Abstract
ABSTRACT This paper investigates how Hebrew is taught and perceived at American part-time Jewish schools, based on surveys of 519 school directors, classroom observations, and 376 surveys of parents, students, teachers, and clergy. We found misalignment of rationales and goals for Hebrew education among these stakeholders. Most schools emphasize Liturgical and Biblical Hebrew decoding and recitation without comprehension for ritual participation, especially b’nai mitzvah. Many schools infuse Hebrew, and a small percentage teach Modern Hebrew conversation. Findings are discussed in historical context and compared to language education and metalinguistic communities in immigrant and indigenous groups.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have