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

1. Strengthen students’ knowledge of Israel as a vibrant modern country. 

2. Deepen students’ understanding of Israel’s history, land, people, culture, and the country’s relationship to Judaism.

3. Motivate and excite students to visit Israel.

Our 2022-2023 Rishona is Yael Bahat

YAEL BAHAT lives in Ra’anana and attended Mor-MetroWest High School where she majored in biology and computer science. She has been a member of the Israeli Scouts for nine years and in a leadership role for three years. In her free time, Yael loves singing and baking.