Hebrew Education
PTBE’s Hebrew program begins in 3rd grade, and all 3rd – 6th graders are expected to be enrolled in a Hebrew learning class. In our Hebrew program, students develop Hebrew decoding skills and an understanding of core Hebrew grammatical concepts. Students gain proficiency in reading prayers from the Shabbat service as they prepare to become BE Mitzvah and knowledgeable Jewish young adults. Students begin to make connections between key prayer vocabulary and themes that reflect Jewish life. Each grade has specific learning and prayer goals. Hebrew is taught through a variety of formats including textbooks, Jewish texts, games, computer programs, conversation, art, music and participation in prayer services.
The goals of our Hebrew Education Program are:
To connect students with the language of the Jewish People, both ancient and modern.
To help students gain a working knowledge of our siddur (prayer book) and the order of our prayer services.
To become proficient “pray-ers,” able to participate in T'filah (prayer services) and ultimately lead prayer services.
To understand key words and themes from our prayer tradition and derive personal meaning and connections to prayer.
In 3rd – 5th grade, students attend their age-appropriate Rishonim class on Sunday mornings from 9:00am – 11:00am and then most students continue with their Hebrew class from 11:15am – 12:15pm. Hebrew classes follow the same schedule as Rishonim during the school year.
However, we understand that students learn Hebrew in different ways. Our Hebrew education program aims to be inclusive of different kinds of students and diverse approaches to learning. For students who learn more successfully in a one-on-one setting or who have unusual scheduling challenges, we also have the option of Hebrew Chevruta Tutoring. See below for more information.
In 6th grade, students have Hebrew class as part of their weekly 6th Grade WNP Program, which takes place on Wednesday nights from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. (See our 6th Grade WNP program description for more information.)
Please see the BE Mitzvah section of our website for more information about how the Hebrew program then flows naturally into the BE Mitzvah preparation process.
Here are the descriptions of our 3rd – 6th Grade Hebrew classes:
Hebrew Kitah Alef: Beginning Hebrew (for our 3rd graders, plus any new 4th and 5th grade students, upon referral from Rabbi Janine):
This group learns the letters of the Alef Bet and the vowel sounds. Using Behrman House’s “Alef Bet Quest” textbook, games, and activities, they learn to decode Hebrew words, combining letters and vowel sounds to pronounce the words aloud. Students are also introduced to basic “Jewish Life Vocabulary” and simple Hebrew blessings (such as Shabbat and Chanukah blessings). This class is for all beginner Hebrew students.
Hebrew Kitah Bet: (4th Grade):
This group already has basic familiarity with the letters and vowel sounds of the Alef Bet. Each student receives their own copy of the Mishkan T’filah Siddur, the prayer book of the Reform Movement. Using their own siddurim, they begin their study of prayers with the Morning Blessings, Barchu, Shema, and V’ahavta. They also learn the Four Questions for Passover.
Hebrew Kitah Gimmel: (5th Grade):
These students already know the Alef Bet and have already learned some prayers. They continue their study of prayers with the Chatzi Kaddish, Avot V’imahot, and G’vurot.
6th Grade Hebrew- Part of the 6th Grade WNP Program:
6th graders strengthen their prayer skills in order to become Shlichei Tzibor, prayer leaders. They learn the Torah blessings, the Shabbat Kiddush, and review all prayers from the Shabbat Morning BE Mitzvah service.
schedules & tuition:
Kitah (3rd - 5th Grade):
Sundays 11:15am -12:15pm (following Rishonim), Tuition: $715
Chevruta (Tutoring):
Students who chose this option will schedule individually and choose whether in-person or virtual based on preference and teacher availability:
Chevruta Tuition: $1,580
If your child has special needs and needs extra support for Hebrew, please contact Donelle Paisley to help arrange the best learning option.