Summer experiences have a special kind of energy, especially during the teen years. They’re filled with moments of discovery, friendship, and growth that stay with us long after the season ends. Whether traveling, volunteering, or participating in leadership programs, our teens step out of their comfort zones and step into experiences that help shape who they are and who they are becoming.
For Jewish teens, these moments carry even deeper meaning. Sharing Shabbat with friends under the stars, exploring Israel for the first time, lending a hand in a local community, or learning from peers across different backgrounds. Each encounter becomes a building block of Jewish identity. These experiences help teens connect to their values, their heritage, and to one another in powerful, lasting ways.
That’s why Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is proud to invest in and support so many different pathways for teen engagement each summer. Through our partnerships and programs, we make it possible for teens to explore the world, build confidence, and find their place in the Jewish story.
This summer, many of our teens took part in experiences that opened their eyes, deepened their connections, and helped them see themselves—and their community—with fresh perspective. We’re excited to share some of their reflections below, in their own words.
Teen Reflections: Voices from the Summer
Each story is unique, but together they tell a larger story of growth, gratitude, and Jewish connection. From leadership and service to travel and friendship, our teens’ summer experiences remind us of what’s possible when we invest in the next generation.
Jonah Weinerman (Diller Teen Fellow) – CDR & NJY Camps
As a current sophomore in high school, I have had plenty of time in my life to grow and experience many things. Most of my life-changing experiences have happened in summer, when I’m at camp. To me, camp is the home that I can return to, year after year, to make endless memories with the people I love. Camp isn’t just a place. It’s where I get the chance to be with my friends, who, over the years, have become my second family. Why do I go back summer after summer? Because it’s central to my identity as a Jewish teen. Over the last thirteen years, I have strengthened all my core values at camp…And if I had a thousand do-overs, I wouldn’t change a thing. Camp has instilled Jewish values like perseverance, strength, kindness, and care for others, in me through the countless activities and programs we do. In my opinion, I think every child deserves to go to camp. Their lives would be forever enriched in such a positive way. The values, lessons, and core memories that would be engraved into them year after year, would help shape them into a leader and a kind person.
It is important for teens, especially, to experience camp because of the so-called “color palette” of meaning it has to offer. A teen will make everlasting friendships on a deeper level than ever before, and along with those friendships, lifelong memories. Summer camp helps me embody my best Jewish self. It strengthens my deep pride in my religion.
In this current world, it is easy to hide away from our Judaism, but that means it is just as important to be proud of it. Camp is one of the leading factors in why I am a proud, Jewish, Zionist wherever I go: school, malls, parks, airports, etc. This past summer specifically was extremely magical to me because for the first time I had the opportunity to be an “Intern/L.I.T. (Leader in Training).” Over the years, growing up at camp, I had countless role models, and for the first time, I was able to be that person in another camper’s life. I was an intern lifeguard at NJY camps in the Poconos for three weeks, and an L.I.T. (Junior Counselor Program), as well as a lifeguard, at Camp Deeny Riback in Flanders, NJ. Through both camping journeys, I have finally been able to pay forward everything I’ve received over the last 13 years to the next generation of camping leaders. Camp is not just somewhere we go for a couple of months in the summer; it is the driving force behind every decision I make, my motivation and everything I do in life. It is the bind that forms close-knit bonds between friends that will never break. It is my second home. Camp will never be just “camp” to me- it will always be the reason I am who I am today.
Mia Jacob (StudentToStudent Ambassador) – Federation Mission to Israel
My summer experience to Israel was one of the most meaningful and memorable trips I have ever been on. Something special about the Diller trip was that, unlike a teen tour where you travel with a group of strangers, I was joined by nearly 20 of my good friends in a place where I felt very at home; a feeling I felt very rarely. The trip started in Jerusalem. We visited the Kotel, learned about the city’s history, did lots of shopping, and stopped by even more ice cafes. The Kotel was such a unique experience with my Diller cohort, because I was able to observe all the different religious practices and traditions we had individually. With the Western Wall being such a holy place, I felt connected to my friends, to my religion, and at peace. One of my favorite memories from Jerusalem was the food truck festival. We went a t dusk. It was a lively festival brimming with music and delicious food; in the distance we could see the beautiful Mount of Olives. After Jerusalem, we spent Shabbat up north, in a kibbutz close to the Kinneret. We bonded through shabbos-activities and enjoyed a taste of kibbutz life. During our time up north, two of my favorite moments were at Dor Beach, and in Tzfat. In both places, I laughed so much and felt such a sense of gratitude to be able to visit all these amazing landmarks.
After our peaceful time in the North, we made our way down to Tel Aviv. This leg of the trip was what I was most excited for—reconnecting with the Rishon LeZion cohort. The time we spent in discussion, playing keep-up with a soccer ball, or having a party with watermelon, will always be my happiest memories from the trip. I know that my journey to Israel was so unique and extremely special. After concluding my Diller year in August, I regularly think back to this summer in Israel. How freeing it felt to be in the Jewish homeland. I felt connected to the country, the Jewish people, and especially myself in a way I had never been before, and I am so grateful to have been able to experience the trip.
Eliana Kaplan (Diller Teen Fellow) – Yallah Tikkun Israel Trip
In the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to volunteer in Israel with a group of American teens. Our trip was scheduled to begin just a few days after the Israel/Iran war. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was very grateful to be able to visit Israel during this difficult time. As it turned out, I had the most amazing summer making new friends, meeting and working with Israelis of all ages, and seeing Israel—everywhere from Eilat to Haifa. I will never forget how alive and hopeful the people were, the bustling markets and the Tel Aviv nightlife. Reminders of the war and hostages were everywhere, and so was the strong, vibrant Israeli spirit. I was also able to visit family; their resilience and joy were truly inspiring. I have never been prouder to be Jewish and grateful that I had the opportunity to help my people in my own may.
Plan YOUR Best Teen Summer Ever