Tzofiah’s innovative program, which offers a balanced and comprehensive combination of traditional Jewish and secular classes, goes beyond the conventional classroom to reach out to its students. Tzofiah's unique formula of stimulating courses, lectures, field trips, and activities within a family-style structured setting are part of what makes Tzofiah the safe haven that young women need to begin again. Tzofiah's dynamic and highly trained staff of educators, therapists, mentors, and creative directors together offer a fresh approach to Jewish education that does not exist in any other school.

The program offers:

* Personal Growth Through Self Awareness * Mentoring Program * Giving Judaism a second Chance * Why Tzofiah in Israel? * Cultivating a Love for Israel * General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Preparation * Vocational Training * Creative Activities * Recreational Activities * Family Style Apartments

PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH SELF AWARENESS

Integral to the overall program is addressing each student's individual emotional needs. Tzofiah has pulled together a staff of caring and motivated religious therapists to work with students on many levels. In addition to regular one-on-one therapy sessions, students meet twice weekly as a group. Worldwide, group counseling has proven to be one of the most effective ways of working with adolescents, fostering empathy among participants and the support of others. While this degree and quality of therapy is normally financially prohibitive, it is the most vital component of the overall program.

GIVING JUDAISM A SECOND CHANCE

Unlike other religious programs or schools, Tzofiah offers a wide variety of courses, lectures and outside activities that teach and reinforce Jewish values, philosophy, law, and customs in a non-threatening and open manner. Tzofiah understands that giving acceptance and love is the first step towards rebuilding their students' commitment to Judaism. While their students are looking to gain a deeper understanding of Judaism, they still have many years of negative associations towards religion to overcome. Every member of the Tzofiah staff it totally committed to transmit Judaism without imposing the strict and unrealistic guidelines that have turned their students off in the past. Because these young girls have faced so much rejection in the past, the school encourages students to explore their conflicts and questions about Judaism. By addressing their questions with respect and sensitivity, Tzofiah's staff and faculty help students develop the maturity and self-esteem to grow spiritually.

WHY TZOFIAH IN ISRAEL?

A healthy environment is critical to one's emotional and spiritual development. The Tzofiah program was established in Israel to offer its students a healthy retreat from negative pressures and influences. The program's location in Israel not only provides the ideal setting for personal and spiritual growth, but also allows students to have a more objective perspective of the issues that have burdened and hindered their development in the past.

CULTIVATING A LOVE FOR ISRAEL

Tzofiah offers many opportunities throughout the year to explore the beauty and holiness of the land of Israel. Bi-monthly 'Tiyul Days' provide for a mixture of both short excursions to various local sites, as well as major trips to a large variety of sites throughout the country. Through inspiring and enriching trips, students have a chance to learn more about and develop a deeper connection to their land, their heritage and themselves.

GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA (GED) PREPARATION

Tzofiah is staffed with highly qualified teachers to enable its students to take the high school courses they are lacking to qualify for their high school diplomas. Because the school offers a more flexible environment, students are more self-motivated to complete the necessary curriculum. This is an important milestone in their year abroad. Without a high school diploma, they lack the skills and self-esteem to achieve future goals, whether they wish to pursue a formal education in the future or not.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

At Tzofiah, preparation for the future is an important objective. The program also includes vocational training in addition to its formal high school education courses. At present, vocational courses are offered in computers and photography. Tzofiah also encourages and helps facilitate students to develop in areas of interest to prepare for vocational training in the future.

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

Informal activities and creative outlets are crucial in building self-esteem, self-expression, and discipline. Tzofiah's well-rounded courses include photography courses, creative writing, fine arts, sculpting, papermaking, music, dance and more.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

No program would be complete without offering young girls the opportunity to 'blow off steam.' To this end, Tzofiah offers a variety of physical activities including aerobics, dancing and other sports.

FAMILY STYLE APARTMENT RESIDENCES

Tzofiah provides a family style atmosphere for small groups of no more than eight girls each. The small number of girls in each group ensures a close-knit atmosphere and enables students to develop healthy relationships and develop necessary teamwork skills to succeed as adults. Each apartment also houses two adult counselors who offer supervision, advice, and friendship.