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.

Through these classes, the students develop personal and communal responsibility, cooperation, support, functioning under pressure, self-confidence, and self-fulfillment.

When a child reaches a certain stage in their skill set they can begin to participate in internal competitive sport competitions and in national events.

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.