Guidance, not placement
Etzah is not a job placement program, recruiting service, or hiring platform. Mentors are not expected to find jobs for mentees, make introductions on demand, or act as recruiters.
Career Mentorship at Temple SholomMentee applications close October 31, 2026
Share what you know. Discover what’s possible.
Etzah is a new professional career mentorship program at Temple Sholom. It is designed to connect members together to share experience, build relationships, and help one another grow professionally.
Mentor applications are now closed. Mentee applications are open until October 31, 2026. The program will begin with a small pilot cohort in early 2027.
01Why Etzah exists
Everyone here has something to offer, and something to gain
Careers today are rarely linear. Many people are navigating early career decisions, career transitions, changing workplaces, leadership opportunities, new industries, or questions about what comes next. At the same time, our community includes members across generations, fields, and career stages with professional wisdom and experience to share.
Etzah means counsel and advice. Wisdom or advice given from one person to another.
The program will begin with a small pilot cohort in early 2027. After members express interest, the committee will create thoughtful, impactful matches for the first Etzah cohort. Applicants may be considered for the first cohort or future iterations.
Etzah is rooted in a simple idea: within our community, we have knowledge, experience, and perspective to share. By connecting more intentionally, we can help one another grow professionally while strengthening the relationships that make Temple Sholom a place to belong.
02
Worth saying plainly
The focus is on professional guidance, career perspective, skill-building, and meaningful mentorship. So that everyone arrives with the same expectations, here is what Etzah is not.
Professional in scope
Etzah is not intended to provide religious guidance, counselling, therapy, life coaching, or general advice outside of a professional career context.
Curated, not networking
The intention is a thoughtful and curated approach rather than a self-directed or open networking model, so no one browses a directory.
03Who Etzah is for
Seeking guidance,
or offering it
Etzah is being designed for Temple Sholom members who are interested in professional career mentorship, whether they are seeking guidance or offering guidance.
Early in their careers
People at the beginning of working life.
Navigating a career transition
A change under way, chosen or not.
Exploring a new direction
Curiosity about a different field.
Growing into leadership
More responsibility, and what it asks.
Returning to work
A gap of any length, for any reason.
Looking for perspective
From someone with relevant professional experience.
That distinction is the difference between a program people remain part of and one that quietly empties. It is why Etzah asks everyone what they are able to offer, as well as what they are hoping to find.
04How a cohort runs
Five steps, three months
- 01
You apply
You express interest through a short application: your professional background, interests, goals, and availability.
- 02
We curate every match
The committee reviews the information shared by interested participants and works to create meaningful matches. Thoughtful and curated, rather than self-directed or open networking.
- 03
The cohort begins
The cohort begins with a kickoff at Temple Sholom, with a short introduction to the program and a chance to meet the other mentors and mentees.
- 04
Three months together
You are encouraged to meet with your mentor or mentee at least once a month, either in person or online.
- 05
A wrap-up gathering
The cohort closes together in person with your feedback on the experience.
05
How matching works
Every match is made by people, not by a system. The committee reads each application with care, and every applicant hears back, whatever the outcome.
06Two ways in
Two ways in
Become a mentor
What is being asked of you
- Three months, meeting at least once a month, in person or online.
- Conversations about career paths, workplace experience, industry knowledge, leadership, transitions and skill-building.
- No obligation to find jobs, make introductions on demand, or act as a recruiter.
- An in-person kickoff and a wrap-up event.
Mentor applications are now closed
Our first circle of mentors is complete. Thank you to everyone who offered their time, wisdom and experience.
Find a mentor
What you can expect
- Three months, meeting at least once a month, in person or online.
- A thoughtfully curated match, rather than a directory to browse.
- What you share stays between you, your mentor, and the committee.
- An in-person kickoff and a wrap-up event.
OCTOBER
31
2026
MENTEE APPLICATIONS CLOSE
What happens next
Your application will be answered
Mentor applications closed on October 19, 2026. Mentee applications are open until October 31, 2026. The program will begin with a small pilot cohort in early 2027. We are reviewing applications and will share a further update once mentee applications have closed.
Every match is made by hand, with care. Our aim is to pair each mentee with the mentor whose experience, perspective and way of working best fit what they are seeking, so some applicants will be considered for the first cohort and others for those that follow. You will hear from us either way.