Hebrew Academy’s Visionary Awards Dinner

March 30, 2025, wasn’t just another evening—it was a night that truly captured the heart of what makes Hebrew Academy exceptional. The Visionary Awards Dinner went beyond honoring remarkable individuals; it was a celebration of everything we stand for: community, purpose, and the lasting impact of Jewish education.

The evening began with a meaningful moment as we honored Roei, our dedicated security guard, who had recently returned from serving in the IDF. In a show of solidarity, reflecting our shared commitment to Israel's security and the Jewish people's strength worldwide, Roei led us in a prayer for the IDF. 

Honoring Those Who Lead with Purpose

The Leadership… Read More »

How Hebrew Academy Brings Pesach Learning to Life 

Pesach is almost a month away, but you can hear the excitement everywhere at Hebrew Academy. Walk through our campus, and you'll find students singing Mah Nishtanah, creating Pesach puppets, writing and discussing their own Haggadahs, and fully immersing themselves in the traditions and lessons of the holiday.

Even our preschoolers are already deep into the learning—and not in the usual way you'd expect. Instead of simply hearing about Pesach traditions, they are stepping into them, engaging their senses, and making the holiday theirs. While most start with stories and songs and end with a Model Seder, our preschoolers flipped the script. They opened their Pesach learning wi… Read More »

Every parent has that moment—the quiet pause after drop-off, the late-night worry, the deep breath before a big decision. Am I giving my child the best start?

For the Morten family, that question led them to the Hebrew Academy. What they found was more than a school; it was where their children blossomed. Their son comes home eager to share his learning. Their daughter, who entered middle school unsure of herself, grew into a leader—excelling academically and later forming a Jewish social group at her public high school. Their journey proves that the right environment doesn’t just educate; it transforms. 

If you’ve been considering Jewish education but wondering how to make it possible, Je… Read More »

Learning, Giving, and Growing Together

"Eureka!" a fourth grader shouts, lifting a lollipop from the California map during their Walk Through California activity. They’ve just struck "gold"—a sweet surprise woven into their learning experience. Another classmate pulls a regular lollipop and grins, "Oh bummer… but it's still a lollipop!" Laughter fills the room as students celebrate their discoveries, placing landmarks on a giant map of California—each one a piece of the story they are learning together.

This engaged, collaborative learning defines Hebrew Academy's classrooms—where students absorb information and explore, question, and discover together.

Throughout th… Read More »

Where 21st-Century Skills Meet Timeless Values

In a world that’s changing faster than ever, we all want more than just a strong academic foundation for our children—we want them to develop the confidence and skills to adapt, collaborate, and think critically. The future holds challenges we can’t yet predict, making it essential to equip students with both knowledge and the ability to navigate uncertainty.

But how do we prepare children for a world that doesn’t yet exist?

At Hebrew Academy, the key isn’t adding more coursework but transforming how students engage with learning. We ensure these skills become second nature by embedding resilience, kindness, and teamwork into everyday experiences.

A Hands-On Le… Read More »

How many books did we collect today?" a kindergartener asks, their eyes wide with excitement. Across campus, a third grader carefully packs a Shabbat package, pausing to ask, “Do you think this will make someone smile?” These small yet powerful moments are the essence of learning at Hebrew Academy—where academics inspire action and compassion.

At Hebrew Academy, every lesson is rooted in purpose. Our programs align with California state standards while embracing Jewish values. Students don’t just learn concepts—they apply them in ways that foster curiosity, purpose, and growth.

This integration of learning and action is integral to our classroom instruction. In math, students graph the progress of book c… Read More »

What happens when Jewish tradition meets hands-on science? A world of wonder unfolds! At Hebrew Academy, we make learning REAL—Realizing Exceptional Achievement and Learning—by combining Jewish values with STEM education. Our upcoming Moon Quest STEM Adventure perfectly exemplifies how we inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection.

