Aug 1, 2023

Diller Teen Fellows Immerse Themselves in the Negev During Community Week

“The time we spent in Yerucham was extremely special and impactful,” cited Miami Diller Teen Fellow Sara Edelstein who, along with 19 others in her cohort, visited the Federation partner city during the Diller Teen Fellowship summer Israel trip, which took place July 2-24. The Miami group was welcomed by families in Yerucham for Community Week, during which cohorts from around the world are hosted in their Israeli partnership cities. The teens explored the rich mosaic of cultures coexisting in the Negev city. They learned basket weaving, tried their hand at Moroccan tile painting at Studio Zuak and attended a Lechem Zeh bread workshop, where Jewish culture and tradition are celebrated through baking. They visited Bedouin tents, stargazed in the Negev Desert, learned firsthand about Federation beneficiary Magen David Adom and overall had the time of their lives. “I was able to experience a traditional Shabbat,” Edelstein said, “and make deep connections with my host family.”

The Miami Diller Teen Fellowship, a program of Greater Miami Jewish Federation subsidiary the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), provides an immersive leadership development experience for select Jewish 10th and 11th graders. The year-long Fellowship provides teens with opportunities to develop leadership skills, connect to a global network of peers, strengthen their Jewish identities and participate in tikkun olam, repairing the world.

The Miami cohort took an active role in planning their Yerucham stay, which afforded Fellows a deep dive into Israeli culture. “What made Community Week so special for me was seeing the dichotomy between the smaller city of Yerucham and Miami,” shared Miami Fellow Ella Stern. “Despite having different upbringings, our cohorts connected in a beautiful and meaningful way. I can't wait to continue nurturing our lifelong friendships!"

To learn more and apply to become a Diller Teen Fellow, click here.