Hebrew in a NFTY Safari

Publication Date: March 2002

Publisher: Jewish Agency for Israel

Author(s): Harvey Goldberg

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Israel Experience; Reform Judaism; Jewish Youth; Hebrew

Type: Report

Abstract:

The author explores the use of Hebrew language during a five-week Israel experience for North American Reform Jewish teenagers organized by NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth). He notes an innate curiousity and positive orientation toward Hebrew among trip participants, but concludes that greater Hebrew language acquisition does not generally occur on the trips. He suggests further study to determine whether Hebrew usage during short-term Israel experiences promotes or inhibits future interest in learning Hebrew.