For years Hebrew language instruction, professional development, curriculum development has happened in the silos of type of program (i.e. Jewish Day Schools, Synagogue Movement programs (i.e. Conservative, Reform, etc.) and very little work has been done to identify means of teaching the Modern Hebrew language the way we learn other languages.  Two small organizations began to make good progress, the Hebrew Charter Center which opens Hebrew Language Charter schools in the United States, and Hebrew at the Center, previously at Brandeis University and now situated in Middlebury College.

Taking the lead to create the Council is the WZO, bringing in partners such as Hebrew at the Center and the Hebrew Language Charter Center.  Their goal is terrific.  To create a network that will improve the quality of Modern Hebrew instruction for all, in whatever setting, and provide professional development and tools.  It’s exciting to see these organizations come together.  You can read more about the initiative in either of these two articles.

Raising the profile of Hebrew in North America: A new initiative by the WZO, Jewish Boston.com, November 12, 2013.  Click here.

Visit the WZO web site to read more.  Click here.