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.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spring session of all language classes will be held virtually via Zoom.
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.
The deadline to register for spring Hebrew classes is Wednesday, January 6.
Spring 2021 Session:
Monday evenings, January 11 – May 24, 2021
Tuesday afternoons and evenings, January 12 – May 4, 2021
Wednesday evenings, January 13 – May 5, 2021
Cost:
Regular Price: $450
EDCJCC Member Price: $400
EntryPoint DC (Young Professional) Special Price: $320*
* 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.
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: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 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: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 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
Dalet: Tuesdays, 8:00 PM – 9:00 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: Wednesdays, 8:00 PM – 9:00 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
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: Mondays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
This level focuses on building vocabulary, improving reading, and conducting conversations in past tense.
REGISTER FOR ZAYIN
Chet: Mondays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 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, 8:00 PM – 9:00 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: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 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
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 ISRAELI LITERATURE
Afternoon Hebrew: Tuesdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Teacher: Sarit Lisogorsky
This afternoon Hebrew class is for those who would like to refresh and restart their learning. Register for Afternoon Hebrew now, and watch your knowledge base grow!
Register for Afternoon Hebrew
Yiddish Classes
New this year, the Edlavitch DCJCC is offering two beginners Yiddish courses! No previous knowledge/experience required.
The deadline to register for spring Yiddish classes is Wednesday, January 6.
Spring 2021 Session:
Tuesday afternoons and evenings, January 12 – May 4, 2021
Cost:
Regular Price: $450
EDCJCC Member Price: $400
EntryPoint DC (Young Professional) Special Price: $320*
* Reserved for young adults who need assistance accessing Jewish education.
Textbooks:
Rather than using physical textbooks, Yiddish classes will receive digital handouts from the teacher.
Beginner Yiddish I: Tuesdays, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Teacher: Marianne Tatom
Kum arayn – come 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 online materials from the Yiddish Book Center, historical resources, songs, and the latest hip Yiddish memes. All are welcome – no prior Yiddish knowledge necessary!
REGISTER FOR BEGINNER YIDDISH I
Beginner Yiddish II: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Teacher: Marianne Tatom
Lomir geyen vayter – let’s go further! This class will strengthen your Yiddish reading and conversation skills. We will use excerpts from Sheva Zucker’s Yiddish I textbooks and supplemental historical and online materials. Open to the students who know the alef-beys and some basic Yiddish.
REGISTER FOR Beginner Yiddish II
American Sign Language
The EntryPointDC and Inclusion & Disabilities Programs are excited to present two American Sign Language courses this spring. Whether you’re just learning how to finger-spell or you already know a few common signs, these courses are for you!
Spring 2021 Session:
Monday evenings, January 4 – March 22, 2021 (No Class January 18 or February 15)
Tuesday evenings, January 5 – March 9, 2021
Cost:
Regular price: $200.00
If the cost of this class is prohibitive, you need to pay in installments, or it does not fit your schedule, please email Stacy Miller, Director of EntryPointDC, at stacym@edcjcc.org, or Joy Stein, Director of Inclusion & Disabilities Programming, at joys@edcjcc.org.
Our virtual sign language classes are open to adults of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
This class is presented by EntryPointDC, the young professionals program of the EDCJCC, and the Inclusion Department of the EDCJCC.
Beginner Sign Language: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Teacher: Jeremy Mann
If you’ve been looking to learn and practice sign language, this is the class for you! You will be introduced to finger spelling, Deaf culture, and common signs that will help you communicate with both friends and strangers. Our interactive classes will feature guest speakers, games and songs, and breakout rooms will be used to practice what you’ve learned with others at the same skill level.
REGISTER FOR BEGINNER SIGN LANGUAGE
Sign Language 2: Mondays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Teacher: Shanna Sorrels
If you’ve been looking to practice and advance your sign language skills, this is the class for you! Students will learn about how to identify other people based on actions and body positions, will be able to discuss their hearing status, chat about language backgrounds (such as what languages people grew up speaking, what they learned in school, etc), share their hobbies, describing what they enjoy, like, dislike, and will also be able to sign some food and drink items.
REGISTER FOR SIGN LANGUAGE 2