Kochavim

Kochavim, in it's second year, is a fun, exciting and innovative Hebrew immersion program

  • Play and learning conducted in Hebrew and English, incorporating techniques from language immersion schools
  • Content focuses on conversational Hebrew, Jewish calendar, holidays, values, and stories
  • Creative, active learning using songs, games, books, multi-media, drama, art, and storytelling
  • Strong parent contact with opportunities for parents and families to learn and build community

The Children
Ages pre-K through 2nd grade (4-7 years old)
No prior knowledge of Hebrew necessary
Open to the entire Portland Jewish community
Small group setting (groups divided by age and/or Hebrew proficiency)

The Staff
Experienced teachers with extensive backgrounds in Hebrew and Judaics
Native Hebrew speakers in each classroom
Director Mel Berwin has taught and directed Jewish educational programs for 16 years and has an M.A. in Lifelong Learning

The Specifics
September-June: Mondays and Wednesdays 4:15-5:45 p.m., with free drop-off from 3:00 p.m.
Fees: $164/month; Neveh Shalom members: $138/month. Financial aid available.
Early-bird discount for those registering by June 21
Summer Session: Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. in July & August, $30/day.

Interested in a fun program for your child but they are not ready for Kochavim? check out Notz'tizm


Parent response to Kochavim and Notz'tzim in our first two years has also been overwhelmingly positive. One parent of a 5-year-old in Kochavim writes

I just wanted to let you know how much the Kochavim experience has meant to Adin and our entire family. Adin comes home after the program singing songs, bubbling over about the day, proudly showing off his artwork. He talks about his friends, which in his mind also includes the staff. He has gotten the idea that learning can be fun, that it isn't a chore, and he looks forward to doing it.
I am astounded at the amount of Hebrew that Adin has already learned, and after I'm done with the Melton class this year, will attempt to learn the language myself. My early... language learning experiences had nothing of the ease and joy his experience has, nor did I ever feel the power that came from feeling you can express yourself in another language.

Generously funded in part by the Innovation Impact Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland