Growing up as a Jewish girl in New Jersey, I was always told, “There are Jews everywhere.” Yet, somehow, that never seemed to include my town. I didn’t know about Jewish Federation’s teen programs. The only time I was surrounded by other Jewish kids was on Sunday mornings at Hebrew School. Even though I had close friends, I always felt a quiet sense of being “different.” I was the only one who missed school for Jewish holidays, the only one preparing for a Bat Mitzvah, and the only student who noticed the absence of Jewish representation during the winter holiday season.
Looking back, I wish I had known about the Jewish teen programs available to me. I wish I had found a community where I could embrace my identity earlier in life. But in some ways, growing up without that connection has given me a unique perspective—it has made me appreciate the importance of belonging to a Jewish teen program even more. Now, I understand just how valuable it is to have a space where young Jews can connect, celebrate their heritage, and feel seen.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no one should have to feel like the only one.
Being a Jewish teen today comes with unique challenges. Between school, social pressures, and an ever-changing world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. On top of that, antisemitism is on the rise, making it more important than ever to find a supportive, values-driven community. Federation’s Jewish teen programs provide a safe space where teens can connect with like-minded peers, explore identity, and gain the tools to navigate challenges with confidence.
As Jade Meier, a participant in the Desert Wolves program, shares: “Being part of Desert Wolves gave me new friendships both in the US and Israel and helped me feel part of the larger community by introducing me to so many new people!”
Now, more than ever, finding a place where you feel seen and supported is essential.
More than just a place to make friends, Federation’s teen programs help teens develop leadership skills, engage in meaningful discussions, and find ways to stand up against hate. Through advocacy workshops, mentorship opportunities, and community service projects, teens learn how to make a real impact. Plus, these programs prioritize mental health, offering a welcoming environment where they can de-stress, express themselves, and find support when they need it most.
Jewish teen programs don’t just prepare you for the future—they help you shape it.
“TILC taught me about Israel’s history and gave me the tools to explain what being a Zionist really means,” says Rayna Emdur a participant in Federation’s Teen Israel Leadership Council (TILC). “Now, if I’m ever in a situation where I need to stand up for Israel, I know what to say and how to say it.”
Your teen doesn’t have to face these challenges alone. Federation’s Jewish teen programs are designed to foster connection and build community. Programs like Student to Student offer 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to share their Jewish identity with non-Jewish peers, breaking down barriers and cultivating understanding through personal storytelling.
For those looking to expand their horizons even further, the Interfaith Teen Leaders program invites 10th and 11th graders to engage with teens from other faiths. It’s not just about learning—it’s about building bridges and strengthening respect in today’s diverse world.
And for younger high schoolers, Iris Teen Tzedakah offers 9th and 10th graders a year-long program focused on philanthropy, Jewish education, and leadership, where they’ll learn how to make an impact and leave their mark on the world.
But don’t take it just from me—see what our teens really think. In their own words.
Get a firsthand perspective of one teen’s trip to Israel with TILC in “Fully, Loudly, Alive—Israel Hit Differently This Time” by Lev Rudoren.
Whether through Shabbat dinners, travel experiences, or leadership training, Federation’s teen programs offer your teen a community to belong to, grow with, and feel proud of.
Sign up today for a virtual open house session and hear for yourself why these programs matter now more than ever!