Teen group aims to strengthen Jewish values, Israel ties

EITANIM, THE entrepreneurship-based training program for teens developed by the Israel American Council (IAC), is being launched this winter.

The Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ is offering the first Eitanim group, open to students in Middlesex and Monmouth counties, this winter at Congregation Young Israel of East Brunswick.

Inbar Singal, the federation’s manager of community engagement, said Eitanim “connects teens to Israel while teaching them skills that will help them succeed in school, the workplace, relationships, and the community.”

This first group will be mentored by Yair Nezaria, CEO of Shira Esthetics, an internationally successful skin-care company known for its environmentally sensitive product development. The father of four, two of whom helped organize the federation’s Israel Teen Summit last fall, said the program “offers a creative way to have fun while learning to work on important projects that build pride in Israel and Jewish history and heritage.”

Get New Jersey Jewish News's Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

According to Noa Raab, IAC’s regional director for New Jersey, “Eitanim helps teens develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” with the aim of “strengthening their Jewish identity and building their connection to Israel.”

There is a $150 fee, including meetings, materials, and dinner; to register, go to jewishheartnj.org/eitanim.