Thirty years ago, Rabbi Meir Schuster founded the Heritage House to serve as a center for visitors to Israel interested in learning more about their Jewish heritage. Its modest beginnings stemmed from the traffic he generated by approaching backpackers at the Western Wall. Today, the Heritage House is an international organization, which supports a plethora of activities designed to turn ignorance and apathy into knowledge of Jewish practice and pride in Jewish heritage.
Heritage House operates two youth hostels (heritage.org.il) in the picturesque Old City of Jerusalem, reaching tourists and encouraging them to turn their trip into an unforgettable spiritual experience. Offering free, clean and modern facilities, Heritage House has welcomed more than 28,000 guests with warm hospitality, tours, classes, and our inspiring Shabbat program. The hostels' lectures, videos and discussion groups provide a common ground for discussing issues in an open, non-threatening atmosphere. And with a referral service to Jewish educational programs throughout Israel, Heritage House provides an invaluable springboard for thousands of people to learn more about Judaism.
Finally, Heritage House provides a follow-up network, whereby staff in North America, England and South Africa provide the ability for continuity of experience in the student's home country by offering educational seminars and Shabbat hospitality.
North American Campus Initiative instills Jewish pride in American university students, both at home and abroad, by empowering them to confront anti-Semitism and anti-Israel attitudes prevalent on campuses. Dor Le Dor, our program for foreign students at Hebrew University, features Shabbat and holiday programs, weekly partner study sessions, and exciting lectures given by some of Israel's finest speakers.
North American Jewish Students Alliance (NAJSA) involves over 40 campuses across North America, instilling Jewish pride and identity in students who have previously had minimal contact with Judaism. NAJSA sponsors an annual summer program, SSNAP (www.ssnap.org), for 25 outstanding university students. The program focuses on improving students' leadership, organizational and community-building skills. Graduates of the program are committed to spearheading Jewish and pro-Israel activities on campus.
Shorashim-Mimamakim is our educational program for Israelis, offering lectures, social hours, holidays celebrations, and trips to scenic sites in Israel. Shorashim-Mimamakim operates four outreach centers: Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv, Hertzilia, Ramat Efal and Haifa.
InnerNet (www.innernet.org.il) is our online magazine with hundreds of articles on every Jewish subject, and a weekly email list that reaches thousands.
Multimedia: Heritage House has developed two multi-media seminars: 'Nation', created to instill Jewish pride, and 'Love and Legacy', which seeks to halt the galloping rate of intermarriage. Over 100 organizations have used these seminars in the last year alone, and requests continue to stream in from organizations around the globe on an ongoing basis. More such projects are planned.
Study With A Buddy (www.study-buddy.org.il) is an educational referral program, providing people with an opportunity to explore Judaism in an informal partner study session. Candidates study one-on-one with a more advanced partner -- either face-to-face, by telephone, or email.
