גלריה
הסיפור שלנו
”הקיבוץ” התחיל מתוך צורך בקהילה הישראלית-קנדית באוטווה. לאחר שיחות רבות עם הורים בקהילה, למדנו כי ילדים רבים הם דוברי העברית היחידים בכיתות ובבתי הספר שלהם, ולרובם אין חברים דוברי עברית. לכן, שימור השפה תלוי בעיקר בדיבור עם המשפחה בבית, בצפייה בתוכניות בעברית ובביקורים בישראל. רצינו ליצור מרחב בטוח לילדים ולנוער שבו יוכלו ליצור קשרים משמעותיים, ליצור חברויות חדשות, לפתח כישורי מנהיגות וערכים, ולבסס את זהותם המגוונת באמצעות הבנה תרבותית ולשונית. הם חלק חשוב בפיתוח הקהילה ובהשתלבות בה, ותחושת השייכות לארץ המוצא ולארץ הקליטה היא חלק חשוב ביצירת עתיד שבו ילדים ונוער ינהלו את חייהם מתוך רווחה, סיפוק וחוסן נפשי.
החזון שלנו הוא שכל ילד ונער דובר עברית יהיה לו מקום שבו יוכל לדבר את שפתו תוך יצירת קשרים חברתיים משמעותיים, פיתוח כישורי מנהיגות ותחושת שייכות.
ערכים
תוכנית מנהיגות חינוכית המבוססת על משחק, בעברית. התוכנית משקפת ערכים כגון בניית ושימור קהילה, תיקון עולם, דרך ארץ ופלורליזם.

א-פוליטי
הקיבוץ אינו קשור לאף מפלגה פוליטית בקנדה או בישראל.

שייכות

שיתופיות

חינוך חילוני
הצוות שלנו

אליה ואידה
מדריך בכיתות א׳–ה׳

מרינה קורנבלום
מנהלת אדמיניסטרטיבית בקיבוץ

ליעד עמיר
רכז הפרוייקט

אריקה נואור
לתלמידי כיתות ה’–ח’

אלכסנדרה ווויטקו
מלווה את ילדי גילאי 4–6

ליה גורביץ’ קוגן
היא מדריכה המלווה את ילדי התיכון
התוכנית שלנו

תוכנית שבועית
(Pre-K–SK) גן
כיתות א׳–ג׳
כיתות ד׳–ו׳
כיתות ט׳–י”ב
הכשרת מדריכים צעירים (כיתות ט׳–י״ב)


פינת הורים
במהלך השנה נקיים מפגשים חודשיים בהובלת JFS בנושאים שונים, כגון:
- גידול ילדים וילדות בבית דובר שפות שונות
- פיתוח חוסן נפשי בחברה פלורליסטית ורב-תרבותית
- משאבים קהילתיים לתמיכה בילדים וילדות החווים קשיים רגשיים
- ניווט מערכת הבריאות בקנדה
- ניווט מערכת הבנקאות הקנדית
נותני חסות
יוזמת הקיבוץ היא פרויקט ללא מטרות רווח. כל הכנסה עודפת מושקעת מחדש בתוכנית לטובת חיזוק הפעילות הקהילתית, צמצום חסמים כלכליים להשתתפות ויצירת הזדמנויות משמעותיות עבור ילדים, בני נוער ומשפחות דוברי עברית באוטווה.
הקיבוץ גאה לקבל תמיכה מ הפדרציה היהודית של אוטווה.
בנוסף, אנו מבקשים להודות לשותפינו לדרך:

כתבו אלינו

השאירו פרטים ונחזור אליכם בהקדם

Meet, Play, and Grow in Hebrew
The first social initiative of its kind for Hebrew-speaking children. In it, they will develop leadership skills based on values, create meaningful social connections, and of course enjoy, all in Hebrew.

Gallery
Our Story
The ‘Kibbutz’ started as a need within the Israeli-Canadian community in Ottawa. After many conversations with parents in the community, we learned that many children are the only Hebrew speakers in their classrooms and schools, and for most, they have no Hebrew-speaking friends. Thus, maintaining the language depends primarily on speaking with the family at home, watching programs in Hebrew, and visits to Israel. We wanted to create a safe space for children and youth where they can form meaningful connections, create new friendships, develop leadership skills and values, and establish their diverse identities through cultural and linguistic understanding. They are an important part of community development and integration, and a sense of belonging to their country of origin and the country of absorption is an important part of creating a future in which children and youth will lead their lives with well-being, satisfaction, and mental resilience.
Our vision is that every Hebrew-speaking child and teen will have a place where they can speak their language while forming meaningful social connections, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.
Values
An educational leadership program based on play in Hebrew. The program reflects values such as community building and preservation, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Derech Eretz (respectful conduct), and pluralism.

