Jewish Nevada announced today it has launched “Student to Student,” a new program aimed at combating antisemitism and common misconceptions about Jewish people by fostering understanding among younger generations.
Jewish students who are part of Student to Student are given the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences, allowing other young people to put a human face to Judaism. The student participants in the program go through training and visit several schools across the Las Vegas valley to discuss topics including Jewish lifecycle events, holidays and celebrations, Shabbat, dietary practices, the holocaust, and more.
The program was created in 1992 by the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis. Since then, the program has expanded to more than 25 communities across the United States and has been widely successful in countering bigotry and stereotypes. Last year, Student to Student reached more than 17,000 students in 137 schools, with nearly 500 Jewish teen participants.
“It’s so important to not put others in a box,” said Jewish Nevada Director of Family Engagement Danica Torchin. “Everyone has a unique experience with religion, and teaching others about those experiences is best done on an individual level. Through this program, that information is delivered teen to teen. It’s so much more powerful coming from someone your own age. And the hope is that this creates a better understanding of others and helps eliminate future antisemitic feelings or beliefs.”
Las Vegas area schools interested in booking presentations should reach out to Danica Torchin by emailing danica@jewishnevada.org or by calling the Jewish Nevada office phone at (702) 732-0556. The first Student to Student presentations are set to begin this Spring. More spots are also open for other Jewish students who would like to participate in Student to Student.
About Jewish Nevada
Jewish Nevada is Nevada’s Jewish Federation, serving as the representative organization for the 70,000 Jews in Nevada. It is the only organization charged with assessing and addressing the needs of the entire community. Jewish Nevada works diligently to build a vibrant community and sustain Jewish life throughout Nevada, Israel, and around the world. It is committed to the values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world); Tzedakah (righteousness and philanthropy); and G’milut Hasadim (acts of kindness and service).
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