Publications

Ofakim Program: Continuing the Journey and Looking Ahead to 2026

The completion of the Ofakim 2025 leadership program marked an important moment for everyone involved. For participants, it was not just another activity after Bar Mitzvah. It was a time for growth, reflection, and new discoveries. Over nine months, teens learned how to take responsibility, work as part of a group, and find their place within the Jewish community and wider Australian society.

Building on this experience, Emanuel Synagogue is now preparing the next cycle, Ofakim 2026. This program is for students in Years 8 and 9 who want to better understand who they are, what they believe in, and the kind of leaders they can become.

The program brings together teens from different schools and Jewish backgrounds. Throughout the year the cohort grapples with a range of social justice issues that inspire passionate, healthy and meaningful discussions around core topics impacting their everyday life. Teens learn how to have these discussions in a safe, inclusive and respectful way that truly encourages dialogue and exploring the opinions of those with wildly different viewpoints.

A key part of the program is the overnight Shabbatonim. During these weekends, participants truly begin to embrace leadership roles. They plan sessions, lead discussions, and learn how to work together. This experience helps them realise that leadership is not about control. It’s about responsibility, care, and respect for the group. The group is broken into smaller groups to present on topics they care about to the rest of the cohort. This serves as a culmination of their previous learning, showing them how to create engaging, accessible learning opportunities for their peers. Watching the teens develop their own lessons is a truly incredible full circle moment. 

Each group’s session was meaningful, thought-provoking, and a testament to the creativity and insight these teens brought to the program.
Many participants shared that Ofakim helped them develop practical skills they could use at school and beyond. They learned how to plan programs, deliver meaningful education opportunities, and feel more confident in group settings. For many, the program also strengthened their connection to Jewish tradition through learning grounded in Jewish values and open discussions.

I am so inspired by the dedication, energy, and passion of this group, and so grateful for the work of Lily Berger, my co-facilitator, who brought expertise, care, and joy to every session.

The experience from the past year has shown how vital it is to create spaces where teens can grow, ask questions, and learn how to lead. For this reason, the Ofakim team is excited to open applications for Ofakim 2026 and invite a new group of young people to take part.

You can learn more about the program and apply now.

Amelia Loewensohn-Kavallaris
Head of Youth Education