For years Hineni, the adult Jewish education program of Talmud Torah of St. Paul, has been a fixture in the Twin Cities Jewish community, working with rabbis from all synagogues and denominations across the spectrum of Judaism.
Jewfolk, Inc., is happy to be part of the evolution of this beloved community initiative.
Now named FolkLab, we are expanding access to deep, meaningful Jewish learning – from text study and Jewish meditation to culture, history, speaker events, and experiential learning – while connecting Jewish people across the Twin Cities through shared exploration and community.
“While Jewfolk might not seem like the obvious next chapter for Hineni at first glance, it actually makes a lot of sense when you look at how Jewish life is evolving. Again and again, we hear from people that they’re craving meaningful connection,” said Libby Parker, Jewfolk, Inc.’s executive director. “We all want not just content, but relationship, conversation, and shared experience. FolkLab isn’t a single offering or series of classes; it’s a platform for bringing people together through Jewish learning in ways that feel accessible, alive, and relational.
“Our role is to create the conditions for it to flourish, not to dictate what Jewish learning should look like and to connect educators, learners, artists, clergy, and community partners across the Twin Cities and invite people into exploration together,” Parker said. “Since its founding, Jewfolk has never been prescriptive about any particular Jewish path, and this is the next iteration of simply giving folks opportunities to connect. FolkLab is where curiosity meets community, and where Jewish learning becomes a doorway to connection.”
This new initiative proudly inherits Hineni’s quality programs, including weekly classes on Jewish text and traditions, conversational Hebrew at multiple levels, the annual Engage! Day of Learning and the Summer Learning Series, and numerous other courses and workshops led by local educators, artists, and clergy.
Beyond these ongoing offerings, FolkLab’s future events and programs are designed to respond to the interests and needs of Jews of any affiliation, background, and life journey in the greater Twin Cities and beyond.
FolkLab is being led by Nat Bension, who joins Jewfolk after working in Jewish and literary organizations.
“I come into this role with a profound appreciation for Talmud Torah of St. Paul’s approach to Jewish education – for all ages,” Bension said. “I’m truly inspired by the community and spirit of lifelong learning that Hineni’s past stewards cultivated; it’s an honor to inherit such a cherished, intentional program and steer it into the next chapter, guided by a shared vision between TTSP, Jewfolk, and our community partners.”
This next chapter preserves the rigor, depth, and spirit of what it was while expanding access for Jews of all affiliations, backgrounds, and life journeys.
From classical text study and contemplative practice to courses and workshops on Jewish culture, history, and big ideas, FolkLab is dedicated to removing barriers to Jewish learning and engagement by increasing experiential touchpoints, online offerings, and in-person programming in accessible, attractive, and unconventional spaces on both sides of the river. Rooted in St. Paul and branching outward across Minneapolis, the inner and outer metros, and beyond, FolkLab will forge partnerships across the Twin Cities to connect Jewish families and individuals through shared exploration.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the programming for Engage! Coming soon.