In 1969, Hebrew Academy began its journey in the auxiliary space in the Long Beach shul. Today, we stand proud on an 11-acre campus in Huntington Beach. Much like the sukkah we build during Sukkot—temporary in structure but rich in timeless values—our physical surroundings have changed, but the essence of Hebrew Academy remains constant.
A Curriculum as Timeless as the Sukkah
Just as the sukkah represents an eternal set of values within a temporary structure, Hebrew Academy's curriculum is a dynamic blend of the timeless and the contemporary. For example, while our middle schoolers engage in in-depth exploration of the Torah, they are also immersed in the engineering design process in our state-of-the-art XStream Lab. This balanced approach allows us to evolve to meet the needs of a changing world while staying rooted in the wisdom of Jewish tradition.
The Parent Breakfast: A Modern Take on Timeless Values
Our recent parent breakfast event was more than just a gathering; it was a living testament to the Hebrew Academy's timeless values. Parents and students created Sukkot cards for seniors and hospital patients, an activity steeped in the age-old Jewish value of "Tikkun Olam." More importantly, it highlighted what truly matters to our children: work, responsibilities, and the importance of being present. As one mom, Pamela, poignantly shared during the breakfast, "Although my schedule is hectic, being here and being present is most important to me."
The Hebrew Academy Community: A Shelter of Generations
From our humble beginnings to our expansive present, the Hebrew Academy has served as a spiritual and communal shelter, much like the sukkah. We've been a nurturing environment for over five decades where relationships are forged, and lifelong connections are created.
Parental Involvement: The Pillars of Our Community
Like the sukkah, held up by its sturdy pillars, parents have been the backbone of the Hebrew Academy experience. Our open-door policy has been a long-standing tradition, inviting parents to partner in their children's educational journey. Being a part of the Parent Association (PA) strengthens this partnership and enriches our community, offering additional avenues for parents to engage, contribute, and make a lasting impact.
Nurturing the Spirit: The Eternal Flame Within
The festival of Sukkot reminds us of the importance of spiritual sustenance. In the same vein, the spiritual and ethical core of the Hebrew Academy has remained consistent through all external changes. Through Torah study, community service, and moral teachings, we continue to nourish the eternal flame within our students.
Living Our Values: The Unchanging Heart of Hebrew Academy
Our mission has been unwavering since 1969: to nurture intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth in our students. This isn't just a tagline; it's a lived experience. In line with our core value of "Learn with Purpose," we are committed to fostering educated leaders who excel in academic pursuits and ethical living. Our students are inspired to make a meaningful difference in the world, a mission as enduring as the values we celebrate during Sukkot.