Pilot Programs

Gann Academy – Ironi Hey Pilot Program (Grades 10-12)
Gann Academy, a pluralistic Jewish high school in Waltham, MA and Ironi Hey, a public high school in Haifa, are building deeper bonds between their students, faculty and parents and exploring how these relationships can enrich people’s lives and Jewish identities. This pilot program incorporates a 10th grade virtual mifgash (encounter), an 11th grade student exchange and a 12th grade fellowship.

Prozdor – Reali Pilot Program (Grades 9–10)
Prozdor, a Jewish supplementary high school in Newton, MA and Reali, a renowned private high school in Haifa, are transforming students’ understanding of Jewish identity and Israeli/American relations through a school-wide, multi-year curriculum that engages students, faculty and parents. The curriculum focuses on the importance of Jewish identity and personal responsibility within the global Jewish community as key factors in developing strong Jewish leaders.

Middle School / High School Connections & Exchanges

Project HiBuR (Grades 10–11)
Congregation Beth El, a Reform congregation in Sudbury, MA and Hugim, a public high school in Haifa, are fostering connections among members and students through person-to-person networking and relationship building with an exchange program. This program is pioneering ways in which a congregation teaches Jewish identity and engagement with Israel.

Rashi – Leo Baeck Connection (Grade 8)
Rashi, a Reform Jewish day school in Newton, MA and Leo Baeck Center, a progressive Jewish school in Haifa, use mifgashim (face-to-face encounters/exchanges), videoconferencing and educational programs to establish connections among students. During a trip to Israel, Rashi students travel with Leo Baeck students for a unique opportunity to experience the country through each other’s eyes.

Solomon Schechter – Reali Ahuza Connection (Grade 8)
Solomon Schechter Day School in Newton, MA and the Reali Ahuza in Haifa are developing stronger connections between faculty, 8th graders and their families through regular communication and the exchange of academic instruction and students’ projects.

MetroWest – Reali Hadar Connection (Grades 4–6)
Since 2008, the MetroWest Jewish Day School in Framingham, MA and the Reali Hadar School in Haifa have been establishing relationships between 4th, 5th and 6th graders focused on the arts. Each spring, the project culminates with classes presenting various songs and stories to each other via videoconferencing.

“School-to-Shul” Elementary School & Congregation Connections

Temple Shir Tikva – Yizraeliyah Connection  (Grade 5)
Temple Shir Tikva, a Reform congregation in Wayland, MA and the Yizraeliya public elementary school in Haifa, are teaching 5th graders about one another. The program focuses on self identity, city identity, national identity and Jewish identity.

Temple Beth Avodah – Alon Connection (Grade 5)
Temple Beth Avodah, a Reform congregation in Newton, MA and the Alon public elementary school in Haifa match 5th graders and faculty with their overseas counterparts. The partnership has made a significant impact on both communities, focusing on the various identities of Jews in America and Israel.

Temple Beth David – Einstein Connection (Grade 5)
Temple Beth David, a Reform congregation in Westwood, MA and the Einstein public elementary school in Haifa, match students for a study of the parallel Yachdav curriculum—focusing on the various identities of Jews in America and Israel by communicating through a variety of media. 

Temple Sinai – Ramot Connection (Grades 5–-6)
Temple Sinai, a Reform congregation in Sharon, MA, and Ramot, a public elementary school in Haifa, use special curriculum designed to help each group learn about each other and themselves through lessons that deepen applied Jewish knowledge. The 5th graders focus on different forms of identity, both personal and communal, while 6th graders focus on the Klal Yisrael (Jewish Peoplehood) circle of identity.

Temple Emanuel – Zichron Yosef Connection (Grade 5)
Based on the direct interaction of educators at both schools, Temple Emanuel and Zichron Yosef have developed mutually meaningful content for their students. Kids exchange materials and share videoconferences in this exciting partnership.
 

Family & Educators Programs

Boston-Haifa Early Childhood Educators Connection
Facilitated by Hebrew College in Newton, MA and the Department of Education in Haifa, this program strengthens leadership and Jewish identity by creating personal connections among early childhood educators in Boston and Haifa. The exchange program matches 20 preschool teachers from Boston with their counterparts in Haifa to collaborate on professional development programs and personal connections.

Boston-Haifa Russian Partnership
This partnership strengthens ties between Boston and Haifa’s Russian-speaking neighborhoods through community-building programs such as high school exchanges, video conferences, social media and a unique family-to-family program for Russians with elementary school children.

Contact:

Ariel L.
ariell@cjp.org
617-457-8570