Much of the power of the learning experience is an outcome of the relationship between staff and students. Strong Jewish role models in non-formal settings seem to have a lasting impact on the Jewish identity of the participants. The programs must be accessible to the entire community. Jewish youth from different backgrounds, including members of reform, conservative, renewal and orthodox congregations as well as the unaffiliated, must feel comfortable in the setting we create. This means maintaining a level of observance which enables traditional youth to participate comfortable while at the same time is sensitive to the newness of these observances for less traditional youth.
Continuity is vital.
It is essential that the student's education between 8th and 12th grade be continuous and integrated. The summer program in Israel is an example of an educational experience which can serve to both reinforce a student's learning and to spark an interest in continued study and participation in Jewish high school programs. A fluid model of curriculum best suits the ongoing needs of these programs. Constant revision and analysis of the programs shall occur, depending upon the needs of the youth and community at large. Tochnit Etgar is comprised of four classroom units and four weekend retreats.