Our Sages teach that one’s Jewish identity is built upon a progression of meaningful and memorable Jewish experiences. These experiences should begin at an early age and continue throughout one’s life. The Union for Reform Judaism’s Youth Division has the special task of creating some of the significant Jewish experiences during one’s youth that will serve as the foundation for one’s Jewish life. The Union’s Youth Division seeks to provide a multitude of opportunities for Reform Jewish youth to engage in Jewish life in an experiential and comprehensive manner.

Whether through camp, Junior Youth, Youth Initiative, High School Youth, NFTY, Israel, or college programs and experiences, the Union’s Youth Division programs seek to forge and develop Jewish identity and commitment, Jewish literacy, Reform Jewish community, Spirituality and Leadership. The Youth Division, as an element of the Union's overall educational structure, focuses on the following five key areas of Jewish content: Tikkun olam, Israel, Hebrew, Ethics and T’filah.

The Union’s Youth Division provides a range of programs that serve our youth at all stages of their growth and development. These programs function at local, regional and North American levels, enabling our participants to interact with other Reform Jewish youth to further their
commitment to their home congregation and to the Reform Movement.