Jewish students in Grades 10 to 12, attending public or private high schools in Edmonton, are welcome to apply. We encourage applicants from all Jewish backgrounds and denominations. No previous speaking experience or level of Jewish observance is required, just a willingness to share your story and learn with others. 

As an ambassador, you will work with other Jewish high school students from different backgrounds to share real stories in classrooms across Edmonton. It is a chance to speak confidently about your identity, connect with others, and help students better understand what being Jewish really means. You will be part of something meaningful that challenges stereotypes, builds empathy, and starts important conversations to counter antisemitism. Participation counts toward community service hours and gives you valuable leadership experience you can include in future applications. 

Ambassadors attend an orientation and training session and are expected to take part in three school presentations during the academic year. Each visit is coordinated in advance and takes place during regular school hours. As part of our commitment to confidentiality and safety, ambassadors are always present at schools where they do not attend. 

You’ll also be part of short planning meetings with your co-presenters before each visit. The time commitment is manageable and can count toward community service hours. In total, participants typically contribute approximately 20 hours over the school year.  

Interested students apply by emailing Jenn Magalnick at magalj@edjfed.org. If accepted, they attend an orientation session before presentations begin. You'll receive guidance, materials, and practice time to help you feel confident in your role. Presenters work in small teams, so you’re never doing it alone. 

Student ambassadors visit classrooms in small groups of three to four, accompanied by the program coordinator. Presentations are informal and conversational — not scripted lectures. Ambassadors share their personal experiences as Jewish teens and explore key topics such as: 

Branches of Judaism 

The Jewish life cycle  

Shabbat  

Holocaust and antisemitism   

Hebrew language   

Connections to Israel  

Jewish dietary practices 

To bring these topics to life, ambassadors use personal Judaica items like a shofar, challah, and a Torah scroll. Students might hear traditional sounds, taste foods, and see their names written in Hebrew. The style encourages questions and open dialogue, making the experience engaging and memorable.

Student to Student presentations provide an interactive way for students to hear directly from Jewish teens about their lived experiences. Whether your curriculum focuses on world religions, identity, the Holocaust, or simply broadening student’s perspectives through encounters with peers of a different background, these sessions offer meaningful context, encourage respectful dialogue, and help break down stereotypes through personal storytelling. 

No. While presenters talk about Jewish traditions and beliefs, the purpose is education and open dialogue. The focus is on sharing personal experiences, building cultural understanding, and exploring identity. There is no attempt to proselytize.