Jewish Studies & Hebrew

Beth Hillel Day School’s Jewish Studies Program is designed to nurture a strong Jewish identity and to set each child on a path of personal discovery into Jewish history, culture, and tradition.

Classes taught by our Jewish Studies and Rabbinic staff emphasize Jewish texts, holidays, tzedakah (charitable giving), Israel and Tefillah (prayer). Through art, music, dance, and holiday celebrations, the richness and beauty of Jewish tradition come alive.

Our Hebrew teachers provide an exciting, low-stress environment for learning a second language. Through games, songs, poetry, and stories, children first learn to speak in Hebrew, and then to read and write. Students love reading contemporary Israeli children’s literature in Hebrew. Our teachers use immersion methodology, speaking only in Hebrew, which research shows are the most effective approach to language acquisition. Also, studies show that the acquisition of a second language helps in cognitive development, particularly in the area of mathematics.

Each year, we choose a school theme that exemplifies an aspect of the Jewish culture, history, religion, and values. Through this theme, all teachers integrate Jewish Studies and Hebrew curriculum into the daily classroom experience. This integrated approach to learning allows students to see their world through Jewish eyes, combining the secular and Jewish perspectives and establishing a pattern of knowledge, ethics, and spirituality that will last a lifetime.