At Yeshiva Har Torah, Hebrew is not simply a subject – it’s a living language that our students are immersed in from their earliest years at the school. Hebrew immersion is woven into the fabric of daily life, reflecting one of our core educational principles: the belief that fluency in our national language is key to building deep connections to am Yisrael, Medinat Yisrael, and our rich heritage.
Strong Hebrew language skills are also essential in giving YHT students access to original Hebrew texts and advanced Jewish learning. The YHT Judaic Studies curriculum systematically builds in sophistication beginning with Chumash in second grade, and adds Rashi, Navi, Halachah, Mishnah, Gemara and classical commentaries in subsequent grades, all studied in the original Hebrew.
In our Limudei Kodesh classes beginning with first grade, teachers are speaking exclusively in Hebrew, be it as part of the lesson or outside of class time. This constant exposure helps students build fluency in a natural and organic way. For our students, communicating in Hebrew is a part of the typical school day, and this constant exposure to Hebrew allows the students to develop a deep comfort with the language.
At a time when all of klal Yisrael must unite behind Medinat Yisrael, it is all the more important to speak our ancestral tongue. Yeshiva Har Torah’s emphasis on Hebrew immersion helps our students strengthen their ties to the Jewish nation, to our rich history, and to Torah study as a lifelong pursuit. Fluency in Hebrew allows our students to feel deeply connected to Israeli culture and effectively communicate with our brothers and sisters Israel, which is critical to fostering Jewish unity.
Yeshiva Har Torah is fortunate to have two beautiful campuses, and each is assigned two bnot sherut who run programming pertaining to Medinat Yisrael and Jewish life. These bnot sherut communicate with our students and teachers in Hebrew and bring a unique passion and flavor of Medinat Yisrael to the Yeshiva. Their special Israel-based programming provides another genuine outlet for Hebrew speaking and an additional connection point to the State of Israel.
Last year, we inaugurated a special Hebrew language program for our kindergarten students: Chalav U’Dvash. Through this program, our students use games, puzzles, songs, and pictures to build a significant foundation in the Hebrew language. After a successful launch last year, we are expanding our use of Chalav U’Dvash to reach more students and provide them with a broader background in Hebrew language. Students are more adept at learning new languages at younger ages, and therefore this program will set up our students for long-term success with Hebrew for years to come.
Hebrew immersion at Yeshiva Har Torah is not just about teaching a language; it’s about building a connection to our shared history, our future, and the world of sophisticated Torah study. By speaking Hebrew fluently, our students can connect to something greater than themselves: an enduring nation, Torah values, and the legacy of the Jewish people.
