But when it does—you feel it.

At Hebrew Academy, we often talk about the strength of our curriculum, the warmth of our community, and the values we instill. But sometimes, it’s not the programs or academics that stay with you—it’s the moments.

A new article in the Jewish Long Beach Chronicle shares stories from three people whose experiences with Hebrew Academy shaped their families in lasting ways.

These are not just stories of enrollment. They’re stories of belonging, transformation, and connection.

At Hebrew Academy, learning is strong. But what truly matters is that each student—and each family—feels seen, valued, and uplifted.

You may not be able to name the moment your child tr… Read More »

What do we do with the gift of freedom?
We protect it. We teach it. We live it.

Roei isn’t just our security guard.

He’s a proud IDF soldier.

He’s a reminder that Jewish strength isn’t something we read about—

It’s something our students see every single day.

When he returned from serving in Israel,

Our students didn’t just welcome him back.

They showed him what he was fighting for.

Smiles. Signs. Gratitude.

Not just for Roei, but for the values we learn to defend.

Because when we talk about supporting Israel,

This is what it looks like:

~Creating schools that feel safe and proud.

~Teaching children that Jewish identity is worth protecting.

~Raising the next generati… Read More »

What do we do with the gift of survival?
We build.

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Eckfeld are Holocaust survivors.
They didn’t just rebuild their lives—
They built a future, with Jewish values at its core.

They chose Hebrew Academy for their children.
Because survival isn’t the end of the story.
Continuity is.

In a world where it’s easier to blend in,
they chose to stand tall.

And now, that choice is in front of all of us—
To raise Jewish children who know who they are,
who feel proud of where they come from,
and who carry that pride into the world.

That kind of confidence?
That kind of identity?

It doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s shaped by a strong Jewish education.
One that prote… Read More »

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 »