Time flies. It’s hard to believe the beginner’s Hebrew course at the Simon Family JCC has already concluded. What began as the simple challenge of mastering the Aleph-Bet quickly grew into a shared experience of discovery, laughter, and deep connection.
Week after week adult students faced the fears and difficulties of learning a new language and celebrated the small victories: pronouncing a tricky word, realizing that Hebrew has no long vowels, or finally recognizing letters at a glance. Beyond grammar and vocabulary, this course became a testament to how learning something new can be a joyful and enriching adventure.
But this is only the beginning. For the students, the foundation is now laid for a sacred language, an ancient tongue that unites the Jewish people across time and space. With every lesson, a door was opened to the history, culture, and prayers of ancestors.
The students were enthusiastic and dedicated. Their thirst for knowledge made every class a true pleasure.
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC provided a space where the transmission of this sacred language can flourish and G-d willing, the journey will continue. A new cycle of the course begins in November, offering both returning students and newcomers the chance to deepen their understanding and uncover even more of Hebrew’s beauty.
For more information, or to register, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@ujft.org.