On Tuesday, February 11, Greater MetroWest’s Student to Student program held its inaugural presentation at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Five teen ambassadors—Marlee, Jesse, Alex, Miles, and Sam—were invited to present to two 9th-grade World History classes. As these students began their unit on the Middle East, our presenters had the unique opportunity to share personal insights about Judaism, offering a perspective that no textbook could provide.
The Student to Student program was created with a simple but powerful goal: to change perceptions about Judaism by allowing Jewish teens to share their personal stories.
Beginning in St. Louis, this program has helped break down barriers, one story at a time. Whether presenting at schools, community centers, or religious institutions, teens across the country have shared their unique experiences to help others better understand Jewish traditions and identity. It’s about offering a voice to those who can speak from personal experience and providing an opportunity for non-Jewish communities to listen.
However, as many of us know, the landscape has changed significantly. After October 7, when the world witnessed devastating events that reignited global antisemitism, sharing these personal stories has become even more critical. Facts have become blurry, media outlets are often unreliable, and there’s a growing divide.
The truth is, there are simply not enough Jews in the world to combat the rising tide of hate alone.
Breaking down these cultural barriers is no easy feat.
How do we tackle stereotypes and bigotry in our schools?
Can we create an educational environment where understanding and respect thrive?
How do we ensure that the horrors of history are never repeated?
These are questions we must all face, and the answers lie in conversations like the ones happening in high school classrooms across the region.
The first step is for the Jewish community to empower its youth to share their stories with peers. By supporting Jewish teens in answering the question, “What does being Jewish mean to you?” we help them dispel myths and open up positive dialogues. As the presenters reflect on this question, they not only provide insight into their own experiences but also foster understanding between Jewish and non-Jewish high school students. This is a vital tool in dismantling stereotypes and building bridges.
No matter how observant a Jewish person is, we all have a story to tell.
Whether it’s a tradition we love, a food we can’t live without, or a favorite holiday, each of us brings something unique to the table. And this diversity is reflected in the presenters themselves. Our five GMW teens each represent a different branch of Judaism, giving them the opportunity to showcase a wide variety of practices, beliefs, and family traditions.
For example, Jesse shared how he celebrates Shabbat in a more traditional way, while Miles spoke about how he incorporates his Jewish identity into a more modern, less observant lifestyle. These differences not only highlight the breadth of Jewish culture but also help challenge the misconception that there is one “right” way to be Jewish.
The teen ambassadors also encourage their audience to ask questions—no matter how big or small. “Are there any foods that are important to you?” “What’s the difference between Passover and Hanukkah?” These questions allow the presenters to educate, but they also give the students the opportunity to express their curiosity without fear of judgment. The goal is to create a safe space where barriers can be broken down, stereotypes can be challenged, and perspectives can be broadened.
One presenter, Marlee, shared the deeply moving story of her great-grandparents, Holocaust survivors who almost lost their lives during World War II. She spoke of how their experiences shaped her own understanding of what it means to be Jewish today, carrying with her the legacy of resilience and survival. This powerful account not only educated the students about the historical realities of the Holocaust but also connected them emotionally to the ongoing fight against antisemitism. Her story served as a poignant reminder that Jewish identity is not just a matter of culture and tradition, but also of remembering and honoring the past to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.
By offering a platform for open conversation, the presenters help pave the way for a more inclusive future. After the presentations, there was a noticeable shift in the room. Non-Jewish students often express appreciation for learning something they never would have understood otherwise. “I didn’t know there are so many similarities between Judaism and Islam,’” one student remarked after the presentation. Another was surprised to learn that there is such diversity within Judaism and that Jewish identity isn’t defined by a single experience.
This initiative is not just about education for Jewish students—it’s about creating a more empathetic and informed future generation. It’s a small but powerful step toward ensuring that stereotypes and bigotry have no place in our schools or communities.
If we want to ensure that “never again” really means something, we must continue this work. Supporting programs like Student to Student and encouraging teens to share their stories is a vital part of the process. And beyond the classroom, we all have a role to play in fostering understanding and combating hatred in our communities.
Student to Student is supported by the Gail S. Kleinman Endowment Fund for Interfaith Israel Education