Consortium for the Teaching of Hebrew Language and Culture

Announcements

Fall 2025

Hebrew Olympiad

December 1, 2025

The Hebrew Consortium is proud to celebrate a major milestone in global Hebrew education: the international expansion of the Hebrew Olympiad. Launched last year in partnership with Tel Aviv University, this exciting initiative aims to foster a deep appreciation for the Hebrew language and its cultural significance among students worldwide.

The Hebrew Olympiad provides Hebrew learners of all backgrounds with an opportunity to demonstrate their language skills, connect across cultures, and engage with Hebrew as a living, vibrant language. The international track, developed in collaboration with The Hebrew Consortium, welcomed in spring 2025 over 250 participants from nine countries, including the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, Sweden, Cyprus, Switzerland, the UK, and Egypt.

The Hebrew Olympiad is designed for teens in grades 7-12 (although younger participants may also apply) with an intermediate and high level of Hebrew proficiency. Participation is free of charge.

Interested participants are welcome to sign up for the next Olympiad!

New this year: teachers can register a class or a group of students easily in one form.

The first phase of the test, phase 'aleph' (א), will be conducted remotely. Candidates will have access to the online platform for a week and a half in December -the questionnaire will open on Monday, December 1st, 2025, and close on Friday, December 12th. Sign up is needed to receive a link to the online questionnaire on December 1st. Teachers are encouraged to sign a class or a group of students, and can do so easily.


Two informational Zoom sessions will take place this Fall:

  1. Principals, Hebrew program directors, and other admins-- Thursday, September 25th, at 12:00 p.m. EST. Please register to receive a link.
  2. Hebrew teachers-- Sunday, October 19th, 12:00 p.m. EST. Please register to receive a link.

    More information sessions will be held as needed.

    Reach out to our office with any questions at: miriarbel@brandeis.edu
Presentation at the 23rd annual Israeli Association of the Study of Langauge and Society

September 8, 2025

Prof. Ringvald will be presenting alongside Dr. Liram Koblentz-Srenzler their joint research, regarding the Role of Hebrew Language Programs in Combating Antisemitism Among University Students. This research was conducted as part of The Hebrew Consortium's research unit.
New Hebrew classes in collaboration with the Needham Community Education Center

Classes are taught in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online students. Two levels are available this Fall: Foundational Language Skills for Beginners and Foundational Language Skills for Advanced-Beginners

Needham Community Education (NCE) is an office of the Needham Public Schools that combines several out-of-school time programs into a single administrative office. Programs are self-sustaining and include Adult programs, High School programs, Elementary and Middle School programs, and more. Through the Adult Education program, NCE hopes to provide quality lifelong learning experiences that are accessible to a wide range of community members, including high school students.

 

More information about the Fall Hebrew classes offered through NCE:

  1. Hebrew Language and Culture: Foundational Language Skills for Beginners. This level is geared toward true Hebrew language beginners or those who need a refresher of the basics. You will learn the Alphabet letters in handwriting and in typing. Modern Hebrew language will be introduced through engaging activities and authentic materials that will provide meaningful content and context. You will learn vocabulary and grammar that can be applied to real-life scenarios. Instruction is responsive to students’ affective needs, cultural and linguistic differences, and personal interests and preferences.
  2. Hebrew Language and Culture: Foundational Language Skills for Advanced Beginners. This level is geared toward students who know the Alphabet and how to read Hebrew, and who want to begin learning to understand and speak Modern Hebrew. You will build your vocabulary foundation, sharpen your communication skills, and gain insights into cultural aspects through engaging activities and authentic materials. You will also delve into the fascinating world of Hebrew verbs, focusing on specific verb patterns and their applications in real-life scenarios. Instruction is responsive to students’ affective needs, cultural and linguistic differences, and personal interests and preferences. 

Both classes are taught by Keren Cohen, who achieved her Master’s in Teaching Hebrew as a second language from Middlebury College in 2022. Since then, she has been a Hebrew professor at Brandeis University and Hebrew College. She teaches professionals seeking to improve their Hebrew language skills.

Registration is now open for both the Beginner and the Advanced-Beginner classes.

Presentation at the annual ACTFL conference

November 21, 2025

Research about “Teachers’ Perceptions on Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities” conducted by Prof. Vardit Ringvald and Omri Shick, will be presented at the annual convention of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) which will be held in New Orleans in November.