Hebrew

Hebrew language is more than an academic subject at CESJDS. It is an expression of our Core Value of Ahavat Yisra-el/Love Of Israel. We believe that the study and eventual mastery of our language will play a key role in our students’ development of their inextricable bond with the people, land, and culture of the People of Israel and the texts of our tradition.

The Lower School uses the Proficiency Approach to second language acquisition for development of Hebrew language skills. This approach focuses on developing communicative language within our students, with the goal for students - after several years of study beginning in the Lower School and extending through Middle and High Schools - to become naturally and authentically conversant in Hebrew. We accomplish this goal by actively engaging students in Hebrew through a variety of modalities, the multiple intelligences, and all five senses. The Proficiency Approach focuses on the development of all four key areas of language acquisition: speaking, comprehension (oral and reading), reading, and writing. As students progress through their Lower School years, their language skills develop toward fluency. In the school, the Hebrew environment is not limited to Judaic Studies classrooms. Hebrew is infused into the daily life of the school in a variety of ways so that Hebrew stands as a characteristic aspect of the life and culture of the school, not just a subject studied in Hebrew language and Judaic studies class.

In addition, CESJDS partners with Hebrew at the Center to strengthen inclusive Hebrew instruction in the Lower School through the Pritzat Derech: Hebrew for All framework. This evidence-based approach applies the science of reading to Hebrew and equips our teachers with strategies to support students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, while enhancing Hebrew reading development for all learners. Through ongoing professional learning and coaching, our Hebrew educators deepen their expertise and expand their ability to ensure that every child experiences success, confidence, and joy in Hebrew language learning.