School Life

Israel Engagement

Robbins Hebrew Academy is a vibrant hub of 21st century thinking that extends beyond our front door and engages Israel in both a critical and meaningful way.

We offer our students an enriched Israel education where they learn to see Israel through many lenses. We not only teach them to be versed in its political vision but also in its social, religious and historical context. Built into our values, we see Israel as a large component of our student's Jewish identity and in specifically identified objectives of their education at RHA.

ShinShinim

A significant piece to our connection with Israel at RHA is the ShinShinim, or Young Emissary program. Each year, two 18 year old students from Israel are selected following an interview process to foster the day-to-day development of Israel education and strengthen the bond in a, personal, dynamic way. With their regular visits to all of our classrooms, they create real bonds between the Diaspora and Israeli culture. The ShinShinim become household names in the RHA community and are welcomed not only by the students, but by parents, teachers, and alumni as well.

RHA welcomes two top Israeli high school grads into our school, our community and our hearts. After an extensive interview process, our ShinShinim are selected to engage students in innovative and experiential programs that result in a deep and lifelong connection to Israel and its people. ShinShinim share a first-hand account of Israel and nurture meaningful personal connections relating to contemporary Israeli life.

Introducing Noam and Lital, our UJA ShinShinim for 2024-2025!

Eilat, Twin School in Israel

RHA’s maker-space, the Imaginarium, regularly connects via videoconference with a twin classroom in Israel through the Global School Twinning Network, broadening the use of this space to create a global connection to Jewish peers. Our STEAM program in collaboration with a school in Eilat, Israel builds meaningful exchange and connects students with a school in Israel through the lens of robotics, coding and technology skills. Combining effective use of a Makerspace to bring “Israel Engagement” to life has been a rewarding experience for the whole school.

Leadership in Israel Engagement

Claire Sumerlus, Head of School for RHA, is a recipient of the prestigious United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Greater Toronto Israel Engagement Award. Claire is direct link and advocate for educational exchange with Israel.