Engage! 2026: A Day of Learning, Creativity, and Connection

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, members of the Twin Cities Jewish community gathered for a gorgeous day of learning, creativity, and togetherness. And it was, as one participant put it: Spectacular.

A Thoughtfully Structured Day

The day was thoughtfully structured in three parts.

First, a soft landing with registration, lovely nosh, and space for friends old and new to connect, reconnect, and begin settling into the day – sharing conversations about the sessions they’d signed up for.

Second, two sets of sessions, with five classes each – each one unique, creative, thought-provoking, and rich with opportunities for meaningful connection. 

And third, a closing in sweetness and unity – by which we mean, dessert!

Earl Schwartz teaches during FolkLab’s 2026 Engage!

A Cherished Tradition Continues

A beloved Hineni legacy event, this is the first year that Engage! was presented by TC Jewfolk’s FolkLab. Jews of all affiliations, denominations, backgrounds, and ages were welcomed to an in-person afternoon of Jewish discussion, learning, and creative expression, continuing a tradition rooted in openness and belonging.

Centered on Arevut

This year’s event centered around Arevut: Interconnectedness and Mutual/Shared Responsibility, and each presenter brought their own spin, creating a dynamic and deeply engaging experience for all.

In one classroom, participants leaned in around a long table, animatedly exchanging ideas; both laughter and tears were shared. In another, quiet reflection gave way to thoughtful discussion. Another class went on a “field trip” to view the presenter’s artwork. And in another, tables and chairs needed to be moved far out of the way, because the class was connecting through movement.

Each session was so unique, so meaningful, and so very connecting.

“It was outstanding,” said Julie Dean, the founder and executive director of Living Mussar, who taught the class Compassion as Shared Responsibility: A Mussar Practice for Today. “People came ready to learn. They were very participatory. They were very engaging. And, yeah, it was really a fabulous group.”

Dean’s group looked at compassion through a Jewish lens, examining texts from the 14th and 16th Centuries, the early 1900s, and today. 

“Seeing that throughout history, yes, compassion sounds like this lovely idea, and yet we struggle with it; So why is that?” Dean said. “And so we looked at why that is and what the benefits of practicing compassion are, and how do we actually work on that.”

Looking at Nerot Tamid created by Claude Riedel during his session at Engage!

Connection in Action

One of Jewfolk, Inc.’s core values is connection, or chibur, and that value could be felt in every corner of the day. Presenters, students, staff, and volunteers stayed long after the last session ended, still deep in conversation – a testament to the relationships sparked and strengthened throughout the event.

There was one connection that goes back many years. Alex Lubet, who presented in the first session, had been colleagues early in his career at the University of Minnesota School of Music with the father of artist Claude Riedel, who presented in the second session. The two sat in each other’s classes and connected over the shared history.

“He told me that I reminded him of his dad,” Lubet said. “What a compliment!”

He also enjoyed spending time with Rabbi Sharon Steifel, who taught a class during the second session.

“It was all great,” Lubet said. “I liked everything about the day.”

Our hearts were full at the end of this beautiful day, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life.

Stay Connected

We’d love for you to explore our ongoing FolkLab classes. And in exciting news, several of our Engage! presenters will be creating amazing and unique FolkLab experiences! Click here to sign up for our email list so that you can be the first to know when these new experiences are announced.

One thing we know for sure: we’re all bettered when we connect within community.