Valley Beth Shalom Takes on Hebrew Studies from American Jewish University

Valley Beth Shalom Takes on Hebrew Studies Program



In a significant move for Jewish education and culture, Valley Beth Shalom (VBS), one of Los Angeles' most prominent synagogues and Jewish educational institutions, has announced its plan to inherit the Hebrew and adult educational programs from American Jewish University (AJU). This initiative aims to maintain the legacy of accessible Hebrew studies that AJU has championed over the years.

Starting from the third week of July 2025, VBS will offer a range of summer classes in Hebrew, including courses in "Modern Hebrew," "Prayer Book Hebrew," and "Biblical Hebrew." These classes, designed to cater to various proficiency levels, are meant to enhance individuals' abilities in the Hebrew language and foster a deeper understanding of Jewish culture and traditions.

Learning Hebrew serves as an essential gateway to Jewish literacy, allowing individuals to engage with biblical texts, prayers, and contemporary cultural expressions. It connects generations of Jewish people to their cultural heritage and enables them to navigate everything from ordering coffee in Tel Aviv to understanding the nuances of Israeli society. With its rich historical significance, proficiency in Hebrew is seen as a vital connection point for Jewish identity.

Senior Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz of Valley Beth Shalom highlighted the importance of this transition, stating, "Adult education is among our core values at VBS. My predecessors, Rabbi Schulweis and Rabbi Feinstein, championed this mission, and it remains central to my goals today. The move to an online platform allows us to sustain our classes for over 250 students while expanding access to Hebrew learning opportunities across the country. We are excited about the future of our Community Hebrew program."

Jay Sanderson, President of AJU, expressed his pride in the program's new location, stating, "We are thrilled to see our cherished Hebrew program relocate to Valley Beth Shalom, where it will continue to flourish and serve the community. This transition guarantees that learners of all ages can explore the beauty of Hebrew in a lively and supportive setting. We are thankful to VBS for their collaboration and shared dedication to Jewish education."

For more than 75 years, VBS has provided high-quality educational experiences for adults in the Los Angeles area. The clergy at VBS understands that greater Jewish literacy and a stronger connection to Israel can be achieved through familiarity with Hebrew. The establishment of the Hebrew Department is an extension of VBS’s long-standing commitment to supporting and connecting with the State of Israel.

Interested individuals can learn more about the Community Hebrew Program at VBS and register for the upcoming summer courses by visiting Community Hebrew Program. This initiative is not just an educational opportunity; it represents a commitment to the enduring ethos of Jewish learning and community engagement.

Topics People & Culture)

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