Every other Wednesday afternoon, a classroom at Carmel High School becomes more than a meeting space. It turns into a hub of laughter, learning, and connection, where Jewish traditions meet teen energy and everyone, regardless of background, is welcome.

The Jewish Student Union (JSU), now in its fifth year, has grown into one of the school’s most welcoming student organizations. Led by President Lyla Pitzele, Vice President of Events Judah Joseph, and Social Media Coordinator Ori Pitzele, the club draws more than 20 regular attendees along with many new faces.

“We mostly have Jewish students, but we always encourage everyone to bring their non-Jewish friends,” Lyla says. “We like to say it’s a club for everyone.”

Meetings blend culture with creativity. Some feature competitions, others focus on holidays or hands-on activities. Students have baked hamantaschen for Purim, made crafts for Sukkot, and played games tied to the High Holidays.

“There are always games and prizes,” Judah said. “Sometimes we talk about a Jewish value and tie activities to that. It’s about having fun while learning something meaningful.”

That approach has helped boost participation. This year marks the club’s largest turnout in recent years.

“We’ve changed how we present events and how we recruit,” Judah says. “The bagel tasting event brought in a lot of people.”

The growth also reflects a broader purpose in a large school setting.

“Carmel is so big,” Lyla says. “It’s nice to have a smaller place where people know you and where you feel welcome.”

For many, JSU offers more than activities. It provides a sense of community and belonging. Amid rising concerns about antisemitism, it also creates space for education and understanding.

“It’s important for students to meet other Jewish students and feel comfortable,” Judah says. “But also for anyone curious to learn about our culture.”

That mission extends beyond meetings. Earlier this year, Lyla secured a $500 PTO grant to take students to see Fiddler on the Roof at the Civic Theatre. The trip included both high school students and members of a new Jewish club at Clay Middle School.

“We wanted to make it completely free so everyone could go,” Judah adds.

JSU is entirely student-led, with support from faculty sponsor Nina Price and a leadership team that includes Vice President Drew Organ and Treasurer Julian Reader. Funding efforts include community donations, support from the Jewish Federation, and school fundraisers.

For Ori, who joined leadership after attending regularly as a freshman, the appeal comes down to connection.

“Everyone is just happy to be there,” she said. “You meet people from different grades, and suddenly everyone is connected.”

Looking ahead, leaders hope to keep current members engaged while welcoming new ones through more interactive events and outreach.

“We want people to come whether it’s every meeting or just once,” Judah says. “It should always feel like you can walk in and belong.”

“We encourage everyone to join,” Lyla adds. “There’s always a place for you here.”

On Wednesdays, that place is filled with connection, culture, and community.