Programs

Israel Education

From Pre-K to 12th grade, we empower our students to develop an ongoing personal connection to Israel by studying its history, its culture, and the Hebrew language. Students learn the importance of Israel both in the classroom and within the land itself.
 

Israel Education at GOA

"Through GOA’s transformative trips, Na’ale and Neshama, I was able to connect to Israel not only as the only Jewish democratic state, but as the historical and rightful homeland of the Jewish people. I know that my love for Israel, fostered by GOA, will help me maintain a strong relationship to a land that is vital to my existence as an American and a Jew."
— Harris Mevorah ‘15

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Meirav Kallush

    Rabbi Meirav Kallush 

    Lower School Rabbi in Residence, Director of Israel Education
    Hebrew University of Jerusalem - BA, MA
    Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem (HUC-JIR) - Rabbinic Ordination
  • Photo of Robert Kahn

    Rabbi Robert Kahn 

    Israel Field Operations Manager
    Brandeis University - BA
    University of Judaism - MHL
    Jewish Theological Seminary of America - Rabbinic Ordination
  • Photo of Noa Kolomer

    Noa Kolomer 

    Israel and Jewish Educator, Upper School
    Ben Gurion University of the Negev - BA
    Hebrew University of Jeruslaem - MA

Pre-K Through 8th Grade

Students on both campuses meet regularly with our community’s Rishonim, young Israeli emissaries who are participating in a year of service through the Greater MetroWest Federation before starting their army service. The Rishonim lead students through a sequential curriculum that goes through 8th grade, teaching students about every facet of Israel. The program is infused with music, movies, art, and celebrations that all serve to deepen our students’ knowledge and appreciation for Israel. Israel Club reinforces the relationship between students and Israel and allows for leadership experiences related to Israel. Weekly Hebrew Lunch and Israeli Recess with the Rishonim are opportunities to practice Hebrew and build confidence in themselves and their knowledge.

High School

Israel – In Our Neshama (soul)!

High School begins and ends with visits to Israel, bookend experiences that set the tone for the next fours years and establishes Israel as part of their future:
Na’ale, our 10-day trip to Israel for 9th graders serves as a shared experience, offering students a firsthand opportunity to familiarize themselves with the country. The trip is woven into the curriculum via activities and lesson plans in different subjects, and our students often refer back to it in their Hebrew, Judaic and general studies classes. 
Throughout their High School years, students are immersed in Israel education, meeting with the Rishonim and engaging in the Israel Club. Our Hebrew classes create a strong linguistic foundation which also strengthens cultural identity and fosters a sense of connection to Israel. Additionally, our school celebrates Israeli holidays, such as Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day), Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), and Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) helping connect students to their heritage, history, and faith.  
During the second half of senior year, students travel to Israel to participate in Neshama - a semester-long educational program that begins with a week in Poland followed by 12 weeks in Israel. This is the capstone of the Golda Och Academy experience. During their time in Israel, students engage in seminars from state and religion to politics and security. They truly immerse themselves in the culture and land - hiking, volunteering in communities, and visiting major historical and religious sites. The Neshama program uses the land as our classroom, enabling students to perfect their Hebrew skills, witness current events as they unfold and form connections with its people. 

Wilf Lower School Campus

Eric F. Ross Upper School Campus

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