American Jewish University's Maas Center Launches ‘The Origin Story’

American Jewish University’s (AJU) Maas Center announces the launch of The Origin Story, an online platform dedicated to supporting and educating individuals exploring their Jewish ancestry, culture, and community. Whether someone has recently uncovered Jewish roots through family history or DNA testing, or is simply curious to learn more, The Origin Story offers a welcoming and informative space for discovery.

Sociologists estimate that as many as 60 million people worldwide have Jewish ancestry, despite the global Jewish population being under 16.5 million. Advances in genealogy and genetic testing have led many people to uncover Jewish heritage, often leaving them with questions about what it means and how they can connect. Unfortunately, many are met with dismissive responses or told their heritage doesn’t matter. The Maas Center seeks to change that. The Origin Story provides resources to help individuals understand their Jewish ancestry, explore its significance, and determine how they wish to engage with Jewish life.

“At the Maas Center, we are dedicated to educating anyone who comes to us whether they are already Jewish, Jew-ish, or just Jew-curious,” shared Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh, Vice President and Director of the Maas Center. “Today, we are connecting with a growing number of people from all over the world who are discovering their Jewish roots and want to learn more about what it all means. While the Miller Intro to Judaism program continues to deepen Jewish learning through an 18-week course, The Origin Story is set to offer a more accessible entryway to discovering Jewish heritage, culture, and history.”

Through The Origin Story, individuals will learn about the global diversity of the Jewish people, access educational resources, and connect with organizations that can help them further explore their heritage. The Origin Story is not a conversion program—it is a resource for discovery. The program furthers American Jewish University’s mission of meeting individuals where they are in their Jewish journeys – from having just uncovered Jewish roots, to becoming Rabbis. 

“American Jewish University is dedicated to uplifting and educating the Jewish people, and The Origin Story is an extension of that mission,” said Dr. Jeffrey Herbst, President of American Jewish University. “We are committed to providing accessible, low-barrier opportunities for those seeking to learn more about their Jewish heritage—whether they are just beginning to ask questions or seeking a deeper connection.”

For more information about The Origin Story, visit https://maascenter.aju.edu/the-origin-story/.

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About AJU: American Jewish University (AJU) is a thriving center of resources and talent that advances the Jewish journeys of individuals, organizations, and our community through excellence in scholarship, teaching, engaged conversation, experiential education, and outreach. AJU equips students, faculty, campers, and learners of all ages with the tools to create the ideas, build the structures, and develop the programs to advance Jewish wisdom and elevate our world.

As part of this mission, the Maas Center at AJU supports those seeking to bring Judaism into their lives. Home to North America’s premier program for Jewish conversion, Miller Introduction to Judaism, the Maas Center provides a welcoming and inclusive space for Jewish learning and growth.

For more information, visit www.aju.edu.