Who is It For?
Jewish teens in grades 10-12 attending public schools
Applicants with a background in synagogue community life or in Jewish day-school education
Motivated learners, open to complexity and diverse perspectives, ready to lead!
What Does It Look Like?
A guided, growing teen cohort led by Brooklyn Senior Shlicha Lior Lekner—exploring, questioning, shaping their own Jewish-Israeli story, stepping into leadership, and connecting with peers who want to make a difference.
As part of the fellowship, participants will attend the Jewish Teen Leadership Summit in March, join the Brooklyn teen delegation to Israel in August, and lead an independent impact project in their home community.
15 fellows in total
Across Brooklyn synagogues and communities
8 evening gatherings
3-hour sessions, dinner included
Sundays, 6:30–9:30 PM
Every 3–4 weeks
Think Deeply
Explore the real Israel with honesty, nuance, and resilience.
Examine Zionism’s roots alongside Jewish and democratic values today
Learn the major campus narratives - post-Zionism and anti-Zionism with full context
Practice critical thinking using primary sources and diverse Israeli and Palestinian voices
Speak Up
Find your voice and use it with confidence and respect.
Engage in conversations that do not avoid sensitive or charged issues
Build communication skills = civil disagreement and active listening
Role-play real scenarios from school, social media, and campus dynamics
Connect
Build meaningful relationships and shared purpose.
Create community with teens from across Brooklyn
Form real relationships with Israelis - peers, activists, and mentors
Strengthen your Jewish identity in a space that is safe, open, and supportive
Take Action
Turn ideas into impact - in Brooklyn and in Israel.
Plan and run an Israel-related program at your synagogue or school using a micro-grant
Build a leadership toolkit -goal-setting, team roles, budgeting and designing impact
Volunteer in Israel (Aug 2026) - connect with diverse communities and contribute where help is needed
Summer Teen Israel Trip August 2026
Combines adventure, learning, leadership, and fun
As part of the program, we will travel with a Brooklyn-wide teen delegation to Israel, together with dozens of Jewish teens from across the borough.
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Explore Jerusalem’s ancient and modern sites
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Hike Israel’s most beautiful landscapes
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Connect with Israeli culture, food, music, and people
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Travel and learn alongside teens from across Brooklyn
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Build lifelong friendships and meaningful Jewish identity
Offered with significant RootOne funding.
New - York
Teen Summit
March 1, 2026
A full-day teen leadership summit in Manhattan, bringing together 200 teen leaders from across the region for workshops, discussions, and encounters focused on engaging Israel and combating antisemitism.
Additional Details
• Fellowship evenings are free.
• Israel trip – pricing finalized in partnership with RootOne; scholarships available.
• Accessibility: dietary, sensory, and physical needs accommodated.
Session Dates
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Jan 11 — First Meeting
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Feb 1
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Feb 22
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Mar 15
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Apr 12
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May 3
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May 24
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June 14
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June 28 — Trip Prep and Project Presentations
Meet Your Mentor
Lior Lekner | Senior Shlicha in Brooklyn for the Jewish Agency
With over two decades of experience in informal education, community building, and cultivating a pluralistic Jewish identity rooted in Zionist heritage, Lior is a dedicated educator who empowers teens to explore their Jewish identities with curiosity, confidence, and a thoughtful understanding of Israel and its complexities.
Lior holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and History and a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies. Originally from Tel Aviv, she has been an active member of the innovative educational community of Kibbutz Na’aran in the Jordan Valley. She now lives in Brooklyn with her partner, Omer, and their three children, and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with teens and families across the community.
How To Apply?
Step 1
Step 2
Short interview so we can get to know you
Applications due: Dec 10
Interviews:
Dec 15 5:00–9:00 PM
Dec 16 5:00–9:00 PM
Limited spots
15 fellows only!
Want to hear more?
Leave your info and we’ll be in touch
Partner Synagogues and Community Organizations
Because you deserve a space where you can:
Be proudly Jewish and ask real questions
Build friendships within and beyond your community
Strengthen college applications with real leadership
Do something meaningful for Israel and Brooklyn
Why join?
Think deeply. Speak up. Take action. Impact Israel.