Stories from the Heart of Ofakim
April 13, 2026
Rebecca Gold
Chair, Global Partnerships
As tensions continue between the United States, Iran, and Israel, our hearts are heavy. Lives have been lost. Families are grieving. Communities acros...
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When the Desert Teaches You to Lead
March 16, 2026
The wind was relentless. Tents collapsed. Plans unraveled. And still, eight teenage girls from New Jersey stood laughing, huddled together under the v...
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Habayta: When “Home” Finally Comes
January 26, 2026
Daniella Gefen
Community Shlicha
“Habayta” — “Home” has become almost a national anthem over the past 843 days. This call, “HOME,” has been sung for so long now, and suddenly Ran Gvil...
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It Still Feels Like a Dream
October 13, 2025
Daniella Gefen
Community Shlicha
It still feels like a dream — these past two years, this past week, this night and the morning after. So many of us imagined this moment for so long, ...
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When Connections Save Lives: Olga’s Story
September 26, 2025
This summer in Ukraine, children ran through workshops, solved puzzles about Jewish traditions, and unlocked a symbolic “Key of Unity,” all as part of...
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Experiencing Israel Through the Six Senses
July 9, 2025
Maya Lior
Senior Community Shlicha
When we first started dreaming up "Israel Through the Six Senses," it wasn’t just about programming. It was about healing. It was about finding a way ...
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A Healing Retreat for Israeli Mental Health Workers
July 1, 2025
Donna Oshri
Manager of Global Partnerships, Global Connections
From June 6–12, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ had the privilege of hosting 13 extraordinary Israeli therapists from our partner communitie...
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Nova Survivor Moves the World at Eurovision
May 23, 2025
Maya Lior
Senior Community Shlicha
This past Saturday, millions of people held their breath during the final moments of the Eurovision Song Contest. Yuval Raphael, Israel’s 24-year-old ...
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Can You Create a Shared Society in the Middle of a War?
May 14, 2025
Yael Birin
Israel and Overseas Allocations Committee's Shared Society and Jewish Pluralism Pillar Leader
Getting involved with Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ's Shared Society and Pluralism Committee has been one of the most personal and meaning...
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What Peoplehood Really Means
May 14, 2025
Martín Yafé
Global Connections Director
The concept of peoplehood has always been central to Jewish identity, and for members of Federation’s Peoplehood 7 cohort, it has taken on new meaning...
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What I Learned by Spending Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut in Israel
April 25, 2025
Steven D. Levy
Interim CEO
One of the most interesting experiences I have ever had was being in Israel on Yom Ha'Zikaron (Israel’s Day of Remembrance) and Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel...
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The Power of Showing Up: Inside Our Israel Block Party
April 23, 2025
Maya Lior
Senior Community Shlicha
“A super fun day... a day of celebration, family, and unity!” That’s how Ilyssa Tepperman describes this year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut Israel Block Party, and...
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Ofakim’s Coffee Cart of Connection
April 9, 2025
Michal Zur and Rebecca Pollack
Executive Director GMW Israel Office; Chief Development Officer
This Passover, we are reminded once again of the power of community, renewal, and transformation. The story of the mobile coffee cart in our partner c...
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A Table Full of Memories and Mimouna
April 2, 2025
Laurence Seltzer
Mimouna Event Team Member
Growing up in Morocco, Mimouna was one of the most festive and joyous celebrations in my home. It marked the end of Passover with an explosion of swee...
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Embracing Our Peoplehood in Israel
February 11, 2025
After months of anticipation, we finally saw each other panim el panim (face to face). There was no hesitation. We embraced like dear, old friends. It...
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Peoplehood Means Mishpacha!
February 5, 2025
I just came home from my fourth trip to Israel—my third with a Federation connection. As a member of the Peoplehood 7 cohort, I am deeply grateful for...
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A New Alliance to Strengthen the NJ-Israel Relationship
January 2, 2025
Linda Scherzer
JCRC Director
On Monday, Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino will arrive in New Jersey to sign a sister-city agreement with the Township of Middletown, establishing a formal ...
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Get into the High Holiday Spirit with the Rishonim
October 1, 2024
Maya Lior
Senior Community Shlicha
Our Rishonim are gearing up for their very first Rosh Hashanah in New Jersey! Learn about their favorite traditions and how they'll be celebrating thi...
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