"Ofek" Hebrew School - Beit Ha'am
Our educational community framework is designed for children ages 3 to 10 and aims to deepen the Israeli and Jewish connection and shape a strong shared identity in the community and family. The program focuses on enriching Hebrew language skills, with an emphasis on reading and writing, as a tool to strengthen the connection with the State of Israel and the Israeli-Jewish heritage, history and culture.
Program format:
Weekly meetings: 25 meetings throughout the year, held on Sundays.
Structured learning: Studying diverse topics according to the holiday calendar and festivals.
Language and culture knowledge: Exposure to the Hebrew language and Israeli culture.
Join us on a fascinating educational journey that enriches and strengthens your children's connection to Israel and their Jewish identity.
Ofek School Questions and Answers
What if we can't commit to coming every week?
That's okay, we understand that it's hard to commit and that sometimes people travel and have other commitments. We won't force anyone to come every week. However, payment is semesterly or annually, not per lesson, because we believe that in order to learn a language, you have to make a commitment.
Are parents expected to stay in the area during the lesson?
No, unless you are on guard duty/cleaning duty or a parent on duty. Some weeks there is an enrichment activity for adults, which you are welcome to join in, if you wish.
Will there be homework?
Two hours a week will not be enough to teach reading and writing, so the goal is for the children to share with you what they have learned. They may want to show you the new letter, the new word or the song they learned. You might want to talk about all the words that start with "gimel" around a table. However, there is no formal homework.
So where do we meet?
We meet in the Chambery area, exact location will be given to registrants.
My daughter understands Hebrew but does not speak it. Is she suitable?
Yes. The lessons will be conducted in Hebrew and will hopefully encourage her to speak Hebrew. She may find it easier to speak Hebrew in a non-home environment, where her peers also speak Hebrew.
How can I help?
Join the teacher substitute pool, help organize a community event, give a lecture or workshop for adults and generally give feedback! Thank you
Principles and guidelines
Emotional empowerment
Emotional empowerment - assistance in forming their identity, while cultivating values of friendship, partnership, and mutual respect.
Cultivating friendships
Fostering friendships between children and parents even outside of school
Parental partnership
Learning Hebrew
Learning Hebrew in an experiential and enjoyable way that helps increase the child's desire to use the Hebrew language, with the understanding that there are children for whom Hebrew is a second language and that the children's speaking, reading, and writing levels are at different levels.
Enriching Hebrew language skills
Enriching Hebrew language skills through culture - literature, songs and customs
Teaching Hebrew literacy
Parental partnership - in designing content, assisting in the operation of holidays, assemblies and shifts
Teaching Hebrew literacy in a way that allows each student to progress at their own pace
Calendar
1. September 22 - Opening Meeting
2. February 29 - Rosh Hashanah
3. October 6 - Yom Kippur
4. October 13 - Sukkot
5. November 3 - Learning Hebrew
6. November 10 - Learning Hebrew
7. November 17 - Learning Hebrew
8. November 24 - Learning Hebrew
9. December 1 - Learning Hebrew
10. December 8 - Hanukkah
11. December 15 - Hanukkah
12. January 12 - Learning Hebrew
13. January 19 - Learning Hebrew
14. January 26 - Learning Hebrew
15. February 2 - Learning Hebrew
16. February 9 - Tu B'Shvat
17. March 2 - Learning Hebrew
18. March 9 - Purim
19. March 19 - Learning Hebrew
20. March 20 - Learning Hebrew - Learning Hebrew
21. April 27 - Independence Day
22. May 18 - Lag BaOmer
23. May 25 - Shavuot
24. June 15 - Learning Hebrew
25. June 22 - End of Year Party
Payments
First child in the family €450.
Second child in the family €338 (25% discount).
Third child €225 (50% discount).
Fourth child free.
Registration includes the first payment.
Second and third payments will be made on September 22 and October 22.
If you wish to cancel after the first meeting, your money will be refunded minus the 50 euros registration fee.