A Fresh Take on Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh, celebrating the new month, is a beautiful time for reflection and renewal. It’s also a perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of the moon. Students will learn about the moon, shadows, and light phases through exciting, hands-on STEM activities. By blending tradition with science, we bring these lessons to life in a fun and meaningful wa… Read More »

What happens when a community comes together to inspire the future? The impact is immeasurable.

This past Sunday, January 5th, the Hebrew Academy family gathered for an extraordinary evening of celebration, connection, and generosity. Auction Royale 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a demonstration of our school's profound impact on generations of students, families, and our community. From heartfelt testimonials to inspiring performances, the evening celebrated the values and vision that unite us.

Building for the Future: The Recreational Play Zone Upgrade

The heartbeat of every school is its students—and the spaces where they grow, connect, and create lasting memories. At the Hebrew Academy, our blacktop has … Read More »

They began their journey here at the Hebrew Academy and then quickly transitioned into advanced classes in middle school. Now, as they prepare to graduate from Marina High School, they’re ranked 1 and 2 out of a class of 500.

This isn't just a story of academic success—it’s a story of foundation, community, and vision. For the Lichtmaher family, Hebrew Academy has been more than a school—it’s been a partner in raising confident, kind, and driven young leaders.

A Foundation That Shapes Futures

When Dr. Alla and Igor Lichtmaher enrolled their twin sons, Gil and Levi, at Hebrew Academy's preschool, they were looking for more than just an education—they wanted a place that would nurture their sons&… Read More »

Celebrating the Legacy of Hebrew Academy

Since its founding in 1969, Hebrew Academy has been a cornerstone of Jewish education—a place where academic excellence, Torah values, and a warm community converge to nurture the next generation. While time has brought new faces, innovative programs, and modern facilities, our mission has remained unwavering: to inspire students to grow as learners, leaders, and proud members of the Jewish community.

A recently rediscovered video from 1985 offers a rare and beautiful glimpse into the history of our school. Narrated by the late Congressman Tom Lantos, a Holocaust survivor and advocate for education, the video reflects the very essence of Hebrew Academy’s enduring mission. Even as we st… Read More »

Classroom Visits with Mrs. Sarah Greenspan

In today’s world, where emotional intelligence and social skills are as essential as academic success, our kindergarten students at the Hebrew Academy had the opportunity to experience a special moment of emotional learning through a captivating story, A Little Scribble SPOT, by Diane Alber. The story was beautifully brought to life by Mrs. Sarah Greenspan, our dedicated School Counselor. While this was a single snapshot of her ongoing work on our campus, it showcases her passion for helping children navigate their emotions. Sarah shared, 'I love seeing the lightbulb moment when children realize they can name and understand what they're feeling.'

Mrs. Greenspan has a gift for con… Read More »

At Hebrew Academy, we understand that significant milestones, like transitioning to kindergarten, are not just about academics—they're about building confidence, connection, and a strong foundation for lifelong success. This week, our Pre-K/TK students got a sneak peek into our nurturing kindergarten environment, and the experience was nothing short of magical. 

As the Pre-K students stepped into Mrs. Kahn’s kindergarten classroom, they were welcomed with warmth and excitement. The room buzzed with curiosity as the children gathered to hear the beloved story “Bear Can’t Sleep” by Karma Wilson. This heartwarming tale of Bear and his friends trying to help him fall asleep sparked giggles, wonder,… Read More »

For many families, the day begins with a drive from across Orange County, navigating the rush of daily life. Upon arriving at Hebrew Academy, a different pace takes over—calm focus and meaningful connection. Here, students engage in various activities that reflect our commitment to dynamic, values-driven education. Small group work is just one example, offering students focused teacher time for personalized learning, the support they need to excel, and opportunities to collaborate and help one another. These moments embody the collaborative spirit that defines our school. These moments capture the essence of our school—a place where values and community come alive through education.

Engaging Every Student: A Dynamic Learnin… Read More »