HuJews Youth Movement
HuJews is Humanistic Judaism’s youth movement. We’re a collective of teens, college students, and young adults looking to explore our Humanistic Jewish identity and authentically connect with like-minded peers.
Our two main programs are HuJews on Campus, a network of college activists working to create spaces of inclusivity and acceptance, openness about our beliefs, social change, and positive connections for fellow secular/atheist/agnostic/freethinker/skeptical/humanistic Jewish students and allies; and Conclave, an annual conference that welcomes secular and Humanistic Jewish youth from all over North America for a weekend of social service and connection.
NEW! HuJews on Campus pilot clubs are active! If you are a student at Sarah Lawrence College in NY email Ari, or at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, email Rachel to connect!
If you are interested in starting a club on your campus, click here to learn more and find an application link!
HuJews on Campus
HuJews on Campus is an initiative providing campus clubs for college-aged secular and Humanistic Jews to find meaning in their heritage while remaining true to their beliefs. We celebrate multiculturalism including mixed heritages, advocate for LGBTQ equality, and believe in science over superstition. HuJews on Campus exists to bring people together, share our ideas in the spirit of Humanistic Judaism, and change our lives — and the world! — for the better.
Ultimately, HuJews on Campus is a student-led organization. While SHJ staff is available to support and advise, it’s our dedicated student leaders who power the program. The exact goals, initiatives, and culture of each chapter are a co-creation between our on-campus leaders and their fellow students.
I love this! How do I get involved?
Currently, HuJews on Campus is entering a period of rapid and exciting growth. If you’re ready to make your mark, contact SHJ Executive Director Paul Golin. Or if you are on campus at our pilot schools Sarah Lawrence College in NY email Ari, or University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, email Rachel to connect!
And don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, gatherings, and opportunities!
Events
FALL 2023
Both pilot campus programs at Sarah Lawrence and U of Michigan will be hosting tables at their student club fairs during the first week of school, please stop by and say hello!
Past Events
April 2023–SECULAR SEDER: Passover Without God
Passover is all about deliverance and freedom. That’s why we celebrate our freedom to be unapologetically secular with fun, conversation, and community. Join our second annual HuJews on Campus Secular Seder online—a secular, modern take on the typical holiday tradition. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background. Watch the recap on YouTube here.
Secular Seder is a collaboration between the Secular Student Alliance and the Society for Humanistic Judaism’s HuJews on Campus initiative.
Conclave
Conclave brings together teens in grades 8-12 and college students from across the United States and Canada for a weekend of fun, service, insight, and discovery. Conclave empowers young secular and Humanistic Jews to connect with their peers and engage in thought-provoking discussions, fun-filled workshops, rewarding community service activities, and much more. HuJews also hosts hangouts and meetups throughout the year, both online and in person.
For more information on Conclave, contact Rabbi Miriam Jerris at rabbi@shj.org.
Comments from Past HuJews Conclave Participants
“I’ve been going to conclave for the past two years and have had a amazing time meeting other Humanistic Jewish youth from around the country and participating in the different
service activities. As Humanistic Jews we’re kind of a minority denomination within a religious minority and getting to meet other Jewish teens who were part of different congregations was really exiting. I definitely felt like I could learn a lot from people at conclave because everyone came with a unique and interesting perspective.”
— Serena B.
“Conclave was such a wonderful experience for me. I had been looking for more of a humanistic Jewish community and I found it. I made a family with people who live all over the country. I can’t wait to come back next year as participant of conclave but also as a youth board member!”
— Ari L.
“Sitting as youth rep on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Humanistic Judaism has given me a voice and allowed me to make an impact in a way I never previously experienced. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to see my work and efforts translate into a meaningful, enriching, and fun experience for my peers during Conclave. Through my time with SHJ, I’ve realized the importance of flexibility and compromise, learned how to lead large groups, and discovered the power a singular person holds to facilitate change.”
— Aliza K.
“Conclave has been such an important part of my life, helping me make incredible, lasting friendships and connect more deeply with my Jewish roots. It has consistently been a highlight of my year and allowed me to explore the country. As a young secular jew, this is the place to be. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
— Libby O.