Staff
Professor Vardit Ringvald, PhD is the leading scholar of Hebrew pedagogy. She serves as the Director of the Consortium for The Teaching of Hebrew Language and Culture and as a research professor at the Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education at Brandeis University. A founder of the School of Hebrew at Middlebury College and the leading scholar of Hebrew pedagogy, curriculum development, teacher preparation, and assessment, Dr. Ringvald is the leading expert in the Proficiency Approach for teaching Hebrew as an additional language.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Ringvald served as Brandeis University’s Hebrew program director, in addition to director of Arabic, Asian, and Romance languages.
As a consultant to many schools and educational organizations, Dr. Ringvald specializes in curriculum development, teacher preparation, and teacher assessment. Her goal is to professionalize teachers and school-based Hebrew programs.
Fluent in three languages, Miri connects people from diverse backgrounds, fostering meaningful relationships. She believes in the transformative power of language and culture, driving her work in the Consortium. Miri inspires others to embrace linguistic and cultural diversity.
As an HR expert with an MA in Human Resource Management, Miri oversees day-to-day operations, project coordination, and team management. Miri's dedication to building bridges between communities shines through in her work, creating opportunities for understanding and connection.
Sharon Schoenfeld has been the National Director of Kayitz Kef/Hebrew at Camp since the summer of 2019. Prior to this position, she spent more than 20 years with Young Judaea, the Zionist Youth Movement. A product of its camps and programs, she held a variety of professional positions at Young Judaea in the US and in Israel in both education and operations. Her love of the Hebrew language comes from her own experience as a camper and staff member at Jewish summer camps and spending time with amazing young Israelis excited to bring the Hebrew language and Israeli culture to American youth.
Sharon has recently completed her MA in Teaching Hebrew as a Second Language at Middlebury College. Sharon’s experience in becoming proficient in Hebrew during her 11 years in Israel combined with her many years working with camps has prepared her to help Kayitz Kef reach as many American Jewish young people as possible.
Orit Hatzav is a dedicated Hebrew teacher and curriculum designer with a passion for language learning and modern Israeli culture.
She holds a BA in Political Science and Communications from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an MA in Teaching Hebrew as a Second Language from Middlebury College.
Orit has taught at various U.S. schools since 2016, mentoring and supporting teachers, and staying current with language-based teaching approaches. She is committed to sharing her knowledge and expertise with peers, and incorporating modern Israeli culture into her lessons.