If asked to call to mind a Jewish immersion, you might think mikveh. This September, the Minnesota JCC will be launching another kind: a new Hebrew Language Program at the Sabes Center Minneapolis Early Childhood Center (ECC).
Registration is now open for a dedicated, mixed-age classroom where ages 3-5 will learn with a native Hebrew-speaking Israeli educator.
“The transition to Hebrew immersion will be gradual,” said Alex Fisher, Chief Program Officer at the JCC. “The teacher will begin the year using approximately 30% Hebrew and increase that to around 80%-90% by spring. By the end of the year, children should be able to understand classroom directions, songs, and everyday vocabulary in both English and Hebrew.”
Daily Hebrew immersion for this optional program will be woven into the existing enriching JCC experiences families already love — swimming lessons, music, art, gym time, and play-based learning.
“The curriculum also includes focused time each day to support kindergarten readiness, ensuring that children are well-prepared for the next step in their educational journey,” added Fisher. “At the JCC, we take a whole-child approach to early childhood education — supporting not just academic readiness, but also social-emotional growth, physical development, and overall joy in learning. We ask: How are children connecting with others? Are they moving their bodies? Are they curious and happy? The Hebrew Language Program classroom will follow this same model, with the key difference being that Hebrew is the primary language of instruction.”
A confluence of factors led to the program’s creation. “[It] felt like the perfect intersection of community need, educational excellence, and Jewish values,” said Fisher.
The initial idea emerged from Fisher’s conversations with Stephanie Chauss, CEO of the Minnesota JCC, and Shai Avny, the chief operating officer of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.
“Shai asked us if we had ever considered starting a Hebrew immersion preschool classroom,” Fisher said, “noting both the strong Israeli presence in our community and the increasing demand for immersive, values-based education. His question resonated with me, and I felt confident that this was something we could bring to life at the JCC.”
In addition, “We’ve also been hearing from families who are looking for unique, values-driven programming with strong ties to Judaism. At the same time, there’s growing interest in immersion education because of its cognitive and developmental benefits.”
Fisher, who has a strong background in language education, describes himself as “energized” about the project. Earlier in his career he was an English language teacher and went on to oversee a Spanish immersion preschool program in a large school district.
“Research shows that learning a second language at a young age can significantly enhance cognitive development—including improved critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills,” he said. He believes the new program will be “a powerful way to strengthen both Jewish identity and brain development through joyful, immersive learning.”
Fisher’s six-week sabbatical in Israel with his family served as another source of inspiration.
“I had the chance to visit preschools and reflect deeply on how we can strengthen our community’s connection to Israel and Jewish life,” he said. “Language is such a powerful connector — not just for Israeli identity, but for Jewish identity as well. Our sacred texts and liturgy are in Hebrew, making it a natural and meaningful way to deepen our children’s connection to both.”
In preparation for the inaugural class, Minnesota JCC staff have worked closely with the Palo Alto JCC, which has successfully run a Hebrew immersion early childhood program for nearly 20 years.
“One of the most important lessons we’ve learned from them is that it’s not enough for a teacher to simply be a native Hebrew speaker—they also need to be trained and experienced in early childhood education and language immersion,” said Fisher. “With that in mind, we’ve hired a skilled Israeli educator who knows how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of young learners.”
The educators are native Israelis or have spent significant time in Israel, and children will be immersed in Hebrew through playful, hands-on experiences that also introduce Israeli culture.
“They might learn Hebrew words while tasting or learning about Israeli foods, dancing to Israeli music, creating art inspired by Israeli landscapes or holidays, or playing traditional games,” Fisher said. “The language becomes part of their everyday fun, naturally woven into all aspects of their day.”
For its inaugural year, the program will include one Hebrew Language Program classroom with hopes to expand later. “Our immediate focus is on a strong and intentional launch,” he said.
This includes the possibility of future offerings at the Capp Center ECC in St. Paul, where Fisher said “several families are excited about the possibility of expanding the Hebrew Immersion Program. While we appreciate this interest, and given the close proximity to the Jewish Day School as well as our partnership with the Minneapolis Federation, we will begin by launching the program at the Sabes ECC.”
The Minnesota JCC warmly invites families to join the inaugural Hebrew Language Program classroom, and to contact Angie Arnold, Sabes Center Minneapolis ECC Director, with any questions.
This article is sponsored content for the Minnesota JCC. For more information, check out our media kit.
