Our Mission

Our mission is to create welcoming and vibrant Jewish communities for teens to learn and connect with each other, explore Jewish culture and history, and discover opportunities for deeper engagement.

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Our Vision

JSU is more than just a high school club. It is a welcoming and vibrant Jewish community where teens learn and connect with each other, explore Jewish culture and history, and discover opportunities for deeper engagement. From just four clubs in Los Angeles in 2002, JSU has grown into a national network of over 400 clubs, transforming the high school experience for more than 20,000 students across North America every year!

Through immersive experiences in social leadership, cultural programming, and domestic and overseas trips, teens can expect to meet new people, learn new things, and explore new horizons.

Join Us at JSU

The JSU Commitment

When you come to JSU, you will...

Join a Welcoming Community of Jewish Teens
JSU welcomes and embraces all teens into its inclusive, vibrant, and open community. Creating a space where teens can build friendships, find support, and connect with each other, JSU imbues teens with a deep sense of belonging — both to JSU and the Jewish People.
Explore Jewish Culture, History, and Identity
JSU empowers students to discover their unique and personal connection to Judaism. By cultivating an environment that is fun, educational, and inspiring, JSU enables teens to freely explore and learn about all things Judaism. Teens also foster love, support, and understanding of the State of Israel.
Discover Fun, Exciting, and Meaningful Experiences
JSU fosters teens’ love for Judaism and Israel by cultivating programs and activities that prioritize meaningful, positive Jewish experiences. Designed to be relevant, engaging, and immersive, JSU’s programs prompt teens to take an active role in their Judaism. Many JSU teens participate in subsidized programs and trips at home and abroad, including Israel, which give them life-changing experiences.
Empower Yourself with Jewish Pride
JSU encourages teens to advocate for their beliefs while embodying a confident Jewish pride. By hosting conferences, organizing leadership workshops, building networks, and celebrating Jewish identity, JSU prepares teens to live with a confident sense of self, both in and beyond JSU.

Meet Our Leadership Team

View Regional Staff
Denise Badreau Tamam
Director of Operations
mail icondenise@ncsy.org
Rabbi Derek Gormin
Managing Director, Public School Educational Excellence
mail icongormind@ncsy.org
Devora Simon
Director of JSU
mail icondevora@jsu.org
Rabbi Shlomo Mandel
Field Manager
mail iconsmandel@ncsy.ca

JSU Student Executive Board 2024

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Explore JSU Careers!

If you are looking to join a collaborative, forward-thinking, and passionate team changing the lives of over 20,000 Jewish teens every year, then you should consider joining JSU. Our staff is composed of visionary professionals with a personal excitement for actualizing the JSU mission. View our open opportunities to discover where you can contribute!

Explore

Frequently Asked Questions

  • JSU is a national network of 500+ clubs in high schools across North America, impacting 20,000 teens every year. 

    If you are a high school student who is looking for a welcoming, vibrant, and social community to connect with Jewish peers and fellow students, learn about Jewish culture and history, and discover fun and meaningful experiences, then JSU is the place for you.

    With a host of programs and activities, JSU has something for everyone, and we are always excited to welcome in new teens.

  • When you come to JSU, you will:

      • Join a welcoming community of Jewish teens
      • Explore Jewish culture, history, and identity
      • Discover fun, exciting, and meaningful experiences
      • Empower yourself with Jewish pride

    JSU is your space to connect, explore, and discover.

  • JSU actively welcomes and accepts Jewish teens of all backgrounds and affiliations, fostering an inclusive and open community. We accept students regardless of their Jewish practice and equally encourage them to participate in our programming and activities, including leadership positions. JSU also promotes and encourages teens to actively partake in its Jewish activities and programming — whether “cultural” or “religious” — while being mindful and respectful of teens’ personal practice and expectations.

  • JSU is constantly creating meaningful opportunities for teens to grow as leaders, both inside and outside of school. Two of our flagship programs are the JSU Leadership Institute (JSU-LI) and the annual Presidents Conference.

    JSU-LI unites exceptional Jewish teens into a fellowship of changemakers dedicated to shaping their future, their communities, and the world. Admission is highly selective—reserved for the top 2% of students in the JSU network. Fellows gain hands-on leadership experience and strengthen their skills through mentorship and Jewish learning. By creating and leading weekly educational programs that are engaging, immersive, and accessible, this global cohort inspires peers and brings Jewish values to life. Apply at https://jsu.org/jsuliapply

    The Presidents Conference gathers JSU club presidents and leaders from across the U.S. and Canada for two powerful days of leadership training, skill-building, and deep engagement with pressing Jewish issues. Participants return to their schools with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to lead their JSU clubs toward a year of impact and success. Sign up at https://jsu.org/pc/ 

  • You can find JSU clubs thriving across 26 states — search for yours here. If there isn’t one near you now, then you can start a JSU club of your own! To learn more about that, fill out the form here.

  • JSU is a program of NCSY, the youth movement of the Orthodox Union.