Genesis is a three-week residential program at Brandeis University for approximately 50 outstanding Jewish high school students from across the world. Students choose from one of two academic courses, taught by Brandeis-affiliated instructors. Courses meet for two hours each morning, Monday-Friday with time for Nesiyot (Explorations) in the afternoons, Kavanot (spiritual practice) and informal programming in the evenings and on Shabbat. Course work leads up to a capstone project. The Genesis Teaching Assistant job is an immersive position defined by student and programmatic support; TAs are responsible for supporting students during all aspects of Genesis courses and programming, and form a network that keeps Genesis running smoothly and successfully. We deeply value a diverse staff that accurately reflects the Jewish community, and strongly encourage all communities to apply.Â
Job Requirements
Residential and/or camp counselor experience.
Experience with the Jewish community and strong familiarity with a range of Jewish practice and observance.
Able to engage with young people while recognizing boundaries;
Ability to be flexible, proactive and community-oriented.
Able to take direction well and complete tasks in a timely and organized manner.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, take direction well and manage time effectively.
Applicants should have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by June 2025.
Applicants must have a valid Driverâ™s license and a clean driving record.
Key Responsibilities
Living in the residence halls and working with the Genesis team to ensure participant physical and emotional well-being.
Creating strong relationships with participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Ensuring that participants are well-supervised and present at all Genesis programs and events, including sitting shmira (on-duty) in the evenings until after lights out.
Supporting the Genesis course instructors, leading small group discussions and assisting students with their coursework.
Driving (we will provide training to drive BranVans) and chaperoning students on field trips and other off-campus programs.
Helping to build Jewish communal life and supporting educational programming.
Creating and delivering some educational/social evening programming.Â
Other duties as assigned by the Genesis Director.
Creating and implementing recreational activities (sports, arts & crafts, music,etc) during Chugim (electives).
Program Dates
Sunday, June 29-Sunday, July 20, 2025
Training Dates
Wednesday, June 25-Saturday, June 28: Staff Orientation in residence at Brandeis.
Compensation
$2112.00 plus room and board (dorm-style living). Kosher food and Shabbat keys available; program is Shomer Shabbat in public spaces and eruv is up in the summer.
As a medium-sized private research university with global reach, we are dedicated to first-rate undergraduate education while making groundbreaking discoveries. Four major academic units with 3,600 undergraduates and 2,050 graduate students comprise the University: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, the International Business School, and the Rabb School of Continuing Studies. In 1985, Brandeis was elected to membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), which represents the 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada. Brandeis has been ranked among the top 35 national universities by U.S. News & World Report every year since the rankings’ inception. Our 235-acre campus is located in the suburbs of Boston, a global hub for higher education and innovation. Our faculty are leaders in their fields, as passionate about teaching and mentorship as they are about pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Our students are motivated, compassionate, curious and open to exploring new and challenging experiences. Brandeis was founded in 1948 as a nonsectarian university under the sponsorship of th...e American Jewish community to embody its highest ethical and cultural values and to express its gratitude to the United States through the traditional Jewish commitment to education. By being a nonsectarian university that welcomes students, teachers and staff of every nationality, religion and orientation, Brandeis renews the American heritage of cultural diversity, equal access to opportunity and freedom of expression.