Jewish Environs

“So what if I’m Jewish?”

If you ask yourself this question, then you pass the singular entry requirement to the JEWISH EDUCATION LEARNING PROGRAM at the Lauder Business School. This simple question, taken in all its possible intonations, meanings and nuances, defines the entire agenda of the Jewish Education Learning Program from beginning to end.

At the most basic level, “So what if I’m Jewish?” means something like: “Well, if it were up to me, I’d probably just as well not be Jewish.” And, in fact, such a honest self-understanding is the best point of departure. Beyond that, what qualifies a student to participate in JELP classes is the readiness to give such a So what? one additional degree of seriousness, the readiness to pursue this question actively and with an open mind, in a classroom, with the intention of getting some answers. The JELP agenda may therefore be defined as follows: To increase your self-transparency in your identity as a Jew.

“What are the benefits of being a JELP student?”

The close and meaningful friendships that you will develop on the LBS campus; the joyful circles of friends into which you will be drawn; the warm Shabbat dinners and the bright Holiday festivities in which you will take part —all of this makes up the exquisite vivacity of LBS campus life on which no price tag can be set.

“How do I get to be a part of the Jewish Heritage dormitory?”

To qualify for the Dormitory, you just need to prove one thing: You need to be Jewish—according to Halakha.