When Anouk Dorf-Carter, a senior at Minnetonka High School, attended her first JSU Shabbat Experience earlier this month, she says she immediately felt “like family.”

“I was kind of afraid I’d feel like an outsider because I didn’t grow up with this kind of Shabbat experience, but I was welcomed with open arms,” she says.

Anouk is one of over 50 teens who participated in one or more aspects of the December JSU Shabbat Experience. It featured a group Friday night meal at a local home, Shabbat lunch at JSU Director Mindy Daitchman’s home, and a Saturday night Chanukah Party at Mega Pickleball.

When asked about the highlight of the Shabbat Experience, Anouk says, “Everything!”

“I loved the energy in the room,” she says. “I loved all the singing and the chaos and the learning. It really was an experience I believe every Jewish teen should get to be a part of.”

Rachel Tirado, a sophomore at St. Louis Park High School, has attended several JSU Shabbat Experiences. And while she initially came because her friends were going, she says it’s the “welcoming environment and feelings of closeness to my Judaism” that keep her coming back.

“[I love] meeting new people, hearing different people’s perspectives and ideas, as well as learning about Judaism,” she says.

Both Rachel and Anouk hope to attend future Shabbat Experience and would encourage others to do the same.

“I always have so much fun,” says Rachel, “and for sure would recommend other teens to come.”

Anouk agrees.

“It’s super, super fun,” she says, “and the people are awesome and it’s totally no pressure. You don’t have to be completely familiar with the environment to feel at home.”