About the Program
Each year, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel, welcomes a group of young emissaries from communities in Israel. Rishonim are talented young adults who are embarking on a gap year between high school graduation and their mandatory IDF or national service. They volunteer throughout our community in schools, synagogues, and JCCs, bringing their spirit, knowledge, and love of Israel to our community.
Goals
- Strengthen students’ knowledge of Israel as a vibrant modern country.
- Deepen students’ understanding of Israel’s history, land, people, culture, and the country’s relationship to Judaism.
- Motivate and excite students to visit Israel.
Our 2023-2024 Rishona is Noam Vashdy.
Noam Vashdy is from a small town near Kfar Saba called Alfei Menashe. He enjoys hiking, sports, and hanging out with his friends and siblings. He attended an international boarding school majoring in computer science, economics, and biology.
