The Jewish Heritage Program (JHP) is beginning its 23rd year. Currently, JHP is in four Jewish community centers throughout the greater New York area, serving approximately 100 developmentally disabled individuals. In addition to the ongoing Sunday school program, JHP conducts an annual Pesach Model Seder and other special events. JHP publishes special materials including a Siddur and Haggadah for its students so they will be successful in joining in Jewish communal ceremonies and celebrations. JHP is currently developing a Jewish Holiday Cycle Curriculum Guide for use in Congregational schools and informal special education programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Weekly classes for developmentally disabled and retarded adolescents and adults are held at Jewish Community Centers and Ys. Individualized instruction and extensive socialization with others encourage personal growth in an accepting environment. Opportunities to participate in Jewish communal life provide each with a feeling of belonging to a community.

Classroom instruction focuses on Bible, Jewish history, holidays, customs, symbols, Hebrew language, music, art, and field trips to places of Jewish interest. Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation is geared to individual needs and often lead to ceremonies in the late teens or early twenties.