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.

A Journey Space for Anyone on the Path or Already Converted to Judaism

Led by Michael Kuhne

This is a group for (relatively) recent converts to Judaism and those in the process of conversion for open and honest conversations: What drew you to Judaism? What has met your expectations? What has fallen short? Where do you want to grow as a Jew? How has your family and circle of friends reacted? How have you been received by your Jewish community? Participants can expect to read short texts, do short reflective writings, and share their experiences with others.

Learn more or contact Michael Kuhne →

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 →

Classical Music Lovers Group

Led by David Epstein

A group for Classical Music lovers within the congregation to meet monthly and join together in activities involving classical music, such as attending concerts and lectures. The group will select the monthly activities at its first meeting.

Learn more or contact David Epstein →

Climate Action Small Group

Led by Leslie Martin

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 Leslie Martin →

Conscious Aging Women’s Circle (for women 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 →

Couples Progressive Dinner Small Group

Led by Bruce Matza

Couples take turns planning the cocktail hour, main course and dessert while couples enjoy each course at a different home. This group is currently full. If would like to start a similar group reach out to Shai Avny.

Learn more or contact Bruce Matza →

Experienced students of Mussar

Led by Lisa Taran-Maddy

Experienced students of Mussar are planning for next spring to have a group for other former Mussarians

Learn more or contact Lisa Taran-Maddy →

Grandparents and Grandkids Together

Led by Yvonne Lerew

This group will go on fun and meaningful outings that grandkids (from Kindergarten to 3rd grade) and grandparents (of all ages) can enjoy together. Activities would be varied in type and both Jewish-oriented and secular. We’ll plan to get together about every other month and likely plan outings on Sunday afternoons.

Learn more or contact Yvonne Lerew →

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 →

Jewish 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 →

Jews Go 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 →

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 →

Meditation Group

Led by Brian Borre Kevin Friedberg & Jared Miller

This group is open to all who have an interest in meditation, mindfulness, and a desire for community in a Jewish setting. 25 minutes of silent, non-guided meditation followed by brief 'check-in' on how meditation has/is/could benefit self care and spirituality.

Learn more or contact Brian Borre Kevin Friedberg & Jared Miller →

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 →

Musical Theater Group

Led by Toba Lazor

Introducing musical theater to congregants who don't want to pay high price.

Learn more or contact Toba Lazor →

Outdoor activities with John Mast during the Summer!

Led by John Mast

We will meet once a month on the 15 of each month, to begin with throughout the summer months.

Learn more or contact John Mast →

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 →

Resilience and Thriving while living with serious illness and/or disability

Led by Rosita Albert

I envision this as a learning and support group. I hope that we can increase our resilience through readings, watching videos, and engaging in other activities. I also hope we will provide support for each other.

Learn more or contact Rosita Albert →

Stitch ‘n Chat

Led by Susan Bernhardt

We will gather, via Zoom, for now, to connect over knitting and crocheting. Show off your projects or a yarn in your stash. Share ideas, tips, and inspirations. Ask for help with a project or technique. Or just schmooze. Everyone and all skill levels are welcome.

Learn more or contact Susan Bernhardt →

Understanding our Kids’ Gender and Sexual Identities

Led by Facilitated by Mia Nosanow

This is a group for parents and grandparents who want to understand their kids’/grandkids’ better. Some have new pronouns; some embrace the word “queer”. This will be a safe space for all questions as we support our loved ones.

Learn more or contact Facilitated by Mia Nosanow →

Working to Combat Bigotry, Racism, Xenophobia, and/or Demonization of “the other”

Led by Rosita Albert

Members will contact relevant organizations, such as the AntiDefamationLeague, and other minority communities, to assess what is being done, what more can be done, and to advocate for greater acceptance and understanding of minority communities in our country.

Learn more or contact Rosita Albert →

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 Shai if you have any questions or suggestions.

Start a new Group