"My child can write an essay in Hebrew for Torah study, but he can't have an everyday
conversation in Israel." Sound familiar? Or how about this one? "My child loves learning
Torah, but doesn't have enough command of Hebrew to understand and discuss it."
Two refrains we hear very often. So we're doing something about it. From the spoken
word to the ancient text, we are piloting some inventive programs in Hebrew and
Bible studies.
"Kids love Hebrew when the topics are fun," says
RHA Principal, Silvia Eilath. "Using the language
to discuss sports, music and modern culture keeps
students engaged." That's why we've added a
conversational Hebrew program and on-line learning
programs to our traditional classroom instruction
for elementary kids in grades 1 – 5 (Ivrit B'Click)
and in grades 6 – 8 (Yesh Va'Yesh). In both of these
programs, students build on their own abilities – oral
communication, reading and writing – all at their
own pace. Through everyday scenarios anyone can
all relate to, as well as short stories and novels, our
students learn modern Hebrew.
Now in grade 6, students have a choice about how
to study Bible. For students who want enriched
learning in a different language, they can opt for
Torah study in Hebrew. For students who want
less Hebrew but still want in-depth discussion
where they can easily share their ideas, we offer
Bible studies classes in English. These learners
become better able to share their ideas and find
the relevance in Torah for them. Students who
continue Bible studies in Ivrit further deepen their
Hebrew skills.
Reinventing Hebrew Education
Let's get talking
Torah Study in English
TANENBAUMCHAT
Students create their own cartoons.
