Programs and Activities

Hechalutz's flagship course, Story of My People, has run for over two decades and impacting the lives of thousands worldwide. Central to this experience is our exceptional team of young adult educators who possess a deep understanding of Jewish history and identity. Their ability to seamlessly intertwine historical narratives with the contemporary challenges facing Jewish youth today sets this course apart. By nurturing discussions that explore the essence of Jewish identity and its relevance in the modern world, our educators cultivate a profound connection to our shared heritage.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll find in the course:

✔ From the time of the Temple to our days: Investigation of the First and Second Temple periods and the significant transitions in Jewish history.

✔ Zionism and the Zionist movement: Understanding the role of Zionism and the important processes leading to the establishment of the State of Israel.

✔ The Jewish people in the Middle Ages: Exploration of the development of European Jews and Eastern Jews during the Middle Ages.

✔ The 20th and 21st centuries: Failures, achievements, and challenges in the modern era.

A roots journey in Europe offers an invaluable educational experience, fostering a profound connection to Jewish heritage and memory. Our journeys present a unique opportunity to explore the places where Jewish people lived, thrived, and, in some cases, endured unimaginable hardships. Visiting historical sites, such as former ghettos, concentration camps, and vibrant Jewish communities, allows participants to better understand the rich tapestry of Jewish life in Europe before the Holocaust. Through this exploration, young people can develop a deeper sense of identity, resilience, and responsibility to carry forward the legacy of those who came before them.

Central to these journeys is the inspiring story of the youth leaders who organized ghetto uprisings against the Nazis during World War II. These courageous young individuals, many barely older than today's participants, led heroic resistance efforts in the face of overwhelming odds. Their bravery and determination to fight for dignity and freedom, even in the darkest of times, serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Jewish spirit. By learning about and visiting the sites where these uprisings took place, young Jews can draw inspiration from these stories, fostering a sense of pride in their heritage and a commitment to standing up against injustice in all its forms.

The journey’s pedagogical rationale operates in a spiral, introducing, exploring and revisiting several key interconnected themes:

• Jewish Identity Through the Ages

• Oppression, Survival and Resistance: Life in the camp & the ghetto

• Society Under Nazi Rule

• Jewish Civilisation in Europe: History, Culture, Religion, Philosophy

• Uprising: Jewish Resistance and Rebellion

• In Search of Humanity: Exploring Justice, Morality and Freedom in light of the Shoah
   

Our unique educational approach is anchored on a set of principles that are key to a successful educational journey:
 

• Compassionate dialogue-based learning

• Identity-development

• Chevruta + Personal relationships

• The group experience

• Spiral model

• Multiple intelligences/literacies theory

• Daily debrief/evening learning/processing

Embark on a facilitated group stay at a kibbutz for an authentic hands-on experience, deepening your connection with the land through activities such as harvesting olives, mangoes, and avocados.

This immersive journey fosters teamwork and group bonding as you navigate challenges together, enhancing both personal and social capabilities.

In response to the distinctive challenges confronting Israel and the Jewish community, Hechalutz offers specialized lectures and workshops designed to cultivate connection and comprehension among youth, young adults, and congregations.

Delve into critical topics such as civil society resilience, the role of youth leaders during crises, and grassroots action, all driven by the transformative power of hope. These workshops are also appropriate for professionals and lay staff of North American Jewish institutions, providing them with indispensable insights and tools to fortify the relationship between Diaspora Jewry and Israel during this pivotal period.

Prepare your staff to lead impactful discussions about Israel with youth and young adults from various communities.

We leverage the unique insights of our Olim staff members to offer professional development courses, focusing on code-switching and training native Israelis about the intricacies of Diaspora Jewish communities, enhancing their understanding as educators on Zionist Israel programs and facilitating more meaningful engagement with program participants.

An interactive course for spoken Hebrew. The sessions are structured with activities that allow participants to express themselves in Hebrew from the very beginning through games, songs, role-playing exercises, and structured conversations on topics relevant to their lives.

A dynamic spoken Hebrew course designed to accommodate learners at all levels, featuring engaging activities such as games, songs, role-playing, and structured conversations tailored to participants' lives, ensuring relevance regardless of their Hebrew proficiency level.
 

Curated syllabi and program sets designed to transform your Jewish education experience. Our resources are prepared for educational staff, camps, schools and after school programs.

Discover the soul of Israel through our immersive hikes and tours, meticulously crafted by seasoned local guides, educators, and activists. From the sun-drenched deserts of the Negev to the bustling streets of Yaffo, each excursion offers a window into the diverse landscapes and communities that shape Israeli society.

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Meet passionate activists leading the charge for Israeli democracy, engage with locals to gain a deeper understanding of the land and its people, and explore the larger questions of Jewish identity, democracy, and societal challenges. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the interconnectedness of Israel's past, present, and future, forging connections that transcend boundaries and ignite meaningful dialogue.

We provide Hadracha courses for youth and young adults in programs across the country.  Our courses utilize the proven model of Transformational Leadership, and are tailored to a wide range of audiences.

Our team consists of experienced and skilled leaders who have conducted the course for many years, training thousands of graduates. All team members hold degrees from the "Beit Berl" College for Professional Development in Youth and Young Adult Education, focusing on informal learning within educational and social codes."