In Light of Covid-19, Ayeka Reorganizes its North America Activities

Jerusalem, Israel, May 20, 2020 – Ayeka: The Center for Soulful Education today announced that as a result of the impact on COVID 19 on the organization’s activities and funding, it has made adjustments to its programming and staff. As part of these changes, Ayeka’s Director of North America, Michal Fox Smart, will be leaving her position, effective June 30, 2020, and her duties will be assumed by Ayeka’s Founder and Director, Aryeh Ben David, assisted by Ayeka’s team of Senior Educators. 

Since mid-March, Ayeka has pivoted online as schools closed their doors and in-person seminars and gatherings became impossible. Ayeka transformed its flagship Soulful Spiritual Development Program for Jewish Day Schools, funded by the Jim Joseph Foundation, to be a source of professional and emotional support for our educators. That Ayeka’s programming has been favorably received is evidenced by the unanimous decision by the schools to continue as members of the cohort for the 2020-2021 academic year, despite the uncertainty created by the COVID 19 pandemic. 

In addition, Ayeka has produced a highly successful series of online webinars, “Moving Soulfully Through Difficult Times” targeted to educators, parents, and the online community, particularly in North America and Israel. Ayeka has also reached out to its partners to provide them with responsive programs and is also actively pursuing new partnerships to expand its ‘Becoming a Soulful Parent’ programs across North America, during this challenging period.

Aryeh Ben David, Ayeka’s founder and Director stated, “For the past two years, Michal successfully directed Ayeka’s team of educators in our efforts to introduce our spiritual development programs across Jewish Day Schools in North America. She worked closely with numerous schools as well as Ayeka’s funders, including the Jim Joseph Foundation and the Avi Chai, Kohelet and Mayberg foundations. On behalf of our entire organization, we extend our thanks and appreciation to Michal for her wisdom, guidance, and leadership, and wish her only the best and success in her future endeavors.”