Greater MetroWest has a proud history of legacy giving. Each year, a diverse group of Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ (JCF) lay leaders allocate the funds from these legacy commitments, awarding grants that strengthen and transform Jewish life across our community.
For FY2026, these dedicated volunteers reviewed applications and awarded grants to support impactful initiatives in three key areas: Jewish education, care for older adults, and support for those in need.
Each program selected had a clear vision, measurable impact, and alignment with our Jewish values of inclusion, learning, and communal responsibility.
In total, about $230,000 was awarded to programs that will enrich lives locally and in our Israeli partnership communities.
This year’s grantees represent a vibrant tapestry of initiatives—from early childhood education and teen leadership development to Holocaust survivor care and support for lone soldiers in Israel.

Local Highlights: Care for Older Adults and the Needy
Congregation B’nai Israel of Millburn
Linking Generations: L’Dor V’Dor
Creating intergenerational programming that brings seniors and preschoolers together for shared Jewish experiences.
Friends of Hatzalah of West Orange–Livingston
An Ounce of Prevention
Enhancing emergency medical training with advanced simulation tools to better serve older adults and financially vulnerable patients.
JCC MetroWest
Littman Memory Center Financial Assistance
Providing financial aid for adults with memory impairment to access social, cognitive, and nutritional support.
Jewish Family Service of Central NJ
Kosher Food Packages for Synagogue Members
Discreetly distributing kosher food packages to synagogue members facing food insecurity.
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest
Holiday Meals & Care Packages
Delivering culturally meaningful meals and care packages to Holocaust survivors and homebound older adults.

Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest CARES
Transportation for Holocaust Survivors
Ensuring survivors can access trauma-informed dental care at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Union Y (YM-YWHA of Union County) –
Taste & Tradition: Monthly Luncheon Series
A warm and inclusive monthly gathering for seniors, celebrating Jewish culture, holidays, and community connection.
Local Highlights: Jewish Education
Congregation Beth El
Ritual Object Project-Based Learning
Training educators in project-based learning and enhancing ritual workshops to foster deeper student engagement and creativity.
Golda Och Academy
Dor Hemshech Alumni Fellows
Training three young alumni to lead Jewish experiential programming for Upper School students, helping build a pipeline of future Jewish educators and role models.
JCC of Central New Jersey
HaDerech: The Path to Jewish Leadership
A revitalized leadership development program blending Jewish learning with mentorship. Alumni and new participants will engage in high-level Jewish study and community-building, cultivating the next generation of Jewish communal leaders.
JEC
Immersive Holocaust Education Program
Expanding an integrated Holocaust curriculum across grades 5–12, including student-led museum exhibitions and survivor storytelling.
Jewish Parent Academy
JPA 2.0
Offering high-level Jewish learning seminars for Russian-speaking Jewish parents to strengthen identity and intergenerational connection.
Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy
Israel Education Retreat
Hosting a two-day immersive retreat to prepare 11th graders for Israel advocacy and Jewish leadership on college campuses and beyond.
Shomrei Emunah Preschool
Holistic Curriculum Implementation
Supporting professional development for educators and launching new family learning events and teen modules focused on Jewish identity and Israel.
Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim
Teen Torah and Leadership Lab
Creating a formal teen education program that blends Jewish learning, leadership training, and community connection for post–B’nai Mitzvah engagement.
Temple Shalom
Gil Harach & Family Shabbat Programming
Expanding joyful, inclusive programming for families and children, including holiday-themed events and hands-on ritual experiences.
Temple Sinai ECEP
Living Jewishly Holiday Resource Project
Developing accessible holiday guides for parents to strengthen Jewish learning at home and deepen family engagement.
Tri-State NCSY (Jewish Student Union)
MetroWest Teen Education Expansion
Launching immersive Shabbat and holiday programs for public school teens, with family engagement and Israel education components.
Israel Partnership Communities
College of Management Academic Studies
Hevruta Program for Ethiopian-Israeli Law Students
Providing scholarships, tutoring, and mentorship to help Ethiopian-Israeli students succeed in law school and enter the legal profession.
Akim Israel
Inclusive Aftercare & Advocacy in Rishon LeZion
Offering therapeutic after-school programs, weekend respite, and self-advocacy groups for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
American Friends of ELEM
Holistic Youth Support in Ofakim
Operating cultural school-based and nighttime outreach programs to support youth coping with trauma and instability following October 7.

Friends of Yashar LaChayal
Soldier in Need Fund
Supporting lone soldiers, who moved to Israel on their own, with food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and essential appliances to serve with dignity.