The goal of the Absorption Center is to help integrate and prepare olim for independent living within Israeli society.

Background
The Canaan absorption center is located in northern Israel on Mount Canaan in Safed, the capital of Galilee. Historically a holy walled city, today modern Safed has approximately 28,000 inhabitants.

The broad expanses and beautiful views of the city contribute to a positive atmosphere. The center is in close proximity to a shopping, post office, pharmacy, Ministry of Absorption offices, weekly market place and health clinics.

Accommodations
The Canaan absorption center has 106 residential units in a complex of five buildings. Units are of varying sizes. Basic appliances and furnishings, including beds, closets, refrigerator, stove, chairs and tables, are also provided. Upon arrival, new immigrants are welcomed with basic food provisions for their first days

Activities and Special Projects
The center provides activities for both adults and children.

For adults this includes Hebrew studies, conversion classes, seminars, and community activities, workshops on parenting, employment, consumerism and trips around Israel.

Activities for children focus on educational reinforcement and enrichment in subjects such as Jewish customs, festivals and Israeli culture. In addition, they have sports, drama, music, day camps, trips and more.

Activities are geared towards the different stages of absorption and assisting olim in becoming familiar with their new surroundings.

Summer camp

Special Projects
Computer room - There is a shared computer room between two absorption centers. It is used to help students with their Hebrew studies, as well as by adults taking computer courses.

Adult Workshops - Workshops are held on employment, relationships and parenting, household management and institutions and services in Israel

Home Maintenance - Courses are provided to give olim information on buying and maintaining a home in Israel.

For Children
Reading with Soldiers - The nearby army intelligence base has adopted the center and once a month soldiers hold 'reading for fun' activities.

Mentoring Club - A special mentoring club takes place in the afternoon hours for the center's children and provides strengthening in schoolwork and homework assistance.

Educational Reinforcement - Extra reinforcement in Hebrew and math studies is available for children and youth.

Preparation for First Grade - A readiness class for first grade, is offered for preschool children prior to their entering school.

Drama Club and Soccer Clubs - Twice a week residents of the center take part in a unique project in Kibbutz Sasa, which integrates children from all parts of society. The children partake in a drama workshop and a soccer club.

Maccabee Team - The Maccabi Soccer Association organizes a soccer team for center children complete with appropriate sports clothes and shoes. The team meets in the sector community center and participates in various tournaments throughout the year.

Kaleidoscope Workshop - This is an empowerment workshop, where children work on developing emotional and social skills.

Bar / Bat Mitzvah - A joint Bar / Bat Mitzvah project takes place with children from the Israel Jewish Appeal in England. The children learn about their roots, nation, land and commandments. The new immigrants and British children correspond, and then come together for a joint celebration.

Library and Play Room - Operates five days a week, offering familiarity with reading and assorted games for acquiring new skills.

Compedia Project - The Compedia company has developed a computer program which offers educational reinforcement and computer classes for preschoolers. This program strengthens their learning prior to entering the school system. Additionally children and youth have access to computers for schoolwork, learning and recreation.

Staff
A dedicated and professional staff is responsible for the care of the new immigrants and for the daily running of the absorption center. The staff consists of a director, administrative assistant, head of education and culture, social worker, housemother, counselors and volunteers.