Hebrew Classes

Ages 18+
Online and In-Person

Hebrew classes are open to students of all levels seeking to start, continue or perfect their study on the modern Hebrew language.

Student writing in Hebrew in their textbook.

Led by native, Hebrew-speaking instructors Yael Ronen, Mimi Wiener-Mishor, Kinneret Vinizky and Miri Aharoni, Hebrew language classes are taught in an engaging and supportive environment. The class curriculum and emphasis on the students’ experience allow for flexibility to accommodate differences in the makeup of each class. Bringing it all together is the wonderful community created by our students and instructors.

Class Descriptions

Not Sure Which Class to Take?

All those who are starting at the beginning can register for our introductory class, Modern Hebrew Kita Alef I.

New students entering beyond our basic class, or those with some Hebrew but unsure of which class to take, are asked to take this assessment test to ensure everyone starts at the appropriate level. Questions? Contact Yael Ronen at yronen@jccsf.org.

 

Modern Hebrew Kita Alef I (In-Person and Online Options)

New to Hebrew? No problem. This course is designed for the absolute beginner.  

Start to develop your Hebrew reading, writing and speaking skills. We will focus on learning the alphabet and developing basic spoken and written communication. There are no prerequisites for this term. 

 

Modern Hebrew Kita Alef II (In-Person and Online Options)

Move forward strengthening your vocabulary and communication skills, learn to tell the time (learning numbers 1 through 12) and start a conversation about yourself and others.

Prerequisites: Modern Hebrew Kita Alef I or an ability to read and write Hebrew (slowly) both in print (with and without vowels) and in cursive, and the ability to introduce yourself. 

Please take this placement assessment prior to registering for this level.

  

Modern Hebrew Kita Alef+: Discuss objects of daily life (Online)

Keep improving your reading comprehension and vocabulary. Learn how to combine adjectives with nouns and numbers in the feminine and masculine form, discuss casual and engaging topics such as your home environment, shopping, traveling and more. 

Prerequisites: Modern Hebrew Kita Alef or good reading and writing skills (print and cursive), familiarity with basic Hebrew verb structure in the present tense, an ability to tell time and ask basic questions of others.  

Please take this placement assessment prior to registering for this level.   

  

Modern Hebrew Kita Bet: Infinitives & introduction to the past tense (Online)

Keep up the momentum by learning more advanced vocabulary and grammar. Learn to use infinitives (such as “to do”) to build your conversation skills. 

Then get ready to navigate space and time! By adding the past tense to your Hebrew toolkit, you will be able to talk about things that already happened. This class will also include readings and conversations as you explore various aspects of Israeli culture and society.   

Prerequisites: Modern Hebrew Alef + or sound knowledge of previously studied Hebrew grammar such as verb conjugation, and adjective, noun agreement, and the use of infinitives.  

Please take this placement assessment prior to registering for this level.  

  

Modern Hebrew Kita Bet+: Explore new patterns (Online)

Build and refine your Hebrew conversation skills by familiarizing yourself with new verb patterns. Learn how to express various kinds of actions such as causative, reflexive, or reciprocal, both in the present and the past. This class will continue to explore aspects of life in Israel.  

Prerequisites: Modern Hebrew Kita Bet or sound knowledge of previously studied Hebrew grammar such as verb conjugation in both the present and past tense, adjective and noun agreement, and the use of infinitives (such as “to do”)   

Please take this placement assessment prior to registering for this level. 

 

Modern Hebrew Kita Gimel+: Journey into the future (Online)

Got plans for the future? Let’s discuss. Add the use of the future tense to your conversational skills while continuing to build up vocabulary and knowledge of Israeli society and culture.   

Prerequisites: Modern Hebrew Kita gimel, or sound knowledge of previously studied Hebrew grammar such as verb conjugation, adjective and noun agreement, the use of infinitives (such as “to do”) and familiarity with the four active “Binyanim” in both the present and past tense.  

Please take this placement assessment prior to registering for this level. 

 

Modern Hebrew Kita Dalet: Broaden your horizons (Online)

Develop deeper language familiarity with more specialized vocabulary, including the natural world and the printed word. You will have the opportunity to confidently develop your Hebrew fluency, while engaging with a broader range of original Hebrew content.   

Prerequisites: Modern Hebrew Kita gimel 3+ or high-level speaking and writing skills, including sound knowledge of Hebrew grammar like verb conjugation, adjective and noun agreement, the use of infinitives (such as “to do”), familiarity with the four active “Binyanim” in the present and past tenses, and comfort with basic future tense.  

Please take this placement assessment prior to registering for this level.  

 

Modern Hebrew Kita Dalet+: Focus on discussions (Online)

Put your grammatical knowledge to use by engaging in conversations about a wide variety of subjects, while continuing to build your vocabulary and familiarity with Hebrew grammatical concepts.

Prerequisites: Modern Hebrew Kita Dalet or high-level speaking and writing skills, including sound knowledge of Hebrew grammar like verb conjugation, adjective and noun agreement, the use of infinitives (such as “to do”), familiarity with the four active “Binyanim” in the present and past tenses, and comfort with basic future tense. 

 

Modern Hebrew Kita Heh: Getting literary (Online)

Continue to refine and broaden your Hebrew grammar while adding more advanced vocabulary. This course will explore more complex future tense patterns and the passive voice. This course will explore texts reflecting the wide demographic aspects of Israeli society and the world.  

Prerequisites: Modern Hebrew Kita Dalet+ or high-level speaking and writing skills, including sound knowledge of Hebrew grammar like verb conjugation, adjective and noun agreement, the use of infinitives (such as “to do”), familiarity with the four active “Binyanim” in the present and past tenses, and comfort with the future tense.  

Please take this placement assessment prior to registering for this level. 

 

 

Student Testimonials

There are many reasons to learn a new language – to connect with a family member abroad, to learn a partner or friend’s native language, to prepare for a business trip, to better understand a culture, or just for personal growth. Hear from students Jessica and Burt about their experience and why they love taking classes with us.

 

HEAR FROM JESSICA

HEAR FROM BURT

 

FAQs

When does registration open?

Registration usually opens one month prior to the beginning of each term. Terms typically start in January, April and September.

Which class should I register for?

If you are a complete beginner, you should register for Modern Hebrew Kita Alef: Master the basics. New students entering beyond the beginner level will be given an assessment test to ensure everyone starts at the appropriate level.

What are the classes like?

Classes are interactive in nature. Students have the opportunity to interact with the teacher and each other, ask questions and receive feedback. While the program is “serious” in its approach, the atmosphere in the classes is friendly, supportive, and fun. This allows each class to become a community of learners, where people are happy to see each other each week.

What will I learn?

In our classes we aim to cover all aspects of language learning: reading, writing, listening (understanding), and speaking. Conversation and communication are emphasized as soon as the level of the students allows.

How much time will I invest each week?

The classes are 1.5 hours long, once a week. Each student is given the opportunity to put into practice what is being taught. Students are also assigned homework of written exercises + online practice tools, to keep them practicing during the week.

Is Financial Assistance Available?

Yes. Individuals may be eligible for Financial Assistance if their AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) is under $100,000, and contingent upon available resources. Financial Assistance applications for Fall Classes are due by Monday, December 23, 2024. Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information. 

Payment & Refund Policy

During the first two weeks of a term, refunds for Hebrew classes are available at the discretion of the Director of Lifelong Learning.

The amount of the refund is calculated minus an administrative fee of $30 and a prorated fee for each class the student attended.

For further information, please contact Shiva Schulz, Lifelong Learning Director at sschulz@jccsf.org regarding refund requests.

Hebrew students in the park
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