Jewish Community Partners

‘Student to Student’ Launches, Bringing Jewish Education to Memphis Schools

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A high school student in a dress shirt and tie reads a book at a desk, while other students are engaged in the background, during a class session.
Three student presenters share their experiences as Jewish teens in a high school classroom, engaging an audience of fellow students.
Four students standing in a classroom setting, with educational materials and a chalkboard in the background.

Memphis Jewish Federation launched its inaugural “Student to Student” initiative this week when three dynamic student presenters—Meredith Epstein (Beth Sholom/Houston High School), Ilan Lennon (Baron Hirsch/Margolin Hebrew Academy), and Abby Portnoy (Temple Israel/St. Mary’s School)—visited Mr. Dustin Perry’s Religion & Contemporary Issues class at Christian Brothers High School to share their experiences as Jewish teens.

Through an engaging and interactive presentation, they brought Jewish culture to life. Highlights included Ricki’s homemade challah, a Hebrew edition of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and meaningful Jewish texts and ritual objects such as a mini Torah, siddur, and kippot. Ilan introduced the class to Hebrew by writing “Shalom,” his name, and several students’ names in Hebrew on the chalkboard.

The session demystified Jewish faith and practice for 27 high schoolers, sparking curiosity and meaningful dialogue. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive—students described the experience as highly informative and personally enriching.

To learn more about this Community Relations Council initiative and how to bring it to additional schools, please contact Sara First, Community Relations Manager.

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