Akiva is a vibrant place for Cleveland teens to explore and grow in their devotion to Judaism and Israel while fostering everlasting friendships. From Hebrew and Judaic classes, to advocating for Israel through special activities, trips and community service, Akiva offers unique programming throughout the year.

High School @Akiva

www.hsakivacleveland.org

In a unique pluralistic setting, High School @ Akiva offers lively Judaic Studies and Hebrew language courses taught by outstanding teachers. With the opportunity to earn high school or college credit in select classes, teens can participate in a one- two- or three-day per week program, while expanding their knowledge of Judaism and Hebrew.

Hebrew Explorer Track (Tuesdays and/or Thursdays)

• Hebrew language classes from beginner to AP.

Jewish Explorer Track

Tuesdays

• Social Justice & Judaism
• Israel Today
• Sicha B’Ivrit (Practical Conversational Hebrew)

Thursdays

• Advocacy for Israel
• Why, Why, Why - Do We Do, Say and Act in a Jewish way?

Tuesday/Thursday evening classes held from 6:00 - 7:50 pm. Monday afternoons from 4:00 - 6:00 pm, SLICES offers students the opportunity to study a slice of Torah while enjoying a slice of pizza.

Siegal College @Akiva

For 11th and 12th grade students who wish to earn credit for college, Classes include:

• Between Arabs & Jews: The Mizrahim
• 100 Years to Tel Aviv
• Foundational Texts of Judaism - Hebrew Bible
• Keeping Faith? Jewish Families and Mixed Marriages

Torah High @Akiva

Torah High is a new track developed by Cleveland teens to reach a growing demand. Classes aim to teach what's at the core of Judaism. Torah High will reveal a deep, meaningful religion that is still very applicable to our modern lives. Classes meet Thursday s from 6:00 – 6:50 and 7:00 – 7:50. They include:

• Rational approaches to the belief in G-d and Judaism
• Making holidays applicable to our lives

Students are able to attend one or both hours.

Senior Project in Israel @Akiva

An opportunity for seniors to design, develop and work with the Jewish Community Federation’s Department of Overseas Programs and Akiva on a senior project in Israel.

Diller Teen Fellows/Ambassadors for Unity

A Jewish American/Israeli exchange leadership program sponsored by the Cleveland Jewish Community Federation Department of Oversees Programs and the International Diller Teen Fellows program. Students in 10th or 11th grades are selected to represent the Cleveland Jewish community, Beit She’an (Israel) and the American Diller family. Participants experience American Jewish and Israeli Jewish life together as Cleveland teens host teens from Beit She’an and, in turn, are hosted by Beit She’an families when they visit Israel. The yearlong program has four components: A 10-day visit to Cleveland by the Israeli participants (Mifgash), a visit to Israel with the larger American Diller family and a Mifgash with the Beit She’an participants, leadership, pre- and post-visit activities, and community projects.

HaZamir Cleveland

The Cleveland chapter of the International Jewish High School network of choirs, created by Matthew Lazar, provides Jewish teens with a high level choral experience in a Jewish environment. The chapter meets weekly to rehearse Jewish choral music and learn the same body of music as other chapters so they can join together at the annual HaZamir Festival. HaZamir Cleveland is open to all Jewish students with an interest in Jewish music, in grades 8 to 12.

Write On for Israel

A two-year Israel advocacy program, co-sponsored by Akiva, the Cleveland Jewish News and the Avi Chai Foundation, that trains a select group of Jewish high school juniors from all denominations to become advocates for Israel. During year one students learn about Israel and the Middle East, hear guest speakers, and hone their skills in research, debate, organizing events, and writing letters and op-eds. In year two, as seniors, students work in small groups to develop and create Israel-related projects. AN ISRAEL FACT FINDING MISSION will take place between the students' junior and senior years.

Israel Community Trip for 8th & 9th Graders in Supplementary Jewish Schools

Join Cleveland area 8th and 9th graders in a fun-filled introductory journey to Israel December 23, 2009 thru January 5, 2010. Meet Israeli teens, climb Masada, float in the Dead Sea, hike in the Negev, swim in the Mediterranean, tour Beit She’an, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Galilee and see much more.

For more information, click here to download the Akiva flyer