In a world that feels fragmented, I’ve found a thread that weaves together understanding, compassion, and education: the Student-to-Student program, an initiative by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. Our presentations are vibrant and interactive, designed to spark curiosity rather than just deliver facts. With props like a kiddush cup and kippot, we invite our audience to engage with us. Once, we used Oreos to explain the concept of kashrut, bridging a gap between the Jewish and gentile worlds and allowing us to discuss dietary laws in a personal, relatable way. 

When I present, I feel the weight of history behind us. We go to schools to shed light on Jewish life in an entertaining way, but I’m also aware of the shadows that linger, the haunting statistics about Holocaust denial among today’s youth, and the persistent whispers of anti-Semitism in our society. With each presentation, we aim to arm our peers with knowledge that protects against the erosion of truth. 

The program is also a safe space for dialogue. I’ve encountered questions that have challenged me: “What does Zionism mean to you? How do you reconcile your faith with the modern world?” Each inquiry peels back another layer of my own understanding, pushing me to articulate my beliefs with clarity and confidence. I’ve learned to approach these conversations not as confrontations but as opportunities to foster understanding, often finding common ground in shared human experiences. 

Perhaps the most touching moment for me came during a presentation with Halyn, a fellow participant. As we engaged a classroom full of students, Halyn spoke candidly about her family’s experiences during the Holocaust, recounting stories that left the room in silence. The questions that followed were focused on empathy: “How did your family find hope in such darkness?” It was a reminder our histories, though often painful, are woven together in the broader narrative of humanity. 

Through the Student-to-Student program, I've not only deepened my own Jewish identity but also cultivated a sense of community.  We’ve become ambassadors of understanding, dismantling barriers, and building bridges—one conversation at a time.