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The Values and Rhythms of Jewish Life

Discover who you are. You may come from the only Jewish family in your town. Or you may live in a full Jewish environment. You may have very little knowledge about your Jewish heritage or you may be a student at a Jewish day school most of your life. Either way, you'll discover more about yourself at the American Hebrew Academy. And you'll learn about the privilege and responsibility of becoming one of tomorrow's Jewish leaders.

12 Weeks in Israel
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Heart. Mind. Body. Soul. An American Hebrew Academy education prepares you for every challenge in life. We inspire you to find your place in the continuity of the Jewish people. Each time you take part in a Shabbat service or lead morning prayers … when you play your heart out on the soccer field … or you create spectacular paintings for an art show … you'll become closer to your community, your faith, your people, and yourself.

Your sense of growing Jewish identity takes center stage daily. You'll study Hebrew every day you're here. You'll discover more about your Jewish identity through both Judaic classes and through an abundant variety of Jewish cultural, religious, and values programming. We can sit around a bonfire and talk to your friends about current events or learn some Torah while rock climbing with a rabbi.

Community Worship
 
At sunset every Friday, students and teachers gather for Shabbat. There are services for all denominations followed by a family-style meal complete with Zemirot (Shabbat singing), Birkat ha-Mazon (grace after meals), and Israeli dancing. Shabbat morning services follow a late wake-up call. Students often lead morning and evening prayer services held every day at the Academy in which students participate on a rotating basis or daily as they choose.
Jewish Holidays
 
During chagim (Jewish holidays), the community comes together for hadlakat nerot (candle lighting), t'filot (religious services), meals, and havdalah at the end of Shabbat. We publicly observe two full days for chagim and provide alternative programs for students who observe only one day.

We encourage students to explore various options for worship, if they wish. All represent who we are as Jewish people.

 

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