Monthly Archives: April 2021

Of all the challenges students at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston have faced this year, learning Hebrew has not been one of them.

The school uses Hebrew in Harmony curriculum for grades 3-6, and this year, just as in pre-pandemic times, students learn to read Hebrew with fluency and develop connections the prayers. This year, perhaps even faster.

“Our Hebrew program has excelled this year,” says David Scott, director of lifelong learning. “The year has been tremendous in many ways because of Hebrew in Harmony. The curriculum works really well, and we’ve found that being fully online this year has really opened up even more opportunities for us to create and develop new ways of engaging children online with Hebrew.”

The Hebrew goals of the Miriam Browning Jewish Learning Center of Beth Israel are tefilah-based. Students are grouped by skill level, and they work on mastering reading each pray

Here are three approaches that foster deep reflection and critical thinking while exploring the role Jewish values play in life.

Here are some way to introduce this "Picnic Holiday" to your students.

Why does Hebrew matter? 

"Language is a key to identity and culture, and Hebrew is a key to Jewish identity and Jewish culture. We just have to approach it as such." So writes Jeremy Benstein, the linguist and author of Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes: A Tribal Language in a Global World.

Engaging with Hebrew is a vehicle to enrich our connection to Judaism and its values. It is a real, living, dynamic language full of energy, Benstein says. You can teach it that way and help students connect with the language in authentic ways - whether or not your school focuses on prayer learning.

If

French Toast Sundays can jumpstart a conversation with children who may be experiencing the overwhelming emotions of losing someone they know.

"Children learn about the world through a variety of means, one of which is through stories. How can we, as educators, harness the power of stories and pictures to teach children about Israel?" writes Dr. Ofra Backenroth in an article about American Jewish education. One way, she writes, is through picture books.

"Picture books can serve as a powerful resource for teaching children in a meaningful way about Israel and can help children understand core concepts and what they mean. Most of all, stories serve as a jumping-off point for sincere and open conversation."

Here are some story books set in Israel to help bridge connections between the state and young children, perfect for discussions and activities around Yom Ha'atzma'ut

Now Available: A new batch of free, ready-to-go lessons and activities for Yom Ha'atzma'ut from the Behrman House collection.

Our free Educator Resource page is chock-full of Judaics and Hebrew lessons and activities for learners of all ages. The collection includes the following lessons to celebrate Israel's Independence Day (coming up on April 17):

• K-2 - Through discussion and creative activities, learn why Israel’s Independence Day is a joyful, important occasion. 
• 3-6 - Explore how Yom Ha'atzma'ut started, how we celebrate it, and why it’s important to the Jewish people.
• 7+ -  Learn how and why we celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, and find personal connections to the holiday.

This new release is part of our commitment to help you provide a meaningful learning experience for y