Philosophy

JSU is a non-denominational program, open to all Jewish teens irrespective of background or affiliation.  JSU staff is trained to be inclusive, to work with other youth professionals from all denominations, and to provide opportunities for diverse Jewish experiences.  JSU professionals employ the classic social work model of client self-determination, “meeting the client where the client is.” JSU provides educational, fun, and innovative means by which teens take responsibility for their Judaism and relationship with Israel.

Commitment

Commitment to Separation of Church and State:

In creating and executing Jewish programs in a public school environment, JSU administration and personnel are very cognizant of the sensitivity towards the separation of church and state. Therefore, JSU programs and activities are submitted for review to the public school faculty and administration prior to taking place. If a program is unacceptable to a public school or borders on unacceptability, JSU errs on the side of caution. Without sacrificing educational quality and Jewish content, all programming must conform to ideals of inclusiveness between different types of Jews as well as the many non-Jewish students that attend our clubs. Furthermore, JSU clubs and the advisors that facilitate them have no intention or mission of proselytizing students.

Commitment to the Jewish community:

Fundamentally, JSU is committed to being a portal for Jewish life – a connector between Jewish teens and the myriad of programs, organizations and affiliations that exist in the Jewish community. It is therefore critical that JSU develop, maintain and grow strategic partnerships with organizations and youth groups that can benefit from access and engagement with JSU’s network of teenagers across the country. This commitment is unwavering and shows no bias towards any agency or agenda.

Commitment to Israel:

A new generation of Jewish teenagers has emerged, and their views and opinions about Israel are very different than their predecessors. With sensitivity towards these views, JSU is committed to providing educational content and experiences in JSU clubs that allow the students to take responsibility for their connection to Israel. Connecting to Israel can be done in many ways, and JSU utilizes cultural, religious and political means to develop this connection. It is our responsibility to help create tomorrow’s generation of Israel supporters.