Who are the Rishonim?
Each year, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel, welcomes a group of young emissaries from our partnership communities in Israel. Rishonim are talented young adults who are embarking on a gap year between high school graduation and their mandatory IDF or national service. They volunteer throughout our community in schools, synagogues, and JCCs, bringing their spirit, knowledge, and love of Israel to our community. Take advantage of this unique and meaningful opportunity, and make a Rishon part of your Jewish family!
Learn what it’s like to bring a GMW Rishon home to your family in the video below.
We offer two sessions of hosting opportunities: September-January and February-June.
Apply Meet the Rishonim and ShlichimShlicha
Daniella Gefen, Community Shlicha
Daniella was born in Jerusalem to parents who immigrated to Israel from England and Iran. Since her service as an educator in the IDF, she has devoted her career to Israel education, guiding, and leading missions and groups from around the world. Alongside her work as an educator and tour guide, Daniella is a trained clinical social worker with years of experience in diverse communities, special education, and cross-cultural engagement in Jerusalem.
In the wake of October 7th, Daniella worked closely with displaced families from both the south and the north of Israel, helping them find safety, preserve community ties, and draw on their strengths during times of crisis. She also led solidarity missions, provided online classes and briefings on the war and its challenges, and volunteered with families of reservists.
In her new role as shlicha with Greater MetroWest, Daniella hopes to bring together her professional expertise, deep knowledge, and passion for Israel with the diverse perspectives and needs of the community, creating meaningful connections that strengthen the bond between Israel and Greater MetroWest New Jersey.
Rishonim 23
Hila Dascalu lives in Ra’anana and attended Aviv High School, where she was a part of a leadership program called “Nachshon” and majored in chemistry and theater. She has been a member of the Israeli Scouts for nine years and in a leadership role for three years. In her free time Hila loves reading, listening to music, baking and spending time with friends and family.
Michaela Sadka lives in Ra’anana and attended Aviv High School, where she majored in Physics and Chemistry and took part in the “Nachshon” leadership program. Michaela was a member of the Israeli Scouts and was in a leadership role for three years. As an example of her love for children, she worked at a toy store for nearly a year. Has two older sisters and one older brother. She loves listening to music, traveling, researching and spending time with friends and family.
Yoav Silberstein lives in Tel Aviv and attended Tichonet High School, where he majored in Arabic and computer science. He actively participated in the Diller Teen Fellows program, mentored the school’s debate team, and served as president of the Tel Aviv – Yafo student and youth council. In his free time, he loves to travel, watch plays, and to spend time with friends and family.
Ella Vander lives in Kibbutz Shaalavim. She took part of the “Bnei Akiva” youth movement for six years. Ella majored in Communication and History in high school. She enjoys photography, traveling, reading, dancing and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite singer is Shlomo Artzi.
Lia Yaffe lives in Ra’anana and attended Mor – MetroWest High School, where she majored in Biology and Biotechnology. She has been a member of the Israeli Scouts for eight years and was a counselor for two years. Lia was in the Scouts delegation, where she was a counselor in a summer camp in Georgia. She also took part in a 10- day exchange student program in Germany. In her free time, she loves to travel, draw, cook, and bake.
Maya Zilbershtein lives in Rishon LeZion, where she has been part of the Israeli Scouts youth movement for six years. Last summer she worked as a counselor at a Jewish summer camp in Wisconsin. She loves yoga, baking, and, most of all, animals.
We are glad you have decided to consider hosting an Israeli Young Emissary in your home. Hosting has proven to be a wonderful experience, benefiting the emissary, the hosts, and the local Jewish community.
Contacts
Daniella Gefen, Community Shlicha
[email protected]
Ifaat Amy Torres, Mishlachat Coordinator
[email protected]