Back to School Night: Connecting, Collaborating, and Shaping the Future Together

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - 1:00 PM

As parents, we feel the excitement and anticipation of a new school chapter unfolding for our children every year. Each new year ignites a new spark of anticipation as our kids embark on a new chapter of learning and growth. We're honored to be part of your child’s educational journey and look forward to working alongside you to help your children thrive.

As we kick off another school year full of possibilities, we'd love for you to join us for our Back to School Night. It's more than just an event—it's a chance for us to come together, share our hopes for the year ahead, and strengthen the bonds that make our school community so special.

Teacher reading a storybook to a group of attentive students at Hebrew Academy, emphasizing a warm and interactive learning setting that fosters a love for reading and literacy.

Why Back to School Night Matters

This evening isn’t just another school … Read More »

Why Creative Approaches in the Classroom Matters: A Peek Inside Hebrew Academy’s Second Grade

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - 2:53 PM

Walking into our 2nd-grade class at Hebrew Academy, I didn’t expect to see playdough on the desks, let alone as a part of the handwriting lesson. But Mrs. Santos, our dedicated second-grade teacher, had a different approach. As the students squeezed, rolled, and pinched the playdough, they were strengthening their fine motor skills, preparing their fingers for writing with confidence. It’s these small, thoughtful moments that set Hebrew Academy apart. When you think you’ve seen it all, our passionate teachers find new ways to surprise us.

Second-grade students at Hebrew Academy engage in a unique handwriting lesson using sensory play with putty. The interactive activity helps strengthen finger muscles, improving fine motor skills essential for writing. Students are focused and smiling as they squeeze and mold the putty, showing how creative approaches in the classroom foster both learning and enjoyment.

Nurturing Individual Growth Through Creative Learning

At Hebrew Academy, we believe that every child is unique, and so is their learning path. Mrs. Santos, inspired by our sc… Read More »

Investing in the Future: The Hebrew Academy’s Lasting Impact on Jewish Education

Monday, August 26, 2024 - 1:39 PM

Investing in the Future: The Hebrew Academy’s Lasting Impact on Jewish Education

The Hebrew Academy of Orange County has been a cornerstone of Jewish education for over five decades, shaping the lives of countless students with its unique blend of academic excellence and strong Jewish values. In the latest issue of the Jewish Long Beach Chronicle, Don Kaiser, a long-time supporter and current president of the Hebrew Academy board, shares his family's journey with the school. The article delves into how the Academy's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and commitment to both secular and Hebrew education have made a profound impact on his children, carrying through into their adult lives.

Don also discusses his ongoing d… Read More »

Celebrating Our Journey in Jewish Education

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - 6:13 PM

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We are proud to share that Hebrew Academy has once again been featured in the latest Jewish Long Beach's Chronicle issue. Hebrew Academy is committed to pioneering Jewish education through innovative educational programs for Long Beach and Orange County students. The article delves into how our efforts positively impact the community and nurture the next generation of Jewish leaders.

At Hebrew Academy, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically and spiritually. Our innovative approach to education, designed to inspire and empower our students, ensures they are well-prepared for the future.

Our educational philosophy at Hebrew Academy is not confined to the classroo… Read More »

Reflecting on an Amazing Year at Hebrew Academy

Monday, June 17, 2024 - 2:08 PM

Reflecting on an Amazing Year at Hebrew Academy

As the school year draws to a close, we at Hebrew Academy are filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared with our students, families, and community. This year has been a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional values-based education that nurtures curiosity, fosters innovation, and builds a strong community. We would like to take a moment to reflect on some of the remarkable highlights that made this year so special.

Academic Excellence and Innovation

At Hebrew Academy, we pride ourselves on rigorous academic programs that challenge and inspire our students from a young age. In the lower school, we focus on building a solid foundation for lifel… Read More »

A Journey Through History: Our 4th and 5th Graders Explore Sacramento

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - 5:35 PM

A Journey Through History: Our 4th and 5th Graders Explore Sacramento

At 6:00 am, excited students and tired parents gathered in the Hebrew Academy parking lot. Luggage, backpacks, sleeping bags, snacks, smiles, and friends were ready to depart on an experience that would bring learning to life. As parents waved goodbye, their children’s faces shone with eagerness and curiosity, ready to dive into California’s rich history at Sutter's Mill and the California state capital, Sacramento.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

This annual field trip is more than just a break from routine; it’s a unique opportunity for our students to engage in hands-on learning. By visiting significant historical sites, our students can see and touc… Read More »

Empowering Young Minds Through Collaborative Learning: Our Middle School PBL Showcase

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 3:18 PM

Empowering Young Minds Through Collaborative Learning: Our Middle School PBL Showcase

At Hebrew Academy, education goes beyond acquiring knowledge. It’s about fostering a love for learning, nurturing creativity, and building a strong sense of community. Our recent Middle School Project-Based Learning (PBL) Showcase, led by our dedicated English and History Departments, is a shining example of this philosophy in action.

Middle School PBL Presentation

A Journey Through "Farewell to Manzanar" and Ancient China

Our middle school students embarked on a unique and enriching journey, combining literature and history to explore themes from the book "Farewell to Manzanar" and the ancient civilization of China. This project wa… Read More »

Hebrew Academy Israel Fair: A Celebration of Creativity and Connection

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 3:12 PM

Hebrew Academy Israel Fair: A Celebration of Creativity and Connection

A kindergartener sneaks a lick of marshmallow fluff before carefully gluing a pile of cracked graham crackers into a model of the Western Wall. Nearby, the lively sounds of a shuk erupt, complete with vibrant stands and scenes from Machane Yehuda playing on the screen, with fruit stands selling all different types of fruit. Laughter and smiles fill the field as a young student crawls through hula hoops, proudly earning his IDF acceptance badge.

