ENSURING JEWISH CONTINUITY
We’re deeply committed to fostering a strong commitment to Jewish life while instilling a love of Israel and Zionism for thousands of American youth and young adults. As strong supporters of Young Judaea, we provide scholarships and opportunities that help ensure their passion for Jewish life and Israel while giving them the tools they need to become strong leaders of tomorrow.
Scholarships
Our Hadassah members proudly raise funds for Young Judaea camps and Israel programs through local grassroots programs and activities, throughout the year. Hadassah provides scholarships to approximately 300-400 campers and Machon and Year Course participants each year, thanks to our large network of Young Judaea alumni and other supporters. Young Judaea predicts an increased need for financial support for the summer of 2021 due to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families. Please help Hadassah increase our support to another generation of Judaeans by donating toward Young Judaea Scholarships.
YOUNG JUDAEA SUMMER CAMPS
As a proud Young Judaea supporter, Hadassah helps send children and young adults to camp each year. Every summer, more than 2,000 campers and staff from across the country come together for sports, arts and crafts, drama and more, all with an emphasis on Jewish values and Israeli culture.
Learn more about how you can support Hadassah’s efforts to provide youth with these unforgettable experiences.
Day Camps
Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake has two sites in the NY area: YJ Camp Discovery in Northern Westchester and Sprout Brooklyn where campers spend half of each day immersed in the Hebrew language while enjoying activities such as swimming, cooking and sports.
Junior Sleepaway Camp
For children entering grades 2-10, Young Judaea has CYJ Sprout Lake in New York, CYJ Midwest in Wisconsin, CYJ Texas and Camp Judaea in North Carolina. It’s tons of fun — hiking, tennis, swimming, drama, sports, arts & crafts and more — with a special focus on Jewish values and Israeli culture.
Tel Yehudah
Chanichim, entering grades 9-12, come from across the country to Young Judaea’s Tel Yehudah senior leadership camp. In addition to all the activities, campers discover ways they can connect to Judaism by building their own unique Jewish identity. They learn about Jewish heritage through community building, cultural experiences, educational programs and more.
Israel Programs
Through scholarship funding, Hadassah supports Israel Summer Programs and the Year Course gap year program. These programs instill a strong commitment to Israel in our youth. For over 60 years, teens, college students and young adults have embraced Young Judaea’s Israel experiences, which combine discovery of the land, exploration of Jewish culture and the opportunity to give back. Once students take a trip, they become a member of the Young Judaea family, joining thousands of passionate alumni.
Israel Summer Programs
Young adults discover the history, culture and modern vibe of Israel while making lifelong friends. They can put their leadership skills into action with Machon or take an unforgettable four-week trip to Israel.
Year Course
Young Judaea’s Year Course in Israel is a nine-month gap year program for high school graduates. They explore their passion through interning or volunteering, and take a variety of stimulating courses for college credit. Graduates learn Hebrew and get to know Israel from top to bottom — because the best way to understand Israel’s diverse society, history, culture and geography is to live like an Israeli.
Each Year Course semester is enhanced with a variety of cultural events, seminars and activities with Israeli peers. Year Course offers the perfect balance of structure and independence.
Leaders of Tomorrow
Hadassah’s Leaders of Tomorrow Award is a highly selective, merit-based award that immerses our winners in the rich culture and history of Israel and the Jewish people. These Leaders of Tomorrow have the opportunity to travel to Israel and hone their leadership skills, meet with VIPs and give back in truly meaningful ways. Our leaders share their impressions and observations as they experience Israel by writing, blogging and speaking about their incredible journeys. They receive both local and national recognition for this highly prestigious award. Let's congratulate and support them.
Read more about the 2023 Leaders of Tomorrow Award winners.
Our Rich History
From our founding to important advocacy milestones, here are a few of our favorite Young Judaea moments.