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.
Questions? Contact Ifaat Amy Torres, Mishlachat Coordinator
[email protected]
We offer two sessions of hosting opportunities: September-January and February-June.
Apply Meet the Rishonim and ShlichimShlicha
Daniella Gefen, Community Shlicha
As Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s Schlicha, Daniella brings 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 NJ.
Daniella served as an educator in the IDF, and 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 7, Daniella worked closely with displaced families, 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.
Daniella was born in Jerusalem to parents who immigrated to Israel from England and Iran, and currently lives in New Jersey with her family.
Rishonim 24
Amit Farag has been active in the Israeli Scouts since fourth grade and has three years of experience counseling children ages 9–14. After spending last summer working at a Jewish summer camp in Texas, she is passionate about youth leadership, Israel, and creating meaningful connections across communities.
Liav Ovadia is a Diller counselor and former Bnei Akiva counselor with experience leading groups of children ages 12–14. Through Diller, volunteering, and his leadership experiences, he has developed a strong passion for education, Jewish community, and working with young people.
Michal Levy is a youth counselor from Ra’anana with three years of experience working with gifted students and leading activities for children in grades 3–8. She is also an active community volunteer and brings creativity, compassion, and a strong commitment to helping others.
Nevo Porat is a young leader from Rishon LeZion who has been active in the Israeli Scouts and currently serves as a youth director. He also leads his school council and community projects and is a talented musician who plays piano, saxophone, guitar, trumpet, and other instruments.
Ori Zaruk is a youth movement leader from Moshav Gilat who has guided younger students and helped lead summer camp programs. He is passionate about community involvement and has volunteered extensively, including raising more than 15,000 NIS for children receiving care at Soroka Hospital.
Yuval Avraham is a Diller Teen Fellow from Rishon LeZion with experience leading and facilitating educational activities. A passionate musician who teaches guitar, he also volunteers with children with special needs families in need.
Contacts
Daniella Gefen, Community Shlicha
[email protected]
Ifaat Amy Torres, Mishlachat Coordinator
[email protected]