Steven Krieger, University of Michigan

I was afraid to go to a Jewish program. I thought I would be pushed in directions I wouldn't want to go. The ability to come here and learn without any pressure was really great. It was refreshing to learn just basic pure information.

Rebecca Grayson, Emory Law School

The rabbis, mentors and staff were incredibly accessible- no question was off limits.

Kim Wise, Georgia Tech University

From my trips to Israel I learned how the country is there for the Jewish people, but I didn’t learn what it is to be a Jew, and where we come from. A responsible Jew would want to at least explore our roots, and I think that that’s what this program offers.

Eric Segal, Albert Einstein Medical School

Heritage Retreats picked up where my birthright experience left off. After returning from Israel, I wanted to continue my Jewish growth, but was unsure what course to take. The program gave me a solid understanding of how to make Jewish learning meaningful in my everyday life.

Arash Farin, Harvard Business School

Like many Jews living in New York city, I oftentimes found myself at Shabbat dinners, in synagogues and at Jewish social gatherings. Heritage Retreats really opened my eyes to the larger world of Judaism.

Adam Frankel, Cornell University

I am an eagle boy scout and have spent a lot of time hiking in the wilderness, having true adventures in nature. Heritage retreats is a spiritual adventure of vast proportions that you not only enjoy, but also take away concepts that will help you live a happy and fulfilling life.

Brian Keating, Astrophysicist, Cal Tech

You can't really get this studying from a book - you've got to experience it.

Katie Spencer, N.Y.U.

People asked me, "you're going to study Torah in the woods with a bunch of girls for a week?" In retrospect this created an open learning environment in which we were able to ask questions which we would not have voiced otherwise. The other women came from all types of backgrounds, they were all cool, interesting, and eager to learn. Being part of a group made up of so many different perspectives was enriching.

Daniel Newmark , Chief Financial Officer of Cijen Inc.

I forged several great friendships with like-minded young Jewish professionals from around the country, with whom I still keep in touch. The retreat also provided a rare opportunity to devote my energies to thinking about my place in life and my spirituality. Being out in nature provides a wonderful backdrop for this kind of self-exploration and growth.