TEENS FOR TOMORROW
Jewish teens of all backgrounds, denominations, gender, sexual orientation, or those with disabilities can connect to Federation through various programs that Federation funds including BBYO, LEAP, travel experiences, exchange programs, Sinai schools, and volunteering. Create a meaningful experience that will inspire a lasting connection to Jewish living.
JEWISH STUDENT UNION
Jewish Student Union (JSU) is more than just a high school club. It is a place where Jewish teens in public schools build community and connect with each other. JSU welcomes and embraces all teens into its inclusive, vibrant, and open community. Since October 7th, its been critical to provide this space for our teens in public high schools. We have seen an even greater demand for JSU programs since October 7th and the corresponding rise in antisemitism. One student said: “I learned about the importance of community and standing up for yourself. In a time of rising antisemitism, we must stand up to hatred, but most importantly, we must stand together. JSU helps us to stand together!”, Sheryl Sarin, Senior Director, Community Planning and Allocation, SherylS@jfnnj.org, 201-820-3913
LEAP – AN iCAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
LEAP is a leadership program for high school students designed to address core questions for Jewish students as they prepare for college and beyond. Participants study Jewish values, identify their personal views and perspectives around Israel and Zionism and learn how to engage in civil discourse with individuals of differing opinions. Rachel E. Delancey, Senior Planning Associate, RachelD@jfnnj.org, 201-820-3902
BBYO
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences. Federation funds BBYO in northern New Jersey to make sure teens have a vibrant platform for having fun, affordable, and meaningful experiences that inspire a lasting connection and lifelong friendships. For more information, please contact your local BBYO at gjhrr@bbyo.org or Rachel E. Delancey, Senior Planning Associate, RachelD@jfnnj.org, 201-820-3902
For more information visit, BBYO
ISRAELNOW
IsraelNow is an educational trip designed to give 8th graders an immersive, emotional, and memorable taste of Israel. This trip provides the opportunity for teens to explore their Jewish heritage through a week-long, “hands-on” experience.
IsraelNow serves as a launchpad to establish a relationship with Israel, become more involved in the local Jewish community, and engage in Jewish life throughout their high school years and beyond. The experience consists of an eight-day trip to Israel in addition to pre and post trip programming.
This transformational experience lays the groundwork for a young person to develop into an active member of the Jewish community, a lover of Israel, and an increased enrollment in both formal and informal Jewish education and programming during high school. For more information, contact Linda Heller, Senior Jewish Outreach Associate for Planning and Allocations, LindaH@jfnnj.org or 201-820-3904
volunteer
The Volunteer Center offers individuals and families a meaningful way to participate in Tikkun Olam initiatives. Through needs-driven, impactful programs, volunteers serve the Jewish and broader communities — ultimately strengthening a collective community. For more information please contact Yona Carmona, YonaC@jfnnj.org
