More than 20 Minneapolis JSU teens participated in a new “Learn & Earn” program launched in late January.

Each month, the teens learn about leadership through hands-on Torah study in small groups led by local community members. They receive stipends for participating.

The program, sponsored by the Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts, is one in a series of new initiatives designed to help combat antisemitism by giving Jewish public school teens the chance to strengthen their Jewish identity and connection.

Community member Mia Usem said she was excited to “see the wheels turning in the teens’ heads” while they were learning.

“It was great to hear the teens’ perspectives and learn from them how they plan to bring the story of Moshe Rabbeinu into their own leadership experiences,” she says.

Community member Chasida Fertel agreed.

She said she learned a personal lesson from the teens’ discussion about how Batya, Pharoah’s daughter, knew that Moshe was Jewish.

“One of the boys in my group said, ‘Because everyone knows when someone is Jewish. You can just tell.’ When I asked why, he said, ‘It’s the way we carry ourselves. We all have so much value, and it’s important that we remember that and hold our head up high.’”

A similar “Learn & Earn” Program has also been launched in Chicago.