The wind was relentless. Tents collapsed. Plans unraveled. And still, eight teenage girls from New Jersey stood laughing, huddled together under the vast Negev sky, learning something no classroom could ever teach them.
This was Desert Wolves.
During Women’s History Month, as conversations about women’s voices and leadership take on renewed focus, we’re reflecting on the recent journey of our “Desert Wolves” a group of 10th and 11th grade girls from Greater MetroWest NJ, who went to experience Israel not as an abstraction, but as a living place shaped by real people, real challenges, and lasting connection.
What Is Desert Wolves?
Desert Wolves is a yearlong leadership and empowerment program for high school girls, run in partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s partner communities in Israel. Over six in person sessions in New Jersey (with parallel sessions taking place in Israel), participants build a foundation around Jewish identity, leadership, peoplehood, and resilience.
The program culminates with a powerful weeklong journey through Israel’s southern desert, where the New Jersey group joins Israeli teens from partner communities in Ofakim and Merchavim. Together, the teens learn and have meaningful discussions around identity, connect to the land, cook their own meals, and build meaningful bonds with one another.
This year, the girls also spent two nights with host families in Ofakim and Merchavim. After four days in the desert forming deep connections with their Israeli peers, they were welcomed into their homes and daily lives. Each girl experienced Shabbat through a different family, gained insight into Israeli life and its challenges, and formed lasting relationships.
Peoplehood in action!
Building Global Connections in Israel
But what happens on the ground, what sticks, are the moments you can’t plan for.
“For me, it was the night we camped near Masada… or at least we were supposed to,” shared Gabby remembering how they a sandstorm forced them to leave to hotel. “It taught me to go with the flow and make the best out of every situation. Sure, a tent fell on my head, but I also got to hear stories about the army. Going with the flow is an extremely important life lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
“This trip was a daunting task for me,” said Lexi. “I had to push myself, and I learned so much. Experiencing a culture different than mine broadened my outlook on life. I got to experience a world much bigger than my own.”
Mushka echoed that sentiment, recalling the peace that was felt while in the desert, “The air is warm with a soft breeze blowing. I’m walking slowly, by myself, listening to my thoughts, wondering who was here before me, what happened, what their life looked like and who they were. A calm peace settles over me as I look over a mountain and see the start of a setting sun. I take a deep breath, life is good.”
Why a Female Only Leadership Space Matters
Desert Wolves is intentionally female only, creating space for young women to lead, question, reflect, and grow without apology.
At a time when debates around women’s presence, voice, and religious expression are once again in the spotlight, programs like Desert Wolves model another way forward: one rooted in mutual respect, shared experience, and the belief that young women deserve a seat at every table.
These girls advocated for themselves to have a day in Jerusalem, something the Jewish Federation was happy to say yes to. They visited the Kotel and took up space. They were there with tears, davening, touching the wall, embracing the beauty of Israel. That Shabbat was made more beautiful than ever because the girls had embraced the beauty of the Old City and then returned home to their host families.
This is what it looks like when Israel comes to life. Not just as a place, but as relationships that shape identity and leadership for years to come.