Hebrew

Our Religious School has embraced a research- and evidence-based approach to Hebrew learning known as "sound-to-print". This approach, under the umbrella of an initiative known as #OnwardHebrew, is being adopted by a growing number of synagogue-based programs across North America. The success of #OnwardHebrew in part-time Jewish educational settings is backed by more than a decade of qualitative and quantitative research. In addition to honoring established principles of language acquisition and the science of reading, it has the added benefits of being more fun for students and offering more scheduling flexibility for families!

Hebrew instruction for Temple Sinai Religious School students occurs weekly via:

• Hebrew Through Movement (K-5th Grade) - an active method for introducing Hebrew language and vocabulary in the same ways that children acquire English
• Tefilah (worship services) in Hebrew (K-6th Grade) - Regular experience hearing and reciting prayers in Hebrew builds familiarity with words, phrases, and sounds that students later use to "match" and anchor when learning to decode Hebrew print
• Jewish Life Vocabulary (K-6th Grade) - Intentional use of significant Hebrew 'heritage' words significant to Jewish culture, religion, and life (e.g. "mazel tov" and "siddur" instead of "congratulations" and "prayer book") within our program, which add to a Hebrew-rich learning environment
• 1:1 or Small-Group Hebrew Decoding Instruction (4th - 6th Grade) - Building on the foundations of the sound-to-print principles above, students spend focused time decoding Hebrew letters and vowels with an eye toward B'nei Mitzvah readiness and beyond (in-person and remote learning options)

Students preparing to become B'nei Mitzvah receive additional tutoring support and instruction in the year leading up to their simcha. Click here to read more about our B'nei Mitzvah program.