How the Emek Hebrew Program Brings Holidays to Life

Learning a new language is powerful, but learning a language through culture, celebration, and community is transformative. That’s exactly what the Emek Hebrew Program at JCCOTP offers. At Emek, Hebrew isn’t just a subject to study; it’s a lived experience that connects students to Israeli culture, Jewish heritage, and the joy of learning together.

The holiday calendar is one of the most meaningful ways Emek enriches this experience. Through hands-on activities, music, storytelling, and creative exploration, Emek brings each holiday to life in ways that make learning memorable, authentic, and fun.

Why Holidays Matter in the Emek Hebrew Program

Holidays are a cornerstone of Jewish life. They tell our stories, reflect our values, and connect generations across time and place. At Emek, holidays become vibrant educational moments that deepen:

• Hebrew Language Skills: Children learn new vocabulary, songs, prayers, and phrases tied to each celebration.
• Cultural Fluency: Students experience the foods, traditions, and symbols that shape Israeli and Jewish identity.
• Community Connection: Families come together for shared experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom.

By weaving holidays into the curriculum, Emek turns cultural learning into something students don’t just study—they live.

A Hands-On, Heartfelt Approach to Holiday Learning

Every holiday becomes a multisensory learning opportunity at Emek. Whether students are ages 3 or in middle school, every age group participates in immersive, level-appropriate activities that make holidays exciting and accessible.

Music & Storytelling

Songs and stories are central to Emek’s approach. Students learn classic and modern Hebrew songs, engage with holiday legends, and strengthen language skills through repetition, rhythm, and movement.

Art & Creative Expression

Whether making Rosh Hashanah cards, building menorahs, designing Purim masks, or crafting Sukkot decorations, students connect emotionally and artistically with each holiday’s themes.

Conversational Hebrew

Holidays naturally expand vocabulary, from names of foods to blessings, greetings, and cultural concepts. Through games, conversations, and teacher-guided discussions, students practice real-life Hebrew connected to real-life celebrations.

Tastes of Tradition

Many holiday sessions include sampling symbolic foods, exploring Israeli customs, and discussing similarities and differences between American and Israeli celebrations.

How Holiday Learning Supports a Lifelong Connection to Hebrew and Culture

By integrating holidays into the learning journey, Emek helps students:

• Build emotional connections to Jewish traditions
• Feel pride in their Israeli and Jewish identities
• See Hebrew as a vibrant, living language
• Understand the meaning behind rituals and celebrations
• Develop confidence using Hebrew in real-life contexts

The result? Students who look forward to holidays not just as special days but as opportunities to celebrate their heritage, language, and community.

Join the Emek Community

Whether your child is taking their first steps in Hebrew or continuing to grow their language and cultural skills, Emek offers a supportive, joyful environment for every learner. For more information about JCCOTP’s Emek Hebrew Program, connect with our team at Emek@jccotp.org.