On schooldays the children arise early, get dressed, make their beds and eat breakfast. They are then picked up and transported to their schools. When they return to Sanhedria in the afternoons, they eat a light lunch (dinner is the main meal) and continue with the afternoon programs. The children at Sanhedria come from especially problematical domestic situations. Resultantly, they are emotionally, psychologically and academically challenged. We offer a variety of therapeutic activities to help them heal from the traumas they survived prior to their absorption at Sanhedria: These programs include:

Art Therapy

Rehabilitation through art is a transformational tool for releasing blocked fears and paralyzing memories. Imaginative expression, within an atmosphere of creativity, color and fun has a calming effect, which enables the children to relax emotionally and to heal the soul. Children with an over-developed sensitivity find peace of mind in painting, sculpting and creating figurative art structures from wood and ceramics.

Animal Therapy

Caring for the needs of animals fosters a sense of responsibility in the children, with the role models now being reversed. The boys are the care-givers, ensuring for their pets to be fed and sheltered.

Music Therapy

This program runs three times weekly to ensure that all the children can benefit from it. Music has proven to be an effective healing method to reach serenity and peace of mind. Many children who are too introverted to speak about the horrors of abuse and violence which they experienced during their earlier years, have been immensely helped through music. Playing an instrument and/or performing in public enhances their self-esteem and helps the children adapt to society.

Sports

Weekly Soccer Match

Sanhedria provides a broad range of athletic activities under the guidance of a professional sports instructor.  These include bike excursions, soccer games – on the court in Katamon and in a sports arena in Ramot for the teens.  The same teacher also accompanies the smaller children when they go swimming at the Jerusalem Pool and ensures that every boy learns how to swim. Additionally, a group of nearby yeshiva students come weekly for a soccer match, occasisionally alternating with basketball. The children have an abundance of energy and these are healthy and positive outlets for them to let go of steam. The volunteers also provide camaraderie and special friendships, adding to the delight of these programs.