JSU adds two new clubs to Houston high schools

Jewish Herald Voice � February 17, 2011

Carnegie High School and Kinkaid High School are the most recent schools to welcome the popular Jewish Student Union clubs for their Jewish students. The JSU now operates clubs in seven public high schools in and around greater Houston; these clubs are often the students� only link to their Jewish heritage. Carnegie and Kinkaid join Bellaire HS, Memorial HS, Episcopal HS, HSPVA and Lamar HS to meet weekly with Michal Jacknin, JSU�s Southwest regional director.

The clubs meet over fresh kosher bagels and/or doughnuts, and provide a hands-on educational experience for teens, helping them explore the land of Israel and learn more about their Jewish roots.

The JSU of Houston was founded by TORCH in December 2009. �The JSU program is such an essential division of TORCH, as it is the only club offering Jewish programming in these schools.� Students learn about Israel, Jewish culture and traditions. Students also are encouraged to participate in out-of-schools educational and social programs.

�These clubs make it possible for our student leaders to have the experiences that will strengthen their cultural and religious identities to the Jewish people, bringing the traditions and stories of our rich heritage to life, as well as creating an everlasting connection,� said Jacknin.

JSU continuously is expanding to bring Jewish experiences to student across Houston. For information on how to bring JSU to your (or your child�s) school, visit jsuhouston.org or torchweb.org.