Young Judaea is built on a framework that emphasizes three core facets: peer leadership, political non-partisanship, and religious pluralism. Within this framework, our programs and activities focus on instilling our members with three core values: Judaism, Zionism, and Jewish identity.
Our Framework
- Peer Leadership. Young Judaea encourages and empowers its members to take on leadership roles as members of a peer-elected mazkirut (board). National and regional mazkirut members work closely with Young Judaea’s professional staff to plan, organize, and implement programs and policies for their peers. This approach has a profound impact on the leaders, who are challenged to engage their peers on a range of social, political, and Zionist issues, and their peers, who are inspired to take action and grow as leaders themselves.
- Non-Partisanship. Because it is not aligned with any political party, Young Judaea strives to provide its members with the ability and opportunity to make educated choices for themselves.
- Pluralism. Young Judaea welcomes and encourages the participation of any affiliated—Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist—as well as unaffiliated Jewish youth. As a pluralistic movement, Young Judaea’s programs are designed to appeal to all levels of religious observance, with a common commitment to respecting the laws of Kashrut, Shabbat, and other Jewish holidays. In all of its programs, Young Judaea promotes mutual respect and understanding between the diverse groups of American Jews.
Our Values
- Judaism. In all that we do, Young Judaea strives to impart a sense of value and love for Jewish tradition and rituals for any and every religious background.
- Jewish Identity. By educating about Jewish heritage, history, and current affairs, Young Judaea seeks to instill a sense of pride in the Jewish people and in being Jewish.
- Zionism. Believing that Israel is central to all Jewish life, Young Judaea's primary goal is to emphasize Jewish and Zionist education, build connections with Israel, and promote Aliyah (immigration to Israel). Through educational activities, meeting with Israelis, and spending time in Israel, Young Judaeans have a unique opportunity to form an intimate and lifelong relationship with Israel.
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