BEGINNING HEBREW

Hebrew Lessons range from Alef-Bet to Bar/Bat Mitzvah readiness. 

Margaret’s teaching experience includes more than fifteen years of preparing children and adults to read and chant from the Torah.

“I have learned much from my teachers. I have learned more from my colleagues than from my teachers. But I have learned more from my students than from all of them.” —(B. Talmud, Taanit, 7a)
 

Hebrew Classes include Individualized or Group lessons for

• Children (8+)
• Special Needs
• Adults

Children
Private tutorial sessions are essential to any in-depth learning. Often I am asked to teach children who are overwhelmed with school and extra-curricular activities. They want to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony but feel pulled in many directions and worry they will not be ready.  Individual Hebrew lessons can be scheduled to supplement their studies. We now know that all of us acquire knowledge differently. I teach children who need to speed up and some who need to slow down. “Learning challenges” manifest in all shapes and sizes. Some students might have difficulty attending, dyslexia and/or weak organizational skills. Maybe they are just plain bored. Others with emotional problems and poor concentration are particularly challenged by learning an ancient language. Being distracted in a good way can be the solution. Some children are very gifted and they also need the learning process to be fun and creative. I had one student who liked to make up his own words and stories. I value the opportunity to work with children one-on-one. I enjoy thinking up new ways to address a myriad of learning styles, I feel privileged in turn, to learn from my students as well.

Adults
Taking on a new language as an adult poses advantages and challenges.  Motivation and focus: no problem. But some of us are daunted by the task of learning Hebrew no matter what our age. Perhaps you have a long time dream of being called to the Torah? Maybe you want to learn beginning Hebrew alongside your child or grandchild? Whatever your goal, I believe with enough patience and perseverance I can help you master basic prayerbook Hebrew. An individualized or group Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony can be the culmination of your studies. I have found these services to be profoundly meaningful and poignant because many adults have not had the opportunity to read from the Torah before. It is never too late to be called to the Torah. You can have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at any age!