Non-Political
The Kibbutz is not identified with any political parties in Canada or Israel.

Belonging
Community is at the heart of the Kibbutz. We aim to create a supportive environment characterized by mutual help, partnership, friendship, and involvement.

Inclusivity
Our community is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Our role is to enable and help everyone realize their potential. Everyone who wants to participate is invited.

Secular
Education
Israeli, Jewish-Canadian culture and tradition, pluralistic and democratic.
Our Team

Eliya Vaida
Grades 1–5 Instructor
Leads experiential learning in the fields of science experiments, art, and sports activities, tailored to the age and level of the participants. The activities integrate group work to develop collaboration, communication, and independent work skills, strengthening responsibility and personal expression.

Marina Kornblum
Kibbutz Administrative Manager
Leads ongoing organizational management as part of a warm, family-like atmosphere that unites families and the staff. She is responsible for organizational planning and leading community activities and special events.
(613) 798-9818 ext. 254, mkornblum@jccottawa.com

Lead Amir
Project Coordinator
An experienced veteran educator in the fields of nature study, land, and agriculture. Throughout the years, he has led children on experiential tours throughout Israel, teaching them about the connection between people and their environment. Lead brings much educational practice, dedication, professionalism, and rich experience to the project

Erika Noar
Grades 5–8 Instructor
Erika leads an experiential Sunday activity at the Kibbutz, focusing on Hebrew learning and active language use. The activities combine games, art, cooking, music, and exercise—aimed at strengthening vocabulary, confidence in speaking, and linguistic understanding in a fun and interactive way. Through hands-on learning, collaboration, and a positive experience, the children learn in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

Alexandra Voytko
Ages 4–6 Instructor
Leading integrated activities that combine language studies, reading, and writing with movement and music. She comes from a circus background and is a highly experienced professional in children’s training. In her work, she integrates creative movement and physical expression as an integral part of the learning process. Alexandra creates an enjoyable and dynamic educational experience that strengthens the Hebrew language through play and movement.

Lia Gurevich-Kogan
High school students
She is leading activities based on Hebrew discourse and communication. She creates an open and safe space where teens express themselves, engage in meaningful dialogue, and strengthen their language skills through speaking, listening, and sharing. Through these activities, Lia helps them develop new connections and deepen their bond with the Hebrew language and the community.
Our Program
Weekly Program Overview

Preschool & Kindergarten (Pre-K – SK)
Experiential activities to strengthen language, movement, and play skills. This program integrates an introduction to Israeli holidays and traditions through age-appropriate arts and crafts, songs, stories, and activities. It focuses on encouraging self-expression and developing essential social skills.
Grades 1–3
An experiential program combining play, movement, and basic scientific activities. The curriculum emphasizes the exploration of personal and group identity, alongside a deep dive into Israeli holidays and festivals. The activities are designed to foster language development and critical thinking skills.
Grades 4–6
Deepening language acquisition through social games, experiential cooking, board games, and movement. This program expands knowledge of Israeli traditions while strengthening the students’ sense of belonging and Jewish-Israeli identity.
Grades 9–12 (Leadership & Volunteering)
A dedicated group that volunteers within the Kibbutz and supports the educational staff.
Off-site Activities: The group participates in organized excursions outside the Kibbutz once a month.

Junior Counselor Training
(Grades 9–12)
A comprehensive training program for youth leaders (CITs).
Participants learn the foundations of instruction and pedagogy while gaining hands-on experience by delivering educational content and leading activities for younger age groups. This track focuses on building responsibility, communication skills, and practical leadership tools.
Parent’s Corner

Throughout the year, we will offer monthly workshops led by JFS on topics such as:
- Navigating the Canadian banking system
- Raising children in multilingual households
- Building emotional resilience in a pluralistic and multicultural society
- Accessing community resources to support children experiencing emotional challenges
- Navigating the Canadian healthcare system
Our Sponsors
The Kibbutz initiative is a non-profit project. Any surplus revenue is reinvested into the program to support community programming, reduce financial barriers to participation, and create meaningful opportunities for Hebrew-speaking children, youth, and families in Ottawa.
HaKibbutz is a proud recipient of funding from the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.
In addition, we would like to thank our partners for the journey:

In the Press

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