You want your child to grow, thrive, and be ready for what comes next. So, how do you find the right opportunities? The transition from middle school to high school is a big one, and it is the perfect time for something transformative. That is where IsraelNow comes in.
IsraelNow offers rising 8th graders from the Greater MetroWest NJ community the chance to spend a week in Israel exploring the country, volunteering, and building lifelong friendships. Along the way, they strengthen their Jewish identity and return home more confident, more connected, and more prepared for the next chapter in their lives.
A Taste of Independence Before High School
For many teens, this is their first trip away from home without family. And that is part of the magic. Teens gain confidence as they experience this new adventure surrounded by supportive staff and peers from their community. It is the perfect stepping stone to the independence they will need in high school and beyond.
Building Jewish Identity and Global Awareness
From visiting Jerusalem’s Old City to floating in the Dead Sea, IsraelNow gives teens a personal and powerful connection to Israel’s history, culture, and people. They do not just learn about Israel. They live it. Through volunteering with local organizations and meeting Israeli peers, they begin to see the bigger picture of the Jewish story and where they fit within it.
Making Friends That Last
IsraelNow brings together teens from across Greater MetroWest, many of whom have never met before. A week filled with shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and new challenges creates strong friendships that often continue into high school and beyond.
Growing Through Service
A key part of the IsraelNow experience is giving back. Teens participate in volunteer projects that show them the impact they can have on the world. These hands-on experiences help them develop a sense of responsibility and compassion that will serve them long after the trip ends.
The 2025 IsraelNow MetroWest trip will take place from February 15 through February 24, 2026.
The trip is highly subsidized to ensure that cost is not a barrier and to make it possible for more teens in our community to participate.
If you have a rising 8th grader, this is the moment to give them something unforgettable. Something that will shape who they are as they move into high school and beyond.
Let this be the year your teen connects more deeply to their identity, their community, and the world.