About
Bivas.org is an extraordinary opportunity for Jewish high schoolers in grades 9-12 to cultivate their Sephardic Jewish identities while learning Ladino language and Solitreo cursive form. Participants will study with preeminent Sephardic scholars, learn traditional Ladino texts, songs and liturgies as well as join a community of insightful and motivated peers and mentors from across North America. Teens cultivate a desire for and capacity to lead meaningful Sephardic Jewish lives.
Community and Mentorship
Jewish tradition values learning in community. As such, Bivas is a collaborative learning experience. Students will be assigned to a local chapter that will are facilitated, in part, by madrichim and mentors who are experts in the Ladino language and traditions. Select regional areas will also host local gatherings for groups throughout the year.
Shabbatonim
Two in-person, weekend programs (Fri-Sun) with immersive Jewish learning, Shabbat observance and student-led discussions and social programming. The Shabbatonim are also an opportunity for the students to gather from across North America and Canada to share and partner in the Ladino/Sephardic experience.
Students will also have the opportunity to engage and learn about tefillah (prayer) and the Sephardic-Ladino ritual with experiences and classes led by community wide Rabbis and scholars
- December 2023 – New York
- April 2024 – Orlando
- October 2024 – TBD
Virtual Meetings
Our group meets weekly throughout the year to learn Ladino, Sephardic Trope and other liturgies and texts of Sephardic heritage. We also host virtual learning sessions with international Sephardic scholars. These meetings will include teaching text-based learning in chavruta groups and gatherings as well as learning Ladino songs.
Do you know a Jewish teen who would be a great candidate for our club? Contact us!