Making it R.E.A.L. Blog

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 »

What does it mean to grow up with a profound sense of Jewish identity, values, and history? For Chaya Leah Sufrin, an alumna of Hebrew Academy in Orange County, this question has guided her life’s work. In an exclusive feature for The Jewish Long Beach Chronicle, Chaya Leah shares how her personal roots—as a child of Holocaust survivors and a student at Hebrew Academy—instilled in her the strength and resilience she now brings to Jewish advocacy.

Growing up in Long Beach, surrounded by a community committed to Jewish values and education, Chaya Leah saw firsthand what it meant to carry forward her family’s legacy. Her years at Hebrew Academ, coupled with the guidance and support of her family, shaped her as a pro… Read More »

The magic integrated learning at Hebrew Academy—combining Judaic studies with an academic curriculum creates a meaningful and holistic educational experience that infuses joy, engagement, and connection. Our Kindergarten students are an excellent example of how engaging activities rooted in Torah learning support core academic skills.

This Week in Kindergarten: Exploring Parshas Noach with Hands-On Learning

As part of our weekly Judaic studies, our Kindergarten class learned about Parshas Noach through two hands-on activities: a colorful "Walking Rainbow" experiment and an engaging "Sink or Float" science exploration. These activities reinforced their understanding of the Torah story while cultivating curiosit… Read More »

At Hebrew Academy, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where academic excellence meets joyful and meaningful learning experiences. Our upcoming event, Noah’s Water Quest: A STEM Adventure, exemplifies the integrated learning approach we embrace, blending STEM education with celebrating Jewish values. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique value of this program and how it reflects the Hebrew Academy's academic program.

Igniting Curiosity and a Love for STEM

At Noah’s Water Quest, we aim to spark a lifelong love of learning through engaging, hands-on STEM activities. From building rain sticks to exploring water-based experiments, students will dive into fun, interactive challenges that encourag… Read More »

As we prepare to celebrate Sukkot, Hebrew Academy participated in the Great Shakeout earthquake drill—an annual exercise that ensures the safety of our students and staff. This year, we conducted the drill during a less structured part of the day, testing our readiness in a dynamic environment. From the youngest to the oldest, our students quickly ducked, covered, and safely gathered on the field. Watching them confidently put their training into action was a proud moment for our entire community.

At Hebrew Academy, the safety and security of our students form the foundation of our thriving academic environment. Just as the Sukkah symbolizes Hashem’s protection of the Jewish people during their journey through the desert, ou… Read More »

The Power of Jewish Community at Hebrew Academy

In a moment that will forever be etched in our hearts, Sun Mor played an audio recording of soldiers on the frontlines in Gaza singing Shalom Aleichem on a Friday night. The exact words we sing with our families, the same traditions we hold dear, even in battle. At that moment, in our Israel Orchard—our students, parents, and teachers—came to a powerful realization: we are all one people, connected across time and space, sharing the same purpose.

Early Monday morning, our community came together not just to remember the lives lost in the tragic events of October 7 but to reflect on how we can stand united and make a meaningful impact in the world. This wasn’t j… Read More »

Where Academic Excellence Meets Jewish Heritage

At Hebrew Academy OC, our kindergarten program is thoughtfully designed to nurture young minds, fostering academic excellence and a deep connection to our Jewish heritage. Our dedicated team of educators—Mrs. Kahn, Morah Miriam, and Morah Shaina—work collaboratively to create a vibrant and supportive learning environment. This synergy ensures that our students receive a well-rounded education that celebrates their individuality and cultivates their growth. 

Here’s a closer look at what makes our kindergarten program exceptional and why it stands out as a program of excellence in Jewish education.

Academic Excellence with Mrs. Kahn

Mrs. Kahn, our passionate General… Read More »

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.

Why Back to School Night Matters

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

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.

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 »