The Afikim Foundation Launches 'ToTallyOnline.org', First Live Interactive Online Hebrew School

NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Afikim Foundation will change the face of Jewish education in January 2011 with the launch of 'ToTallyOnline,' the first live, interactive online Hebrew School. Utilizing cutting-edge web-conferencing technology and a kid-friendly interface, this groundbreaking  program will allow students, ages 8-11, to interact via video, audio or text chat to create a fully functional virtual classroom from the comfort of their own home.

With the rising cost of 'bricks and mortar' Jewish education and the closing of many community Hebrew Schools due to the current economic climate, ToTallyOnline will enable children everywhere to acquire a foundation of Jewish knowledge from master teachers who will also be available to their students between classes for questions and discussion.

An introductory semester of 10 one-hour classes on consecutive Sunday mornings will begin on January 9, 2011 and continue through March 13th. Parents can register without obligation to attend an information session and preview the classes.

The host of ToTallyOnline.org is Rabbi Tzvi Gluckin, talented educator, author, lecturer and gifted musician, who will interact with students live via text, audio and/or video chat while incorporating videos, music, guest teachers, animation, polls, quizzes, games and prizes into each class.

The curriculum for the introductory term will focus on Jewish literacy, selected mitzvahs and Hebrew reading, incorporating National Jewish Outreach Program's Twebrew School. Each session will be archived for students to review and refer to for homework. Family involvement will be encouraged and homework materials will include family discussions, stories and activities. Graduates will be automatically entitled to enroll in Afikim's online Bnei Mitzvah Program that will launch in Fall 2011.

The Afikim Foundation is an incubator and implementer of Jewish educational, cultural and values-oriented programming worldwide. ToTallyOnline.org will be drawing upon the educational materials, resources and experience of Afikim's ToTal Hebrew School network of more than 50 bricks and mortar locations nationwide.

According to Afikim president, Rabbi Raphael B. Butler, "ToTallyOnline will be utilizing the very latest in dynamic web technology to enable us to keep pace with the iPod generation and reach Jewish families across the globe, regardless of denomination, who desire to help their children gain a better understanding of their heritage."

Additional information and registration details are available at www.ToTallyOnline.org. or [email protected]

SOURCE The Afikim Foundation