Hakibbutz: A Vibrant Community
for Hebrew-Speaking Children
If you’ve ever visited the SJCC on a Sunday afternoon, you might have noticed an abundance of Hebrew being spoken. That would be the Hakibbutz participants—children engaged in a unique and enriching program designed specifically for Ottawa’s Hebrew-speaking community.
Hakibbutz is a weekly program that runs throughout the school year, providing a welcoming space for Hebrew-speaking children to make meaningful connections, form new friendships, and develop leadership skills—all in Hebrew. The program was born out of discussions with parents who expressed concerns that many Israeli children in Ottawa are the only Hebrew speakers in their classrooms. For these children, maintaining their language relies largely on speaking at home, watching Hebrew programs, and visiting Israel. Hakibbutz bridges this gap, offering a community where Hebrew thrives.
Designed for children ages 4 to 12, Hakibbutz groups participants by age, focusing on vocabulary-building in a social, play-oriented setting inspired by youth movements. The program fosters values-based learning and experiential exploration of Jewish, Canadian, Israeli, democratic, and pluralistic identities. Jewish and Israeli holidays are an integral part of the experience, bringing culture and tradition to life through interactive celebrations.
Currently, 42 children participate in Hakibbutz at the SJCC each week, and the program continues to grow. Building on this success, SJCC Summer Camps is excited to introduce Kaytana to its Specialty Camp roster this summer. Designed for Hebrew-speaking children ages 6 to 12, Kaytana will offer hands-on, nature-filled adventures that encourage a love for the planet. With a focus on sustainability and outdoor exploration, campers will engage in fun, immersive activities that equip them with practical environmental skills.
