University Heritage Society seeks to revitalize Jewish identity among college students and young adults through Jewish educational initiatives designed to enable those that do not strongly identify with their heritage to experience how Judaism is indeed relevant in their lives.

Today’s young adults are searching for meaning. They are exploring their personal and professional identities, religious and cultural values, and relationships with others. As part of their journey they are asking big questions about themselves, each other, and the world.

Heritage’s inspiring and relevant Jewish learning curriculum addresses many of the big questions of emerging adulthood and fosters personal growth and development through a Jewish lens.

Success with each individual at this pivotal stage of life has a direct impact on how they will make crucial life decisions like whom to marry, what kind of schools to choose for their children, and what their involvement in the Jewish community will be.

Heritage Retreats is a seven to ten-day immersion experience for unaffiliated college students and young adults to explore their Jewish roots. By removing young adults from their daily routines and obligations, Heritage Retreats fosters an environment where students are more open to reflection, deep learning, and community building. The Jewish message in this format has the ability to profoundly touch people because the background noise created by the routine of everyday life has been removed. Students come from all over the country to a beautiful relaxing retreat center where they can identify with their Jewish heritage from a refreshing new perspective.

Heritage Retreats gives young adults the opportunity to appreciate what it means to lead a deeper more meaningful Jewish life, and to understand their role within the Jewish community.

Over the course of each session participants take ownership of their Jewish identity and begin a journey of life-long Jewish learning and community leadership.

Geared toward young adults with strong Jewish backgrounds, Heritage Exchange runs parallel to Heritage Retreats. The Heritage Exchange and Heritage participants share in a dialogue of their personal Jewish autobiographies and journeys, exploring Jewish text and thought, as well as community building exercises. These shared experiences foster deep connections among participants and are the soil in which the seeds of Jewish education and activity take root. The collective learning experience focuses on Jewish philosophy and thought creating an environment of shared inspiration. Heritage Exchange students participate in a customized educational curriculum designed to give them knowledge and tools to develop into future educators and leaders.
 
Ultimately, this unique relationship between Heritage and Heritage Exchange students creates a bridge between the denominations within Judaism, fosters relationships between people and communities, and breaks down stereotypes.

Conducted on college campuses throughout the country, Heritage Scholars is an incentive based learning program designed to encourage unaffiliated students to learn more about Judaism.

Heritage Scholars promotes positive Jewish identity among Jewish students. Students selected from across the denominational spectrum participate in an intensive eight week program. Scholars join in interactive weekly seminars, given by local educators and lay leaders, covering a range of ideas in Judaism designed so that participants see how Judaism speaks to their lives. Additionally, the Shabbatons, textual learning, and discussion groups provide meaningful engagement in Jewish traditions and values.

Students connect with lay leaders and educators who provide positive role modeling and foster genuine Jewish leadership.

Young professionals today have little time to invest in their spiritual growth. The fast paced society we live in does not allow young adults to explore their Judaism when focused on their individual careers. The Heritage Executive Learning program, gives professionals the ability to take a spiritual journey with one of our educators on a one to one basis. These young adults are able to ask directed questions and obtain a customized educational curriculum.

Participants in the Executive Learning program look forward to their next meeting as they develop and begin to appreciate their role in the Jewish community and utilize their professional roles to become active Jewish leaders.

Conveniently located in Manhattan young single professionals of all backgrounds are given the opportunity to attend classes exploring topics that talk to them about their rich Jewish Heritage. Participants not only benefit educationally but also gain socially. Young adults from a wide spectrum of professions get to know each other in a wholesome learning environment.