JewishU is KU Chabad’s flagship educational initiative, providing a range of discussion-based courses that explore Jewish thought, ethics, relationships, mental health and practical living.
Courses such as “Living Jewish,” “Soul Mates” and “Letters for Life” give students the opportunity to explore timeless Jewish wisdom in a way that is relevant to their modern lives.
Each semester, dozens of students dedicate time to participate in these classes.
“I am very grateful for everything that JewishU offers us,” said Ryan Diamond, a KU student from Houston, Texas. “These classes give me a space to think, grow and reconnect with what really matters.”
Shayna Weinstein, a student from Chicago, Illinois, echoed that sentiment, adding that JewishU has helped her rediscover a sense of meaning and belonging during her college experience.
Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, who co-directs KU Chabad together with his wife Nechama, explains that the goal is to meet students where they are.
“We seek to foster a sense of Jewish identity and belonging by engaging students at their own pace in a warm and non-judgmental environment,” he said. “We’ve found that one of the most powerful ways to strengthen identity is through meaningful Jewish learning.”
Beyond the classroom, JewishU also creates community. Students gather both to study and to connect with one another.
Another unique aspect of the program is its accessibility. Students can choose to convert their participation into scholarship funds, which many use to support future Jewish experiences or donate to causes.
As the semester comes to a close, interest in JewishU is high. With registration already open for the next round of courses, KU Chabad is preparing to welcome more students to the program.
The JewishU program is supported by Jewish Federation of Kansas City along with donors, including key benefactors Irv and Ellen Robinson.