Rekindle Brooklyn

Repair the World mobilizes young Jews and their neighbors through joyful, purposeful service and learning that builds Jewish identity, connects communities, and takes on real challenges together

Rekindle is a bridge-building program that brings together emerging leaders, Jews of every race, ethnicity, and background alongside Black neighbors who aren’t Jewish, to break down barriers, build real relationships, and have the honest, sometimes hard conversations most people avoid. Through shared learning and service, Rekindle builds face-to-face relationships that strengthen understanding, encourage collaboration, and inspire lasting change.

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Program Details

This cohort will bring together 12 to 18 participants. Half identify as Jewish, from every race, ethnicity, and background, and half identify as Black and not Jewish.

We’re especially looking for people in their 30s through 60s who live in, work in, or have deep roots in Central Brooklyn, including Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Bed-Stuy, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, and Flatbush. We also welcome participants from Fort Greene, Downtown Brooklyn, and Carroll Gardens. We’re looking for people already rooted in their communities as educators, organizers, entrepreneurs, and engaged neighbors.

Ron Emile and Lonnie Firestone, Co-Directors of Exploring The Narrative, will facilitate the Fellowship.

The Rekindle program runs from October to December 2026, with Rekindle Intercultural Sharing and Exchange (RISE) Projects continuing through February 2027, and will include:

  • Five three-hour cohort learning sessions that draw on historical and literary texts
  • Three group service sessions with Repair’s partner organizations serving Crown Heights and the wider Brooklyn community

Participation is required for all 7 group sessions plus your RISE commitments.

Beyond the group sessions, Fellows take part in RISE projects. Each Fellow leads one service and learning program for their own community and attends two RISE programs led by fellow cohort members.

Learning & Service Session Dates

  • Sunday, November 8: Learning Session 1
  • Tuesday, November 10: Service 1
  • Sunday, November 15: Learning Session 2 + Service 2
  • Sunday, December 6: Learning Session 3
  • Sunday, December 13: Service 3
  • Sunday, January 5: Learning Session 4
  • Sunday, January 10: Learning Session 5
Dates, times, and service locations are still being finalized and subject to change.

For more information about what the program involves, connect with Rhea Quiñones (she/her).

Email Rhea