Twin Cities Jewish Teens · 2026–2027
A community-wide initiative giving Twin Cities Jewish teens the knowledge, confidence, and identity to engage the world — proudly.
The Moment We're In
In classrooms, online, and among peers, they encounter distorted history, denial of Jewish peoplehood, and antisemitism disguised as political discourse. Even teens active in Jewish life may lack a clear understanding of Jewish history and Israel's centrality to Jewish identity.
This program supplements — not replaces — existing Jewish educational opportunities. It's built so every teen — whether they've grown up deeply immersed in Jewish life or are just starting to explore it — walks in and feels like it's for them.
"We cannot expect young people to stand confidently in their story if we have not first helped them know it." — Haviv Retig Gur, Senior Analyst, The Times of Israel
The Program
Dynamic, immersive gatherings at The Barry Family Campus — designed in partnership with local educators, powered by StandWithUs, built for every Jewish teen in the Twin Cities.
December 6, 2026 — Launch
Origin Story
Tracing Jewish Identity Through Immigration
Every Jewish family has a unique story. Through guided discussion and personal reflection, teens explore how migration, identity, and resilience have shaped Jewish communities worldwide — and how their own family's story connects to a shared heritage.
Register on Luma →
February 7, 2027 — Session 2
The Timeline
Antisemitism Through the Ages
Teens trace the history of antisemitism from the ancient world to today, tracking how longstanding myths and stereotypes have adapted across eras — building the tools to recognize antisemitism in all its forms and respond with confidence.
Register on Luma →
April 18, 2027 — Session 3
The Group Chat
Concepts and Misconceptions
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex and often clouded by misinformation. Teens work through common misconceptions and separate fact from fiction, building the knowledge and confidence to navigate conversations about Israel with accuracy, nuance, and critical thinking.
Register on Luma →
What Teens Take With Them
Stronger Knowledge
A clear understanding of Jewish history, Israel, values, and peoplehood grounded in fact.
Sense of Belonging
Relationship building across synagogues, schools, and backgrounds — community as the product.
Language & Confidence
The ability to identify misinformation, reject false choices, and participate in hard conversations.
Complexity & Compassion
Hold nuance — support Israel, care deeply about others, stay grounded in Jewish values.
Questions
Who is Know Your Story for?
Every Jewish teen in the Twin Cities, grades 8–12 — regardless of denomination, affiliation, or how connected they currently feel to Jewish life. We've made sure to build it so that all teens feel welcomed, comfortable, and confident being themselves at Know Your Story.
What's the time commitment?
Three two-hour Sunday sessions across the 2026–2027 school year — plus time for pizza and a giveaway drawing!
Does my teen need a Jewish education background?
No. Sessions are designed to meet teens where they are, whether they've had years of Jewish schooling or almost none.
Is there a cost?
No. Know Your Story is offered at no cost to families during the pilot year.
How do I get my teen involved?
Reach out to knowyourstorymn@gmail.com or use the Get Involved button below — we'll follow up with registration details.
A Community Effort
Know Your Story is innovated by local Jewish educators, professionals, and volunteers, and brought to life in partnership with community organizations across every movement and denomination.
The goal is not to duplicate or recreate what already exists. It's to do together what none of us can do alone: reach every Jewish teen in the Twin Cities and give them what they need before they leave for college.
25–40
Teens in Year 1
3
Sessions per year
Gr. 8–12
All affiliations welcome
$50K
Launch budget goal
The Team
Know Your Story is a volunteer-led initiative powered by local educators, youth professionals, and community organizers who believe this is possible.
Wendy Bach
Founder
Tara Baumgarten
Program Manager
You?
Join the effort
Teen Leadership
A small group of teens will help shape Know Your Story from the inside — weighing in on session content, helping plan how we mark the end of the year, and recruiting peers. This is a real seat at the table, not a title.
Now Hiring · Paid Roles
After each session, teens break into grade-level groups to talk through what they just learned. We're hiring four experienced Jewish educators to facilitate those conversations and four college-age mentors to join them — three Sundays, two trainings with StandWithUs, $1,000 or $550 for the year.
Built in partnership with the Twin Cities Jewish community
Around the Community
Know Your Story is one piece of a vibrant community of organizations helping Jewish teens build identity, connection, and pride. Here are some other incredible programs worth exploring.
Ages 10–15
An engaging, hands-on exploratory class where Jewish tweens and teens learn through conversation, creativity, and experience.
Explore ↗Grades 6–12
Public school clubs and programming connecting Jewish teens to their identity, Israel advocacy, and Jewish education.
Connect ↗Grades 6–12
A teen-led national movement offering meaningful Jewish experiences, leadership development, and community.
Join ↗Grades 9–12
A national youth movement connecting Jewish teens through social, educational, and spiritual programs.
Learn more ↗Grade 6
A theatre-based learning residency that brings Jewish history to life through creative storytelling and exploration.
Learn more ↗Grades 11–12
A competitive, prestigious fellowship for high schoolers to explore Jewish history and develop leadership skills.
Apply ↗Run a program for Twin Cities Jewish teens? Tell us and we'll add it.
Coming soon: a teen logo design contest — Know Your Story's visual identity, designed by the teens it's for. Details dropping ahead of launch.
Whether you're a parent, educator, youth director, clergy, or a teen who wants in early — there's a place for you in this.