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Jewish Community Center offers Hebrew language classes

YOUNGSTOWN — The Jewish Community Center is offering programs to teach Hebrew to adults as part of an ongoing series, with a recent guest speaker explaining how she uses the language in her classroom.

Mirit Sharon of Israel discussed how she teaches Hebrew through emotions, which is different from the traditional way of teaching a language in a classroom setting.

“I try to provide the information and knowledge they will need. I want them to see and understand that education also involves emotions,” she said.

Sharon said she wrote an article about her program and was contacted by Gon Erez, an educator and program director from Israel serving the Youngstown community at the JCC, asking her to come to the center to speak.

“This was a great opportunity for me to tell my story. I am flattered people came and listened, and asked questions and said they learned new things. One teacher was here and said it made her think of the way she teachers her classes,” Sharon said.

The JCC has been offering beginner Hebrew classes that will continue in the fall.

Erez and Matan Norani teach the class how to phonetically read any Hebrew word.

Pamela Dutro of Sharon, Pa., said she attended a program and found it very interesting.

“I have been trying to learn Hebrew and teach it. This has helped me. I think I can use Hebrew when I go on vacation,” Dutro said.

She said she will be able to apply the philosophy and methods to use Hebrew in her life.

Sharon said she often teaches Hebrew in Israel to students who come from lower socio-economic statuses.

“You often need a different approach depending on the class you are teaching,” she said, noting students with learning disabilities may need reinforcement.

Learning “a second language can be hard. It is much easier to speak in your native tongue so it can be a challenge to learn another language,” Sharon said.

Erez said the JCC offers Hebrew classes for adults and also teaches Hebrew to the students at the local schools.

He said Sharon’s visit was part of the Israel scholars series, which brings guest speakers from Israel or other parts of the U.S.

“We get people who speak on a variety of topics,” Erez said.

The scholars series will continue in the fall.

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