Formed in 2008 by enthusiastic parents of children at Akiva School in Finchley, London, Shtilim aims to teach Ivrit as a modern foreign language and as a tool for engaging with the Jewish tradition and Israeli life.

Our main goal is for our children to be Ivrit literate and connected to Israel. We believe that setting the highest standards in Hebrew teaching and learning will allow our children the freedom to choose their way of interacting with the language, be it in the synagogue, when they visit Israel or speaking to family members. Shtilim families may have different needs and interests in learning Hebrew but they all have one goal in common. Our children are here to become Ivrit literate and connected with Israel.

Currently five Shtilim classes run four-times-a-week before school. Our teachers are all trained and supported by an academic coordinator. Whilst funded by the parents, in order for the programme to grow and be a "blue print" to other schools and communities additional funds are required - hence our fundraising events .