Recreational time, like everything we do at Ahava, is an essential element of the daily routine and an inseparable part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach to all aspects of life.
Children of different backgrounds and experiences arrive at Ahava with varying degrees of comfortability when it comes to interacting with their peers. The casual setting of games, extracurricular classes, clubs and activities, not only serves to foster such interactions but does so in a way where a child can discover his or her own talents and passions.
Enrichment classes allow children to have new experiences in the field they chose. Small successes in these classes have a positive effect on other areas of the child’s life. Hours of enjoyment promote appropriate and positive behaviors and help develop skills. The focus of the class or project is adapted based on the individual child’s needs and wants and is under the guidance of the therapeutic-educational staff. Children who need to strengthen their social connections gain the opportunity and the appropriate tools.
These enrichment activities help children grow emotionally, socially, and creatively in a safe, supportive environment.

A variety of classes are offered at the village:
Athletics: soccer, basketball, ping pong, gym, cycling and karate
These classes help children to develop physically, improve their self-image and body image.
Music and art classes: choir, guitar, drums, theatre, keyboard and art.
In addition we offer technology classes and fishing.

At the village we have 12 unique programs designed for peer-age groups. These programs allow interaction within the same age group and create a feeling of extra connection. Each program has a working framework with clear goals. The programs have age-appropriate content, for example in the “Moadonchik” group for ages 6-10, in addition to building friendships, collectivity, and group and personal responsibility, they learn basic practical skills like how to safely cross the street and brush their teeth.

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah program at Ahava Village offers our children the opportunity to authentically experience this important milestone in Jewish tradition, just as every Jewish child does. The program facilitates a personal journey to mark the transition from childhood to adolescence. Over the course of 10 months, the children learn about the commandments of Jewish law through hands-on experiences. For example: “Arise and walk the land” – the participants take a trip to Masada, hike by the rivers of Southern Israel, and don tefillin at the Western Wall.
At the end of the year, the children read from the Torah in the Ancient Synagogue in Acre, surrounded by friends, family, and caretakers. Afterwards a meaningful celebration is held where the children perform for their loved ones.
The experiences and memories created throughout this journey will strengthen their connection to their heritage, community, and Jewish identity, empowering them with values and confidence.

The Granite Project is a unique therapeutic-educational program serving around 30 boys and girls from Ahava, ages 8 to 18. At its core is a weekly process group, culminating in the program’s highlight: a transformative nine-day therapeutic journey in the wilderness.
Through the group sessions and the journey, participants develop vital life skills: communication, cooperation, independence, resilience, and the ability to face challenges while strengthening their inner resources. The program is designed to empower each child, fostering self-confidence and a strong sense of capability. This is achieved through guided therapeutic conversations led by professionals, combined with outdoor training (ODT) activities and specially tailored workshops.
The journey itself is a powerful experience. For nine days in the desert, participants live simply, sleeping in tents, cooking their own meals, and managing the realities of nature. Along the way, they encounter both physical and emotional challenges. With the guidance of dedicated staff and the skills gained throughout the year, the boys and girls learn to navigate personal and group difficulties, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

The Teen Division is a framework designed to support and guide adolescents ages 15 and up. We offer a wide range of group and educational activities, therapeutic groups, and enrichment workshops aimed at developing social skills, a sense of identity and belonging, coping strategies for life’s challenges, and the tools needed for personal independence and preparation for adulthood.
In addition to its educational activities, the division runs unique therapeutic projects, experiential journeys, group trips, and encounters with inspiring role models. These experiences are designed to strengthen inner resources, foster a sense of belonging, and process emotional experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
The Teen Division also provides preparation for national or military service, exposure to future opportunities, and both individual and group mentoring. The goal is to ensure that every adolescent receives personalized support, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to step into independent adult life.