Making it R.E.A.L. Blog

Here at the Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish Day School in Orange County, we recognize that good learning begins with a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and students. Setting this foundation early in the year creates a learning environment that maximizes the experience for each kindergarten, middle school, or high school student and enables us to recognize and support what they need to succeed.

We also know that learning goes beyond the classroom curriculum, and helping children feel comfortable, safe, and happy to learn is where good learning can happen. As we get settled into an excellent new year, teachers are taking plenty of time to get to know students and ensure they are comfortable with the routines and… Read More »

In our new digitally social world we have only but two seconds to capture the minds and hearts of our audience as children younger and younger are becoming attached to devices. These new trends make it extremely difficult to connect and engage with students. Here at the Hebrew Academy, the Judaic program has a special way of entering the hearts of our students, connecting with them personally while empowering them to be lifelong learners.

Research has proven that technology has changed education negatively, deteriorating students' competencies in reading and writing, dehumanizing educational environments, distorting social interactions, and isolating individuals. Hebrew Academy continuously works hard to change those… Read More »

The High Holiday celebrations in the Jewish world are an incredibly hands-on experience. Even the tiniest active gesture pulls the holiday off the page and into our hands making it real tactile and dynamic. Slicing apples, cracking open pomegranates, finding tiny sticky hands asleep on the couch, clutching a Siddur heavy with emotion, or holding a tallit over a child’s head is all part of the Jewish New Year experience referred to as the High Holidays.

Coming through COVID, we have lost this essential element so vital to Jewish life and learning. In schools across the country, students have spent the past two-plus years being told to cover their faces and keep their distance. With the new school year upon us and the… Read More »

 right California sunlight sparkles through large windows on a campus in Huntington Beach where students have attended the Hebrew Academy for over 50 years. Throughout this time, the campus has been reinvented to meet the ever-changing needs of a new era in education. Technology, top-tier academics, critical thinking and creativity coincide to create innovative solutions to current and future challenges students themselves identify. The MakerSpace art room was designed for and by next-generation learners. It is open, spacious, and generously stocked with an array of enticing art supplies and intriguing materials for students to create, experiment, and collaborate with, as they realize the potential they have to create a new… Read More »

Four things parents can do to support their child’s success in kindergarten and beyond:

Do you remember the tickling Hey?

Thank you Rabbi Engel for sharing the tickling "Hey" lesson with our first-grade students.

The smiles, laughter, joy, and memories of Torah, Hebrew Reading, and Community make the Hebrew Academy Unique! and healthy years. May he continue to share smiles and joy for Judaism for many years.

So much pride and joy when you work hard and have something your are proud of to show for it.

What amazing dioramas our second grade students created depicting many different mitzvos. Hard work pays off and success is sweet.

What an amazing year - thank you teachers for inspiring the children with your love, care and dedication.

Mazel Tov to all our Kindergarten Graduates - may you continue to grow from strength to strength.

Special Thank You You our dynamic Kindergarten team of teachers Mrs. Kahn, Morah Devorah, Morah Elisheva, Morah Golda, Morah Shaina, Morah Sarah Chana, and Morah Efrat, that lead, inspire, and motivate with their tireless love and dedication!

Nachas to all!

Here at HACDS, we're constantly growing.

From the Judaic program, enrichment, science and more formative assessment provides valuable data on students' abilities, performance, and engagement that drive instruction, support, and motivation.

Thank you Morah Yiska Berkowitz for assessing every single lower school student in their Hebrew Reading (accuracy and fluency) and for the amazing Judaic Staff for providing the instruction and confidence to shine.

Values, Strong Academics and Purpose Driven Education come together at the Hebrew Academy on a daily basis.

Hebrew Academy teachers are always looking for innovative ways to add value to the rigorous academic program. Adding a science component to the authentic Judaic program creates an added dimension that helps fuse all the learning together inspiring curiosity that promotes future learning.

 Mazel Tov to our first-grade students on your Siddur Party celebration. Our amazing first-grade teachers, Miriam Rapoport and Aidie Nap put on a remarkable program. What a joy to see all the learning and growth our students have made and to watch them be able to read from the siddur was absolutely priceless.
May you continue to grow from strength to strength - Nachas to all!

It is always amazing when we take the opportunity to recognize the achievements of the students that have worked hard, excelled and shown leadership qualities in how they interact with teachers and peers serving as a true inspiration to their classmates, community and themselves. It is moments like this that propel us all to work harder, strive higher and value the community we are fortunate to be a part of.

Nothing quite like the energy at the Hebrew Academy Rosh Chodesh Assebmbly. Happy Rosh Chodesh Sivan and congratulations to all our award recipients - may your families continue to have lots of nachas!

Here at the Hebrew Academy, we have developed a curriculum to inspire, creative and empathetic leaders through our value based academic program complete with an immersive musical education program.

Thank you Mr. A for helping our students learn to understand, enjoy and appreciate all different kinds of music.

From Country to Jazz end even Klezmer, you are always pointing out the rhythms, tempos, and musical technics that make each genre unique.