• As the name translates - "the children of Akiva", the idea of Bnei Akiva relates directly to the story of Rabbi Akiva. At the age of 40 years old, after growing up tending flock, he changed his ways and decided that he needed to find out the essence of the Jewish faith. The story is told of how it happened: One day while attending to his flock, he noticed a rock onto which droplets of water kept dripping. He thought that if something as soft as water can penetrate this solid rock and cause it to erode, so can the Torah penetrate into me - a shepherd who at this time was solid in his ways. Thus we strive to be like Rabbi Akiva for his three qualities: (a) his love of Hashem, his devotion to the Torah and his ultimate death at Kiddush Hashem (having been killed by the Romans), (b) his love of Israel and his fight for its independence, (c) his love of labour and his respect for it, remembering always his early life. 
• Follow the views and ideals established by our mentor and founder - Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook, first Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel. 
• The largest Jewish youth movement in Australia and around the world. 
• The Anthem is "Yad Achim" - "the hand of brothers". It stresses the aims of the movement, which is also obvious in Bnei Akiva's slogan: "Am Yisrael b'Eretz Yisrael al pi Torat Yisrael" - "The Jewish Nation living in the Land of Israel according to the Torah of Israel". 

• To educate Jewish youth with values of Torah Ve'Avodah - combining a deeply rooted association with Israel together with day-to-day life in accordance with traditional orthodox values. 
• To provide stimulating experiential and informal opportunities for encountering Judaism. 
• Jewish Continuity and leadership. Upon completing High School, members are encouraged to spend a year in Israel on organised learning and touring programs; the purpose - broadening their knowledge of Israel and developing their leadership skills. They return to Australia motivated and enthusiastic and ready to transmit this knowledge to younger members.      Back to Top

• Weekly meetings with a sound educational structure. 
• The older ages focus on an in depth understanding of Jewish and Zionist issues. 
• The younger ages focus on discovering a love for Judaism and Israel through fun experience. 
• Shiurim - opportunities for Jewish learning and selfgrowth weekly. 
• Shabbatonim - held 4 times a year to provide a meaningful Shabbat experience. 
• Biannual camps - a retreat away from the city for the enhancement of Jewish lifestyle, team spirit and outdoor life skills. 
• Minyan Lekeruv Levavot - The only Youth Minyan in Sydney conducting services every Shabbat and on all Jewish Festivals. It prides itself on the fact that it is the only service run by teenagers for teenagers. Everyone is welcome to attend and will immediately feel comfortable in the lively and friendly atmosphere, with singing as a integral part of the prayers. Shabbat services commence at 9:00am.       Back to Top

• MTA - Focuses on Jewish textual learning within a Yeshiva environment, supplemented with Israeli experiences such as army, Kibbutz life, touring, seminars and a specific focus on Leadership Development. 

• Tafnit - For those who prefer a 'hands-on' Israel experience, with less time in Yeshiva and a greater focus in the other areas.      Back to Top

Junior Camp: 17 - 21 Dec    

Senior Federal Camp (in Melbourne): 19 - 30 Dec
 

For any further info on any activities or programs, please email Bnei Akiva

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Other BNEI AKIVA Internet sites: 

• Bnei Akiva of Great Britain and Ireland 
• Bnei Akiva South Woodford 
• Bnei Akiva Metro Detroit 
• Bnei Akiva of Switzerland 
• Bnei Akiva of United States and Canada 
• Bnei Akiva of South Africa 
• Bnei Akiva of France 
• Midreshet Harova 

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