Shomrei Torah Synagogue Early Childhood Center was originally chosen by The Jewish Theological Seminary's Melton Research Center for Jewish Education to participate in a program called Ma'alah. Ma'alah, which is a Hebrew acronym for Mivtza Ivrit Lagil Harach, is translated as Early Childhood Hebrew Language Immersion Project. What began as a pilot program has now evolved into a new model of excellence in utilizing Hebrew language immersion techniques to create proficient young Hebrew speakers. In addition to our staff being trained in this method of education, continuing education is provided at various seminars throughout the year.

The research on language immersion has consistently shown that young learners exposed to a second language continuously and exclusively for a minimum of three hours daily, demonstrate enhanced intellectual prowess and general academic growth. As well, students will have the advantage of Hebrew fluency. From this foundation, we know that our students will be positioned to gain a more meaningful and powerful subsequent Jewish and general education.

The Benefits of Bilingual Education

Starting at an early age:

• Has a positive effect on intellectual growth.

• Enriches and enhances a child's mental development.

• Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to languages and a better ear for listening.

• Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language.

• Gives the child the ability to communicate with people s/he would otherwise not have the chance to know.

• Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries.

• Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college.

• Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.

Benefits of Learning Hebrew

• Creating a deeper Jewish identity

• Creating stronger ties to Israel and its culture

• Permitting full entrée to classical and modern Jewish tests

• Connecting families to Jewish life

How Hebrew Taught in an Immersion Setting

• Students are exposed to the Hebrew language by hearing it, speaking it, and by seeing it in print.

• Repetition.

• Total Physical Response (the teacher conveys what she is saying through large actions with her hands and body).

• Learning through songs, finger plays, stories and body language.

• Focus on comprehension which leads to speaking.