Legacy-Heritage From Roots to Fruits is an innovative, network-wide program aimed at deepening students’ knowledge and emotional ties to their 3000-year old Jewish cultural heritage.

The program enjoys substantial support from the Legacy-Heritage Foundation and UJA Federation of New York. It embodies a creative and pluralistic approach to Jewish heritage studies by means of multigenerational “Hevruta” (group) learning where all participants are of equal status as they encounter a variety of sources from the “Jewish bookshelf.”

Now into its sixth year of operation in 30 schools, the project has expanded and upgraded 55 local school Judaic studies’ curricula. More than 10,000 of the network’s pupils participate actively in all the multifaceted aspects of the project; they are joined by hundreds of teachers and parents, and even members of the wider community – all motivated by a desire to reconnect to the treasures of Jewish culture.

Many of the schools have developed a Beit Midrash (House of Study), where emphasis is placed on multigenerational dialogue. The special relationships formed during these sessions strengthen with each passing year.

In addition, extensive use is made of the network’s internet infrastructure in developing and sharing study material and coordinating teachers’ in-service training programs. Periodically, participants come together on the Legacy-Heritage From Roots to Fruits website, utilizing advanced conferencing technologies to conduct meaningful discourse between Batei Midrash nationwide.