Jewish pride for Israel at Hebrew Academy

Creativity and Engagement at the Israel Fair

Our Israel Fair, created and inspired by our middle school girls, was a hub of creativity and engagement. They skillfully transformed their imaginative ideas into interacti… Read More »

Check Out the Visionary Awards in the Long Beach Chronicle

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 1:48 PM

We’re thrilled to share that the Hebrew Academy’s Visionary Awards Ceremony was featured in the May-June issue of the Long Beach Chronicle! The article, Honoring Impact at the Hebrew Academy Visionary Awards, gives a beautiful glimpse into the profound and inspiring commitment of Rabbi Peretz and Mrs. Rishi Greenwald to Jewish education.

The ceremony at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills was a special night where our community came together to celebrate the Hebrew Academy’s incredible journey of fostering Jewish values and unity. This article captures the warmth and impact of Rabbi and Mrs. Greenwald’s work with the students, families, and everyone involved.

Take a look at the full article in the Lo… Read More »

Breaking Free: Embracing Limitless Learning at Hebrew Academy

Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 4:35 PM

As we return to Hebrew Academy following Passover, our spirits are imbued with the profound essence of freedom, a theme deeply woven into the fabric of this ancient festival. Just as Passover celebrates the Israelites' emancipation from the confines of Egyptian slavery, it invites us to reflect on the limitations we overcome in our pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

Imagine the moment when the sea parted, offering a path of escape and the promise of a new beginning. Each day in our classrooms mirrors this miraculous passage: students breaking through barriers to discover clarity, teachers guiding them across the tricky terrains of complex theories and challenging texts. Together, we journey towards intellectual and spiritual liber… Read More »

Hebrew Academy's Continuing Quest for Knowledge

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - 5:51 PM

As the moon danced across the sun, casting a rare shadow upon the earth, the entire Hebrew Academy campus was aflutter with anticipation. This was no ordinary school day in Orange County, California. It was a day when the heavens would align to offer a living classroom under the sky, a perfect setting for a school committed to kindling the flames of curiosity and wisdom.

In anticipation of the eclipse, Hebrew Academy's educators meticulously crafted lesson plans. Science intertwined with history, mathematics mingled with religious significance, ensuring that students wouldn't just watch the eclipse but would comprehend its grandeur. As they gathered, teachers and students alike, the campus transformed into an observatory, where eve… Read More »

Unleashing Imagination Through Words at Hebrew Academy

Thursday, April 4, 2024 - 5:23 PM

Early Thursday morning, Hebrew Academy Community Day School’s first-grade classroom was abuzz with excitement as our young students gathered for the much-anticipated annual Poetry & Pastry event. Amidst the sweet aroma of pastries, the air was filled with laughter, learning, and the poetic rhythm of children’s voices. They brought to life the whimsical words of Shel Silverstein and shared their imaginative verses, turning the day into a vibrant celebration of creativity.

Poetry in First Grade: A Journey Beyond Words

In the heart of our first-grade curriculum lies the magical world of poetry, intricately woven into our reading, writing, and literacy endeavors. Aligned with the California Common Core State Standar… Read More »

Digital Footprint: Navigating the Virtual World with Integrity at Hebrew Academy

Thursday, March 28, 2024 - 3:36 PM

The Hebrew Academy shul transformed into a hub of interactive learning as Dr. Eli Shapiro, Ed.D, LCSW, the creator and director of The Digital Citizenship Project, posed a seemingly simple task to our upper school students through a live Zoom connection—fold one piece of paper neatly and intentionally and take another and crumple it.

As the two contrasting papers lay before them, Dr. Shapiro spoke about the importance of digital behavior and how impulsivity and disinhibition can negatively affect our digital interactions. Dr. Shapiro had the students read about the Harvard acceptance that was rescinded to at least ten prospective members of the Class of 2021 after the students traded inappropriate memes and messages that targeted min… Read More »

A Windy Day on the Silk Road: Real Adventures at Hebrew Academy

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 5:07 PM

On a day when the winds roared through Orange County, the Hebrew Academy Community Day School's backfield transformed into the historic Silk Road for an unforgettable lesson in real-world learning. Under the guidance of Ms. Zahoryin, our middle school students didn't just step outside; they stepped back in time, becoming traders on the bustling trade routes that once linked China to Europe. As the wind whipped around them, mirroring the harsh conditions ancient traders might have faced, our students were immersed in a hands-on experience that brought the past to life.

The students, bundled against the wind, navigated their way through trading simulations, their voices carrying over the fields as they bartered goods. Far from being a m… Read More »

Unicorns, Rainbows, and Numbers: A Journey of Joyful Discovery in Kindergarten

Thursday, March 14, 2024 - 12:17 PM

Little kindergarten fingers hover over a colorful array of mini erasers before carefully selecting ten unicorns and one rainbow. This deliberate choice marks the beginning of an interactive math lesson in which learning deeply intertwines with play and exploration. It’s only 9:00 am, yet the Hebrew Academy kindergarten classroom is already alive with the sounds of discovery and collaboration, and every eraser is a treasure waiting for them to explore.

This young boy is particularly engrossed. The erasers he has chosen are not just for play but serve as concrete representations of the numbers that dance in his imagination. With each eraser meticulously lined up, he embarks on a journey from the physical to the intellectual, translat… Read More »