Language classes at the edcjcc

Interested in learning or practicing a new language? You’re in the right place! Browse this page to learn more about the language classes we offer throughout the year. Plus, click here to meet our instructors and please make sure to read our registration policies before registering for a class.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer session of all language classes will be held virtually via Zoom.

The deadline to register for summer language classes is Tuesday, June 8.

Hebrew Classes

The Edlavitch DCJCC offers many levels of conversational Hebrew, from learning the aleph-bet to reading advanced literature. Our teachers are native Hebrew speakers with extensive teaching experience, including at the university level. Not sure which level to take? Scroll down to learn more about each level.

"Hebrew classes at the EDJCC are phenomenal. I can’t believe how much I’ve absorbed in just a year’s worth of classes. The teaching is superb, the lessons well thought out, and I’m able to write and say sentences, decipher a lot of text I see, and feel more confident in my knowledge. This is a terrific class and my only regret is that I didn’t sign up sooner and start years ago!"

About Hebrew Classes

Summer 2021 Session:
Monday evenings, June 14 – August 16, 2021
Tuesday afternoons and evenings, June 15 – August 17, 2021
Wednesday evenings, June 16 – August 18, 2021
Makeup classes will be held during the week of August 23

Cost:
Regular Price: $280
EDCJCC Member Price: $250
EntryPoint DC (Young Professional) Special Price: $200*
* Reserved for young adults who need assistance accessing Jewish education.

Textbooks:
If your Hebrew class requires a textbook, you will be able to purchase one at the time of registration. We will arrange contactless distribution of the textbooks before your first day of class.

Beginner Hebrew

Aleph: Tuesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Teacher: Gila Efrati
Beginners! This is the class for you if you need to learn the aleph-bet (Hebrew alphabet) and start building your vocabulary. Students with a basic knowledge of the aleph-bet but very little or no vocabulary or grammar experience should sign up for this level as well.
Register for ALEPH

Bet: Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Teacher: Gila Efrati
This class is for students who have completed Aleph OR know the aleph-bet, can read, have started to gather vocabulary and grammar, and can say some simple sentences about their immediate surroundings.
Register for Bet

Gimel: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Teacher: Gila Efrati
This class is for students who have completed Bet OR can read Hebrew fluently, have some vocabulary and a grasp of grammar, can handle a short conversation about daily life, and ask simple questions.
Register for Gimel

Intermediate Hebrew

Dalet: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Teacher: Gila Efrati
This level is for students who can hold conversations in the present tense; read, comprehend, and answer questions about simple texts on a variety of topics; and conjugate verbs in the present tense. This class focuses on building vocabulary and conducting conversations in the present tense.
Register for DALET

Hey: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
This level is for students who can hold basic conversations, as well as read, comprehend, and answer questions about texts on a variety of topics, using present tense and the infinitive. Students in this class will master the use of the infinitive in more forms, learn numbers up to a 100, and increase accuracy. The goals of the class include using causal clauses, using questions with infinitives, using wider vocabulary while reading, discussing and presenting more complex texts.
Register for HEY

Vav: Mondays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
This level is intended for students who master the present tense and infinitive of all the verb groups, are able to read full-length texts on a variety of topics and use short accurate sentences in discussions and presentations. In the coming semester, students in level Vav will be learning the past tense, contrast, and the conjugation of “to.”
Register for VAV

Advanced Hebrew

Please contact Amanda Herring before registering for an advanced Hebrew class to make sure you’re in the right level. Entrance into an advanced level will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Zayin: Wednesdays, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
This level focuses on building vocabulary, improving reading, and conducting conversations in past tense.
REGISTER FOR ZAYIN

Chet: Mondays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
This is a high-level class focusing on improving accuracy in reading, speaking, and grammar. The class will continue working on advanced conjugation of the past tense and prepositions and will be using advanced texts.
Register for CHET

Tet: Mondays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
This class will be focusing on high-level reading, writing, and speaking, using advanced grammatical topics of past tense, future tense, prepositions, and other advanced material. The class will be using Israeli literature in the Gesher format in addition to the text book.
Register for Tet

Yud: Mondays, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
Level Yud is an advanced Hebrew class. The class focuses on conversation, student presentations and reading and discussion on an Israeli book in the Gesher version. Teacher approval is required to join the Yud class.
REGISTER FOR YUD

Yud Aleph: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
[Level Yud Aleph]
REGISTER FOR YUD ALEPH

Modern Israeli Literature: Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
This class is open to speakers of Hebrew in the native and near-native levels. Passing a test and teacher approval may be required to join this class. The class includes student presentations, class discussions and reading and interpretation of Israeli literature in its original form. Reading material includes short stories by a variety of Israeli authors and will be given close to the start of the semester. Teacher approval is required to join the Literature class.
Register for MODERN ISRAELI LIT

Yiddish Classes

This summer, we are so excited to offer three levels of beginners Yiddish! No previous knowledge/experience required.

"Marianne Tatom is an amazing teacher, supportive, positive and creative. She draws from the rich and wonderful body of Yiddish culture to enhance each class; music, poetry, videos. She offers many suggestions to enrich our learning beyond the time in class. It has truly become a highlight of my week."

About Yiddish Classes

Summer 2021 Session:
Tuesday evenings, June 15 – August 17, 2021
Makeup class: August 24

Cost:
Regular Price: $280
EDCJCC Member Price: $250
EntryPoint DC (Young Professional) Special Price: $200*
* Reserved for young adults who need assistance accessing Jewish education.

Textbooks:
Please see each Yiddish class listing for information about textbooks to be used.

Beginner Yiddish

Beginner Yiddish I: Tuesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Teacher: Marianne Tatom
Kum arayn – come on in! Join the Yiddish revival. In this beginning-level class, you will learn the alef-beys and develop basic Yiddish conversation skills. We will use free online materials from the Yiddish Book Center, historical resources, songs, and the latest fun Yiddish memes. All are welcome – no prior Yiddish knowledge necessary!
REGISTER FOR BEGINNER YIDDISH I

Beginner Yiddish II: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Teacher: Marianne Tatom
Lomir geyen vayter – let’s go further! This class will strengthen your Yiddish reading and conversation skills. We will use the Yiddish Book Center’s new textbook In Eynem as well as historical and multimedia resources. Open to students who know the alef-beys and some basic Yiddish.
REGISTER FOR Beginner Yiddish II

Beginner Yiddish III: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Teacher: Marianne Tatom
Lomir geyen nokh vayter – let’s go even further! This class will build on your Yiddish reading and conversation skills to give you further competence and confidence in the language. We will use Sheva Zucker’s volume 1 Yiddish textbook. Open to students who have completed Beginner II or the equivalent.
REGISTER FOR Beginner Yiddish III

Arabic

The EDCJCC is so excited to offer, for the first time, Spoken Arabic for Beginners! Learn more and sign up for this new course today!

About Arabic

Summer 2021 Session:
Wednesday evenings, June 16 – August 18, 2021
Makeup class: August 25

Cost:
Regular Price: $280
EDCJCC Member Price: $250
EntryPoint DC (Young Professional) Special Price: $200*
* Reserved for young adults who need assistance accessing Jewish education.

Textbooks: Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds 3rd Edition

Spoken Arabic for Beginners

Spoken Arabic for Beginners: Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Teacher: Dr. Rania Suliman
REGISTER FOR ARABIC