional development. The statement should also clearly articulate how your experience in Israel will be brought back to Colorado or will benefit the Colorado community in which you study or work. Please limit this statement to no more than three double-spaced 8 1/2” x 11”pages.
2. Two letters of reference.
3. Cover page with name, address, phone, email, and one paragraph synopsis of your proposal.
4. Resume or CV.
5. Budget of your Israel program up to $2500.00. If selected, the committee reserves the right to fund proposals in total or partially.
6. Grant recipients are required to submit a 500 word essay about their experience within one month of returning, and must be willing to speak about their experience to others. Photos of the grant receipient in Israel are also encouraged and will be used for publicity purposes.

Please send completed applications by February 13, 2009 to:

Professor Sarah Pessin
Director, Center for Judaic Studies
Sturm Hall 157
University of Denver
2000 E. Asbury Avenue
Denver, CO. 80208

For further information, please contact Sarah Pessin, Director of the Center for Judaic Studies at spessin@du.edu.