MZ Small Groups are a great way to get to know a small group of people. Formed around interests, needs, geography, life stage, or profession, they can be done in the home, in an office, or anywhere in the greater Twin Cities. Some groups might focus on a topic of support, learning, or a Jewish experience. Others might be about sports, making crafts, attending arts events, and more! It’s up to you!

Consisting of anywhere between 3-18 people, groups meet regularly, with the number, frequency, dates, and location of meetings determined by the group.

Bicycling through the Twin Cities

Led by Michael Kuhne

The Twin Cities features many bicycling trails and opportunities to explore by bike.

Learn more or contact Michael Kuhne →

Climate Action Small Group

Led by Siana Goodwin

We are geared toward action: engaging all generations to make climate-friendly changes at Mount Zion and to connect with Jewish and interfaith climate groups doing congregational work and working for change in the broader community. The group meets once a month on Sundays via Zoom.

Learn more or contact Siana Goodwin →

Conscious Aging Women’s Circle (Ages 55+)

Led by Joni Abramson

I hope you will join me for a Women's Circle to explore the complex process of aging. We will explore the challenges and opportunities of aging. We will support each other as we share laughter, tears and new insights for this next stage in our lives.

Learn more or contact Joni Abramson →

Crak, Bam, Dot. Maj!

Led by Laurel Hood

Play and learn how to play Mah Jong!

Learn more or contact Laurel Hood →

Genealogy

Led by Phil Goldman

Our group will meet periodically for discussions, workshops, field trips, presentations and speakers on the topic of genealogy research, including in particular Jewish genealogy, together with the array of non-Jewish histories a diverse membership such as ours may want to explore.

Learn more or contact Phil Goldman →

Israel Book Club

Led by Jonathan Eisenthal

The group seeks to understand the life and the land of Israel through its own literature

Learn more or contact Jonathan Eisenthal →

Long Live Rock!

Led by Judi Orland

Is rock music one of your passions? Do you love talking about it and sharing it with others? Then come have some fun reminiscing about and gaining new knowledge of rock music from the 1960s through today! All ages encouraged and welcome!

Learn more or contact Judi Orland →

Mixed Roots: Navigating the Interfaith Household

Led by Jessica Griffith

This is a group open to couples, individuals, and grandparents who want a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment to discuss the issues that face a mixed-root family. We will meet four times: (1) the many facets of a mixed-roots home; (2) Life cycle events at Mount Zion; (3) Shabbat and other holiday celebrations; (4) topic of group's choice and closing.

Learn more or contact Jessica Griffith →

Mount Zion Artists’ Circle

Led by Robin Lackner

The Mount Zion Artists' Circle Small Group is for visual artists who want to get together to create art and talk with other artists about art in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

Learn more or contact Robin Lackner →

MZ Goes to the Woods

Led by Dan Schibel

A group looking to spend more time in nature. Once we have people joined we will determine people's interests. Ideas include: camping, hiking, skiing, canoeing, orienteering. Anyone is welcome to join.

Learn more or contact Dan Schibel →

Race, Reparations, and Rondo

Led by Michael Kuhne

St. Paul is one of a handful of US cities that have committed to reparations for the descendants of African-American slaves. St. Paul's effort is focused on the historic African-American neighborhood of Rondo, which exists less than a mile from Mount Zion Temple. This study group would meet monthly to learn about reparations both in general and specifically in St. Paul, to learn about the Rondo neighborhood, and to understand Mount Zion's role then and now. Along the way, we'll read formative articles, discuss local histories, and meet with St. Paul leaders in the reparation effort.

Learn more or contact Michael Kuhne →

Random Men Noshing

Led by Phil Goldman and Jon Strauss

Looking for guys that are interested in taking part in 'random nosh' sessions with other MZ guys. We will create a master list of 20-30 (or more) of those interested, in order to then reshuffle, breakdown, and distribute that list every 2-3 months into a listing of smaller subgroups (5-6 guys each). The random groups will take it upon themselves to have one get together (e.g., breakfast) over that time period, at whatever time and location works best for them all. Then repeating the process again every 2-3 months. Providing an easy and fun way to meet and connect with other men around temple, and hopefully even form some new, lasting relationships.

Learn more or contact Phil Goldman and Jon Strauss →

MZ Small Groups can be started by any Mount Zion member. If you would like to lead a group, we are happy to offer you training, workshops, and ongoing coaching support. You’ll never be alone in this process.

Inclusion/Accessibility: We are committed to the values of accessibility and inclusion. As we start our initiative for MZ Small Groups and are enabling anyone to create something engaging, some groups may not work for everyone. Please be in touch with Gabby if you have any questions or suggestions.

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