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#OnwardHebrew is changing the culture of Hebrew learning in part-time/congregational educational programs. Hebrew is no longer confined to 45-60 minute classes, but rather it moves (literally!) with Hebrew Through Movement, is brought into the minds and hearts of children via Hebrew-rich t'fillot/worship, and key Hebrew heritage words are infused regularly in English sentences. About half of the educational programs "in" with #OnwardHebrew teach decoding skills in fifth grade or later ... which means that about half teach them in third or fourth grade.
The four elements that make up the sound-to-print focus of #OnwardHebrew are:
Curious? Spend some time with this great overview webinar "#OnwardHebrew - For the Curious or Not Yet Convinced" AND/OR check the "Getting Started" brochure, linked below. |
Resources are linked to the photos and videos below. Click on what interests you!
START here:
ABOVE: The "GETTING STARTED" brochure offers short explanations of #OnwardHebrew and offers clues for integrating its elements into an educational program.
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ABOVE: After you've read through the "Getting Started" brochure, spend some time with this curated list of resources that provides a good foundation for moving forward.
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ABOVE: The links on this page will take you to the key resources that explain each element: HTM, JLV, t'fillah, decoding on a foundation of sound-to-print.
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wHAT COLLEAGUES SAY:
ABOVE: What do education directors have to say about #OnwardHebrew? You are invited to peruse their sound-byte-size quotations.
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NEW! ABOVE: Practitioner research that helps answer the question, "Does sound-to-print Hebrew learning REALLY work?" Featuring a conversation between Linda Duke (Hebrew teacher) and Nachama Moskowitz (#OnwardHebrew director), as well as data from Linda's research on the teaching of Hebrew decoding in a part-time/synagogue setting.
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ABOVE: Rabbi-Educator Nicki Greninger and Cantor Leigh Korn talk about #OnwardHebrew from each of their perspectives. Great conversation starter for synagogue leadership teams. (Webinar; 60 min)
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Great for STAKEHOLDER discussions :
ABOVE: The research on reading and the available learning time in part-time settings points to the need for big change in our programs. A great article to discuss with synagogue stakeholders.
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NEW! ABOVE: The Hebrew Snapshot Survey offers a lens into changes underway in Hebrew education in North American synagogues, with a focus on new and emerging trends. We offer both a written report, as well as a video of the August 2025 webinar that shared the findings.
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ABOVE: Findings from the 2024 study of students in "All In" #OnwardHebrew synagogue programs. What are learners' experiences and perspectives on Hebrew learning?
We offer a report in slide deck form, a discussion guide and a video recording of the webinar in which one of the researchers, Dr. Roberta Goodman, shares the findings. |
ABOVE: Amazingly, not one #OnwardHebrew educational program looks exactly like the others. And that's okay - it's an initiative, a philosophy, not a specific curriculum.
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ABOVE: The first half of this resource offers a variety of activities that are great for introducing #OnwardHebrew to various stakeholders - clergy, educators, parents, and committees. Adopt or adapt what fits your goals and culture. The second half of the booklet offers PD resources that support the introduction of and experimentation with research-based teaching strategies. For the latter, also check the "Conquering the Challenge of Decoding" webpage.
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other resources:
ABOVE: Join the #OnwardHebrew conversation. A helpful place to ask questions & share your experiences with colleagues.
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ABOVE: Scroll through and find topics that interest you!
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The video that started the buzz ABOVE: An oldie but a goodie,
created over 10 years ago. (12 min) |
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