About Bnei Akiva of Los Angeles - 5770

Bnei Akiva is the international Religious Zionist Youth Movement that inspires and empowers Jewish youth with a deep commitment to Am Yisrael (our people), Eretz Yisrael (our land), and Torat Yisrael (our Torah). Bnei Akiva provides a wide variety of social and informal educational programming that spans the year and all ages, with members continuing from grade school throughout their high school and college years, into parenthood and beyond.

Bnei Akiva members strive to live the Bnei Akiva motto of Torah V’Avodah, combining Torah learning and observance of mitzvot with active contributions to the Jewish people. Bnei Akiva generates young leaders who take initiative, who assume responsibility for their community, and who actualize the Bnei Akiva ideal by making Aliyah, emigrating to Israel.

Bnei Akiva is based in Israel, with snifim (chapters) all around the world. Local snifim bring members together for regular Shabbat meetings filled with Torah and Israel, friends and fun. High school madrichim (counselors) take leadership roles, planning and running activities for younger participants, giving generously and growing tremendously in the process.

Bnei Akiva has celebrated a rebirth in the Los Angeles community over the past decade. Bnei Akiva of Los Angeles revived its successful Shlichut program, bringing experienced Bnei Akiva emissaries from Israel for short-term tours of service in our community. We have reopened Snif (our weekly Shabbat meetings), with snifim (chapters) in Beverly Hills, Hancock Park, and in the San Fernando Valley, attended by over 150 children every Shabbat. We offer monthly social and educational activities and invigorating Shabbatonim retreats for grade school and high school students.

Under the enthusiastic and professional administration of our past Shlichim and our current Shlichim, Shlomo and Shira Mirvis, Bnei Akiva of Los Angeles has made tremendous strides in promoting the ideals of Torah and Religious Zionism in the Los Angeles community. This year Bnei Akiva is also proud to be hosting 10 B’not Sherut Le’umi, young women fulfilling their second year of Israeli national service here in Los Angeles, dedicated to the students of the Maimonides Academy, Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy, and Shalhevet Middle Schools, as well as YULA Girls and Shalhevet High Schools. These outstanding young women provide our children with a strong and authentic connection to the State of Israel. Our Banot have formed deep attachments to both the youth and adults in our community and we value their presence immensely. The immeasurable contributions of our Shlichim , along with the B’not Sherut Le’umi, madrichim, generous supporters, and capable volunteers have brought Bnei Akiva of Los Angeles to its full influential potential for the youth of our community.