

Hebrew Studies
Hebrew Studies at Hillel Academy
At Hillel Academy, Hebrew is not just a subject; it is a living, dynamic language woven into the fabric of daily life. From the Forman Early Learning Center (ages 1-PreK) through 8th grade, Hebrew is an integral part of our school culture, with students engaging with it throughout their school day. Teachers greet students in Hebrew and incorporate both Hebrew and English for common vocabulary like colors, numbers, and everyday phrases, creating an immersive environment from day one.
In the Forman Early Learning Center, Hebrew is introduced in a playful and engaging way, using songs, rhymes, and interactive activities to teach basic Hebrew vocabulary and concepts. As children progress through the Early Learning Center and into the elementary grades, Hebrew becomes a more structured part of their education, with increasing depth and complexity in their language skills.
In grades 5-8, Hebrew instruction is personalized through leveled groups, catering to each student's proficiency. This differentiation ensures that all students progress at their own pace, whether they are beginners or heritage learners. The approach includes interactive methods such as prayer, which serves as a vehicle for language practice, helping students deepen their understanding and connection to Hebrew.


Through this immersive and personalized approach, Hillel Academy ensures that students not only acquire Hebrew language skills but also strengthen their connection to the Jewish people, their heritage, and the State of Israel.
Forman Early Learning Center (Ages 1-PreK)
In the early years, Hebrew is introduced in a nurturing and fun environment where young children begin to develop a connection to the language:
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Basic Vocabulary: Children are introduced to Hebrew words through songs, stories, and interactive activities that teach basic concepts like colors, numbers, animals, and everyday objects.
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Songs and Rhymes: Hebrew songs and rhymes are used to familiarize children with the sounds of the language and build a foundation for later learning.
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Cultural Connections: Children are introduced to Jewish traditions, holidays, and symbols through Hebrew words and phrases, helping them develop an early understanding of Jewish culture.
Primary Hebrew Skills (Grades K-4)
As students enter Kindergarten through 4th grade, they focus on building a strong foundation in Hebrew:
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Letter and Sound Recognition: Students learn to identify and form Hebrew letters, recognizing the sounds each letter makes.
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Sight Words and Vocabulary Building: Vocabulary expands through words connected to everyday objects and Jewish traditions, holidays, and the calendar.
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Nekudot (Vowels): Understanding vowels and blending them with letters to form syllables and words.
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Grammar: Basic grammar concepts are introduced, including tense distinctions (past/present), gender (masculine/feminine), and number (singular/plural).
Writing: Students practice writing words for each letter and begin forming sentences using their vocabulary.
Intermediate and Advanced Hebrew Skills (Grades 5-8)
As students advance, their Hebrew studies become more complex:
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Grammar and Syntax: Students explore more intricate grammatical structures, such as possessive forms, prefixes, and prepositions. They also learn how to use gendered tenses and practice forming complete sentences.
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Oral Language Development: Conversational skills are emphasized through storytelling, sharing personal experiences, and reading Hebrew stories. Activities such as reading a cookbook and making recipes, or creating a shuk (market) and selling goods in Hebrew, further enhance their language skills.
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Creative and Critical Thinking: Students engage with Hebrew texts to expand their comprehension, while developing critical thinking and conflict resolution skills through both written and spoken Hebrew.
Our curriculum uses several well-recognized Hebrew language-learning programs:
iTalAm
L’Havin v’L’Haskil
Ulpan Or
