Peer trips to Israel connect teens to their Jewish identity, friends, and their own views about Israel. Federation makes Israel Teen Grants available to strengthen these connections and invest in a bright Jewish future. Eligible teens can receive up to $1000 to make the transformative experience of an Israel teen trip more affordable. Watch for this year's summer applications opening soon. 

Twinning connects Hebrew School students in the heart of NJ with students in Israel to promote mutual understanding and empathy. Synagogues and schools throughout Monmouth and Greater Middlesex are taking part in the cultural and social exhange program. Contact us to get your school involved. 

Federation is being pro-active in the Israel advocacy arena with our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), which will advocate for issues important to the Jewish community, including but not limited to challenges facing the State of Israel.  

Each year (except recently with COVID), we show our pride and march at the Celebrate Israel parade in New York City with a Heart of NJ cluster.  Click PHOTOS button to see highlights from 2019 and watch for updates about upcoming parades. 

PJ Library brings FREE, age-appropriate books with Jewish themes to children age 6-months to 8-years-old, and PJ Our Way brings a more grown-up book club experience to tweens age 9-12. Many titles teach young people about Israel. If you have or know a child up to age 12, make sure they're subscribed to PJ or PJ Our Way.

Federation is a proud sponsor of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center Israel Jewish Film Festival, showcasing Israel’s emergence as a powerhouse in the foreign film industry by spotlighting outstanding new films created by Israeli and/or Jewish filmmakers. These films celebrate the cultural experience of Israeli life and identity and being Jewish, as well as universal topics that appeal to the broader community. Information about this year's film festival will be posted as soon as details become available.

Young adults age 18-32 are invited to experience Israel first-hand, on a free, 10-day trip with their peers -- compliments of Birthright Israel and its funders, including Jewish Federation. Birthright bonds young travelers to Israel's people and culture in a way that stays with them forever.

OpenDor Media unpacks and clarifies the often complex issues surrounding Jewish identity, heritage, and Zionism using short, impactful videos for social and mobile generations.  

Learn about Israel, meet Israelis, immerse yourself in Israeli culture at a lecture, concert, film screening, dinner, and more. Check the community calendar for something that suits you. And if you know of an Israel-themed event that's not listed, anyone can submit an event to the calendar. See you there!

This elite education and advocacy training program enables high school students to better process and express complex ideas about Israel before entering college. Sponsored by Federation partner, The Jewish Week Media Group, the two-year program teaches students about Israel through the eyes of respected journalists with a wide range of views about Israel and its modern-day conflicts. Participants gain greater awareness of the pro- and anti-Israel environment, as well as enhanced confidence in speaking about Israel with professors, friends, and detractors.