Young Judaea

Ensuring Jewish Continuity for Future Generations

Young Judaea forges a strong commitment to Jewish life while instilling a love of Israel and Zionism for thousands of American youth and young adults through its summer camps, Israel programs, year round activities and volunteer experiences. Hadassah and Young Judaea continue their strong partnership through their shared mission to connect Americans to Israel, stress pluralism, leadership development, learning, and advocacy.

Learn more about Young Judaea’s camps, Israel programs, or year round activities.

Building for Tomorrow

SUPPORT YOUNG JUDAEA SCHOLARSHIPS

Young Judaea Camps

Each year Young Judaea’s network of day and overnight summer camps give more than 2,000 campers and staff the ultimate Jewish summer camp experience. We're proud to say that we’ve been doing it for more than 60 years!

Israel Programs

Our Young Judaea Israel programs will give your youth a new perspective on Israel and Judaism. Options for unforgettable experiences include: Gap Year, Year Course, Teen summer experiences, Birthright to College and Beyond. Your child will thank you!
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Scholarships

Hadassah offers several scholarships, including the Leaders of Tomorrow Award, and Israel Programs and Camp scholarships, We're happy to provide guidance to families interested in a Young Judaea experience.

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YOUNGJUDEAEA.ORG ›

Year Round Programs

Young Judaea is revitalizing year-round programs with 1,500 youngsters nationally meeting regularly in kehilot. Discover how your youth can participate in a fun and educational experience while building a sense of community.
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Young Judaea Chronology

Here are a few of our favorite Young Judaea moments:

1909 – Young Judaea is officially born as an organization, made up of multiple Zionist clubs from around the country

1936 – Hadassah National Board votes to support YJ with a $2500 grant, which was ¼ of YJ’s budget.

1948 – Camp Tel Yehuda, YJ’s National Senior is founded in Barryville, NY.
Mid 1950’s Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, NC begins as a two week camp.

1956 – Young Judaea establishes its Year course Program, which eventually becomes the largest gap year program in Israel, now celebrating its 60th year.

Mid 1960’s CYJ Texas, in Wimberly Texas, comes under the auspices of the Zionist Youth Commission.

1963 – Young Judaea becomes the only Jewish youth group to send an official delegation to the civil rights March on Washington.

1967 – Hadassah becomes the sole supporter of Young Judaea.

1970 – Camp Young Judaea Midwest is established as a junior camp.

1973 – Kibbutz Ketura founded by Young Judaea graduates looking for a stronger commitment to Zionism after the Six Day War.

1982 – Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake, in Verbank, NY was born.

1993 – Young Judaea gathers over 8,000 signatures on a petition to the Clinton Administration calling for more U.S. involvement on behalf of Israeli soldiers missing in actions.

1997 – Young Judaea formalizes partnerships with its two sister movements – the Tsofim in Israel and the Federation of Zionist Youth in Great Britain – to strengthen the connection between Jewish, Zionist youth in Israel and in the Diaspora.

1998 – Hadassah commissions a Continuity Study for YJ, which shows 95% of Young Judaea alumni surveyed married other Jews!

2005 – Mid-Winter school break: Young Judaeans go to New Orleans to help clean up after Hurricane Katrina.

2012 – Young Judaea becomes an independent organization becoming a ‘103-year-old start up’, with Hadassah continuing its commitment to scholarships and special programs.

Leaders of Tomorrow Award

The Leaders of Tomorrow Award is a highly selective, merit-based award that exposes its winners to the rich culture and history of Israel and the Jewish people. They have opportunities to hone their leadership skills, meet with VIPs, and give back in meaningful ways. Our leaders share their impressions and observations as they experience Israel by writing, blogging and speaking about their incredible journey. They receive both local and national recognition for this highly prestigious award.

Applications for the 2021 Leaders of Tomorrow Award are now being accepted
Application Deadline: Friday, February 19, 2021
Decision Notification: End of March 2021
Program Timeframe: July 2021

Eligibility and Criteria

Seeking female applicants, currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school, who are residents of the United States.
Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership skills, excellent communications and interpersonal skills, and solid academics.
The award recipient must be willing to commit to the full duration of the program in Israel. July 6 – July 29, 2021*.
Award recipient will be expected to share impressions and experiences from trip during and after the program through various forums (e.g., blog, video, community and National Hadassah meeting).
Award recipient will be expected to share impressions and experiences from trip during and after the program through various forums (e.g., blog, video, community and National Hadassah meeting).
Award recipient is responsible for ensuring that she has an up-to-date passport.
Participation in a prior Young Judaea program is not necessary.

Application Submission and Review Process

Only applicants who submit a fully completed application package by Friday, February 19, 2021 will be considered for this award.
● The following application package pieces should be submitted as follows:

Online Leaders of Tomorrow application
2020-2021 High School Transcript *
Two Recommendation Letters * – one from an academic teacher and another from a mentor -- no relatives please
**Please send transcript and recommendation letters by email to cstubbs@hadassah.org

Please include your full name and email on each piece of the application package.
Semi-finalists will be notified in early March. A phone or Zoom interview will be set up with each semi-finalist.
Final decision notifications will be e-mailed.

If you have any questions, please contact Crystal Stubbs at cstubbs@hadassah.org or 347-491-2069.
To start your Leaders of Tomorrow Award Application click here