Young Adult Division

The local community features programming for college-aged adults and young professionals through Central Kentucky’s version of a Young Adult Division called Young Bluegrass Jews (YBJ).

No matter what stream of Judaism you fall into, YBJ aims to be an all-inclusive home for young adults to connect with the Jewish community, engage in Jewish life, and to make friends along the way.

Who can join?
YBJ is welcoming to all young Jews in their 20s and 30s, along with their partners/spouses. Roommates, friends, and family are always welcome to attend events.

Events

Shabbat Dinners
YBJers get together at member homes once a month to enjoy a potluck Shabbat dinner to welcome the Sabbath with friends. In an effort to be accessible to as many movements of Judaism as possible, YBJ Shabbat dinners are low-key and primarily social opportunities. YBJ members recite blessings over the Sabbath candles, a condensed Kiddush (blessing over the wine), and HaMotzi, the blessing over bread. During dinner, YBJers shmooze, laugh, and enjoy a relaxing start to Shabbat with their fellow young Jews.

Brews with Jews
Always a YBJ favorite, the happy hour-style gathering at local breweries and bars called “Brews with Jews” is a great way for YBJers to connect at their favorite local spots. New Lexingtonians, long-time members, and folks just passing through town are always welcome.
Although this event takes place at breweries and bars, YBJ members and their guests are not required to drink any alcoholic beverage. Additionally, most breweries have access to food trucks or allow outside food and members are encouraged to eat during the event.

Other Events
YBJ members and their friends get together for a variety of other events throughout the year for holidays and social gatherings. These events include:
– Rosh Hashanah Picnics
– Yom Kippur Break-the-Fast
– Hanukkah Parties
– Purim Pub Crawls…and more!

Getting Connected
To connect with YBJ, join our Facebook group! We post about all of our events through this platform. If you have any additional questions, contact Daniel Baker, Assistant Executive Director, at daniel@jewishlexington.org.

Kentucky Hillel is a pluralistic and egalitarian Jewish student organization at the University of Kentucky (UK). In addition to UK, Kentucky Hillel is welcoming of Jewish college students from all of central Kentucky’s colleges and universities, including Transylvania University, Eastern Kentucky University, Berea College, Centre College, and Bluegrass Community & Technical College.

From Shabbat dinners to holiday programming and social outings, Hillel aims to build connections among college-aged Jewish adults throughout the region. To learn more about the international organization, visit hillel.org.

For more information about getting connected on campus locally, visit kyhillel.org or contact Justin Sadle, UK Director of Jewish Student Life at justin.sadle@uky.edu.