Kesher Leaders for 9th and 10th Graders

Kesher Leaders – a Shared Journey for American and Israeli Teens

Kesher Leaders is a cohort of local 9th and 10th grade American teens who connect with a similar group of Israeli teens from the JCC's sister city Arad, in a shared one-and-a-half year-long journey – including a trip to Israel!

Together, these two cohorts connect across continents – meeting, learning, exploring what it means to be a Jewish teen today and just hanging out!  It is a unique and special bonding experience that has impact well after the program is completed!

The Kesher Leader experience includes: 

• An unforgettable 8-day trip to Israel over Winter Break 2026
• Ongoing bonding and leadership experiences between the NJ and Israeli teen cohorts
• Hosting your Israeli friends with your family in NJ for 10 days during summer 2027.

Timeline

April - June 2026
Meet monthly with American and Israeli teens to start building relationships and community.  You’ll talk openly about:

• Life as Jewish teens in different parts of the world
• Israeli life post-October 7
• Rising antisemitism in the U.S.
• What connects us as Jewish people

Meetings will be the second Sunday of each month.

September - December 2026
Continue meeting monthly to deepen friendships and prepare for your trip to Israel.
Meetings will be the second Sunday of each month.

Travel to Israel over Winter Break 2026
Meet your Israeli friends in person! Travel with your American teen cohort to connect, live and explore Israel with your Israeli teen friends. This will be an unforgettable trip filled with fun and long-lasting connections to your American cohort, your Israeli friends and to Israel.  There is nothing better than seeing a country through the eyes of locals, and this 8-day trip will give American teens the opportunity to experience Israeli culture and sightsee through local teens’ eyes. 

January - June 2027
Monthly meet-ups continue as you stay connected with your American and Israeli friends and reflect on your shared experiences.
Meetings will be the second Sunday of each month.

Host your Israeli Friends in NJ in July 2027
The Israeli cohort will join our community for 10 days and American teens will have so much fun showing them the Jewish American experience, taking trips from NYC to Six Flags. 

Price: $1,300 (includes monthly meetings at the JCC, flights to/from Israel, all activities and travels in Israel, and all activities in NJ while Israelis are visiting) 

Applications are open to current 9th and 10th graders. Please submit your application by March 25!

Apply Here

Questions?  Contact Jolie Saltiel at [email protected] or 908-889-8800 x264.

Kesher Leaders is made possible through the support and partnership of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.