Hebrew Options

Hebrew language is an important learning element and participation tool for all Jewish communities. Our beautiful, language unites Jewish people across the spectrum of religious observance, cultural affiliation, and nationality. Transmitting this essential component of Jewish life to our children is a commitment we embrace with alacrity.

We also recognize the unique demands on time and attention for our generation’s Jewish families. With many activities from which to choose and multiple opportunities for developing personal interests, Hebrew language learning needs to be accessible, engaging, affordable and logistically manageable.

Our children in Kitot Gan – Aleph (Kindergarten and first grade) participate in Shabbat Limmud where they are exposed to the sounds of the Hebrew alphabet and key words used in synagogue community. We utilize a kinesthetic approach to Hebrew language for our youngest students, and focus on letter recognition and basic vocabulary through experiential learning.

Adat Shalom offers HebrewTime, Adat Shalom’s individualized, distance Hebrew program

HebrewTime, Adat Shalom’s individualized, distance Hebrew learning program for 2nd grade (Kitah Bet) through 6th grade (Kitah Vav) students, allows for families to work with experienced tutors to find a time that works best, and is focused, one-on-one individualized Hebrew instruction.

Individual Tutoring: One-on-one 45-minute weekly Hebrew tutoring sessions via Zoom (24 sessions), scheduled according to families’ and tutors’ availability. Students’ learning will progress at their own pace.

Hebrew Time FAQ

For more information on this innovative model of Hebrew learning via Zoom, you can read this article and this article.

1. Who will teach my child?

We will have multiple experienced Hebrew/Jewish educators.

2. Who chose the curricula?

We’ve chosen the Shalom Learning curriculum because it matches our Hebrew educational goals. Find further information by clicking here.

3. How do I schedule my child’s Hebrew tutoring sessions via Zoom?

Click here to register your student for Limmud.

Scheduling for HebrewTime Zoom tutoring will begin in August. You will receive an email with a link. The scheduling system is similar to signing up for many after-school activities. It will list each teacher’s availability by date and time. You choose the teacher that is available on the day and at the time most convenient for your family.

4. What is the cancellation and make-up policy?

The cancellation policy is the same policy as many after-school activities. There are no makeup lessons for students’ cancellations. Please email your child’s teacher as far in advance as possible if your child cannot attend the lesson. The teacher will email your child’s homework to you by the next day.

5. What if the teacher is sick or has an emergency?

If the teacher is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be notified in advance by email or phone. Especially on the day of your child’s HebrewTime Zoom lesson, please check your email for a message from our Educational Programs Manager.

The Educational Programs Manager will provide a substitute tutor on the same day and at the same time as your child’s regular session.

6. What should I do if the technology at my home isn’t working?

As soon as possible before the lesson, email the teacher that your Zoom connection isn’t working. The lesson will then be over the phone.

7. What is the parents’/caregiver’s role?

An adult needs to be present before the lesson to ensure that there’s a working Zoom connection and the student has a quiet environment to focus on the lesson and not be distracted.

8. What if my child is already using devices too often or doesn’t learn well using technology?

We are respectful of your concern about the amount of time children are using technology. We also know that children learn differently and not all will learn best via Zoom. If you feel that you don’t want your child to learn Hebrew via Zoom, we suggest you take advantage of our option to hire a private tutor.

*We honor our young people’s gender identity and choose this formula rather than the more binary “bar or bat” language.