From April 1–10, our community experienced the joy of hosting 20 teens from our partnership community, Rishon LeZion. The Jewish Community Mifgash (Encounter) or JCM that we host each year as part of the Diller Teen Fellows program. Diller is a dynamic, year-long leadership experience for high school sophomores and juniors that brings together Jewish teens from across the globe—including Israel, North America, the UK, Argentina, South Africa, and Australia—to explore their Jewish identity, values, and role in shaping the future.
JCM is an incredible milestone where the living bridge of Jewish people is built. In their time together the 40 teens and their families shared meaningful conversations about Jewish life in their respective communities, connected over food, art, music, or sports, and formed friendships that are unlike any other. The time they spent together underscored our values of connection, growth, and building a global Jewish family.
As Naomi Cohen, a sophomore from Morristown, shared, “I’m so glad I got to experience a whole new side of Judaism, learning their experiences and comparing them to mine. I also made what I hope to be lifelong friendships and had some of the best days of my life!”
During JCM, the 20 fellows from Rishon Lezion and their five staff members learned about Jewish life in New Jersey. We toured many Jewish institutions, including day schools, synagogues, early childhood centers, Hillel, and LifeTown. The Israeli teens learned about Federation’s fundraising for Israel, Mishlachat program that welcomes them back for a year of service, and the rich history of GMW. The Israeli teens were amazed at the impact that Federation has for Jews in New Jersey and in Israel.
One of the most meaningful experiences during JCM was the Shabbaton (weekend retreat). All 40 teens went away to camp for 25 uninterrupted hours together. They strengthened their relationships through programming, learned from each other, and found true joy and respite.
Sam Fishkin, a junior from Short Hills reflected, “Throughout JCM I got to build very strong friendships with our Israeli cohort and was able to learn lots about Israeli culture and lifestyles. We now have a big group of 40 friends that we build onto during ISS!”
One of the most memorable aspects was the home hospitality. Each teen received a family that welcomed them into their house, fed them, chauffeured them, and became their home away from home. They came as strangers and within 10 days they left as family. “Hosting a guest from Rishon LeZion was one of the most special experiences of my life,” said Deia Spritzer, a junior from North Caldwell. “I didn’t just make a new friend—I found a new family, and I’m already counting down the days until we’re together again. Every day we stay in touch, and I’ll forever treasure the memories and relationships we share.”
For many, the experience left a deep emotional imprint. Max DePaul, a junior from Springfield, said, “The JCM experience was one of the most memorable chapters in my life despite only being one week out of the year. The connections formed will truly last a lifetime and it has deepened my care and love for Israel.”
JCM was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when bridges are built. Teens from both GMW and Rishon Lezion learned a lot, grew as young Jewish adults, and felt more connected to Judaism and each other, which will leave a lasting impression on them. We are looking forward to continuing these connections and experiences in the summer when we travel to Israel for Diller’s Israel Summer Seminar!