By Julian D. Albright, Epsilon Mu (University of Kansas) 2023, the Fraternity’s Assistant Director of Heritage Programs and Partner Relations

Zeta Beta Tau does a great deal on the national level to preserve and cultivate connection to the fraternity’s Jewish heritage. However, some of the most meaningful connections are made when brothers take the initiative to bring Jewish programming to life —  creating programs that are both personal and impactful.

David N. Sternfeld, Omega (University of Missouri) 2028, was a freshman at Missouri in the 2024-2025 academic year. He stepped up to serves as the Omega Chapter’s Heritage Chairman.

Brother Sternfeld grew up practicing conservative Judaism in Charleston, S.C. While he is the first man in his family to join ZBT, he came to campus with a clear sense of the importance of finding a fraternity that reflected his values. Jews are already the minority in so many spaces, including college campuses. It is very easy for Jewish college men to feel that they lack community.

“I knew that if I joined a non-Jewish fraternity, there was a good chance that I would be the only Jew there. (Being in ZBT) means a lot to me because it means I am surrounded by other Jews, and others who want to learn about Jewish heritage,” he said.

Brother Sternfeld has played a key role in facilitating a three-part series of workshops as a partnership between ZBT and Mizzou Hillel. Even taking this initiative in organizing an antisemitism education program for his chapter demonstrates both leadership and commitment to learning.

“I wanted to showcase how Jewish ideologies formed the foundation of ZBT and how brothers across the nation can build upon (these ideologies) to contribute to their own lives,” Brother Sternfeld said.

The interest and care that David showed to ensure this program happened reflects the Mission of ZBT and a commitment to heritage education, especially regarding combatting antisemitism.

“Heritage programs resonate with brothers by reminding them where ZBT came from and how they can use (those teachings) to influence their own life choices in today’s every changing world,” he added.

Brother Sternfeld is a prime example of a brother who has emerged as a Jewish leader on campus, even early in his college career. Outside of his chapter, he also serves as a Greek Life Intern on the Hillel student board and works to connect Jewish men in non-Jewish fraternities to the larger community.

“It is so important for us to hold onto heritage programs because otherwise Jewish students wouldn’t have a place to feel fully embraced by the community,” he said.

Visit ZBT.org for more on ZBT’s heritage resources and programs.