A leadership program for students in years 8 and 9.

“Who is wise? One who learns from all people.”

 – Pirkei Avot, 4:1

Bringing together passionate young Jews from across Sydney, Ofakim aims to equip Jewish teens with the necessary knowledge and tools to stand up for themselves and the Jewish community of today and tomorrow.

The nine-month Ofakim program draws on Jewish wisdom—both ancient and modern—alongside contemporary leadership learning to help participants translate leadership concepts into practical skills they can use across all areas of their lives. Participants will grapple with timeless Jewish texts, values, and big questions, and explore how these teachings speak to the real-world challenges they’re navigating day to day—at school, at home, online, and in their communities.

Through learning how to create social change, educate and inspire their peers, and engage thoughtfully in dialogue with people they disagree with, fellows will build confidence, deepen their Jewish identity, and strengthen their capacity to lead with empathy, courage, and integrity. Graduates of the Ofakim will be equipped to become leaders and changemakers in the Jewish community and beyond.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OFAKIM

Participants gather approximately once a month on a Sunday evening for experiential workshops. The program coordinator and madrich (guide) facilitate these workshops to ensure that every bit of theoretical knowledge is matched by practical skills that can be taken into participants’ everyday lives. The workshops cover everything from community organising and social action to Jewish debate and Jewish values. See workshop titles below.

The cohort will attend two overnight seminars (shabbatonim) over the course of the program where they will have a deeper chance to build meaningful connections with other young Jews, expand their social skills, and engage in vibrant learning and debate. The second shabbaton will be almost entirely self-led by participants, allowing them to put all they have learnt into practice by educating each other on social issues they care about.

Participants will graduate the program with a leadership certificate they can add to their resumes. In addition, they will be encouraged to put their developed leadership skills to use in school, extra curricular activities, programs like the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Jewish community.

While not a compulsory component of the program, participants will be offered opportunities to put their skills in action at and around Emanuel Synagogue, including running activities for youth education programs, volunteering at Synagogue events, chanting Torah or Haftarah on Shabbat, co-leading Emanuel youth services, and more.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Please note: the schedule is subject to change.

Date Workshop
March 15 Priests versus Prophets: What kind of leader are you?
April 19 Progressing Judaism: What makes our leadership unique?
May 17 Navigating Controversy: Zionism, Israel and the Diaspora
June 14 Confronting Antisemitism with Knowledge, Action, and Resilience
June 28 Living the Prophetic Vision: Bringing Jewish Values to Life
July 24-25 Shabbaton I: Finding our Jewish Voice
August 16 Think Big: Strategic Planning and Critical Decision-Making
September 6 Inspiring Young Minds: Hadracha in Action
October 16-18 Shabbaton II: Changemaking through Tikkun
November 22 Machloket l’Shem Shamayim: Activism, Argument, and Dialogue
December 13 Sikkum: Wrapping it all up

COST

$750 per participant for the entire program. Please note: the program fee doesn’t include Shabbatonim; related costs will be shared with parents closer to the dates.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must—

  • be in years 8 or 9 at school;
  • identify as Jewish;
  • be accepting of diversity and pluralistic Jewish practices;
  • commit to participation in the entirety of the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Apply online here by Friday, 27 February 2026.
  2. Include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or someone who can attest to the applicant’s suitability for a leadership program.
  3. Participants will find out if their application is successful by the end of Friday 6 March 2026.
APPLY NOW FOR OFAKIM 2026

GET IN TOUCH

Toni

Membership Engagement Officer

[email protected] (02) 9389 6444