The Smith Jewish Academy is beginning a new chapter this fall as it welcomes two Israeli educators to the program known as the morim shlichim.
This program builds on the already established b’not sherut, who are young women who bring Israeli language and culture into the classroom through support and programming. However, the morim shlichim serve a different purpose, as they are experienced educators with teaching backgrounds.
Maayan Scholder, Smith Jewish Academy’s Hebrew language coordinator, said, “They either have teaching certificates or were working at a school in Israel, making them familiar with a school environment.”
The Bitons, Avi and Sigi, will be relocating from Harish, Israel with their three children to become a part of the Smith Jewish Academy.
“We are not coming just to teach, but first and foremost to learn, listen, and understand your local culture,” said the Bitons in a joint statement via email. “We have heard wonderful things about the warmth, kindness, and cohesion of the Minnesota Jewish community, and it felt like the perfect place for us to find a common language and a new home away from home.”
For Smith Jewish Academy, Hebrew language learning goes beyond basic vocabulary and grammar.
“Hebrew is not just a language,” said Scholder. “We want students to connect to Israel through the language, culture, people, and everyday experiences.”
Scholder continued by saying, “Authenticity is the name of the game. Students can ask questions about daily life, holidays, food, culture, and what it’s really like to live in Israel. We want them to see Hebrew as a living language.”
Both Bitons will teach Hebrew and Jewish Studies. Avi has an educational background in Shelcha, an Israeli program that connects students to their history and heritage through outdoor activities.
“Our greatest hope is that students will experience and learn about Israel through their feet and through hands-on doing,” said the Bitons. “Israel is not just a theoretical concept or a spot on a map – it is a vibrant, living and creative culture.”
The arrival of the Israeli Bitons is especially important for the Smith Jewish Academy as many Jewish schools are looking to deepen students’ connections to Israel following the Oct. 7 attacks.
“Many of our students have spent the last few years hearing about Israel mostly through the lens of war,” Scholder said. “We want them to understand that Israel is also about people, culture, nature, food, education, and everyday life.”
Scholder believes that bringing Israeli educators into the classroom is the most meaningful way to fulfill said goal.
“People [in Israel] are still building lives, raising families, teaching, and creating community,” said Scholder. “Bringing people from Israel into our school helps students see that reality and strengthens their connection to the Jewish homeland.”
The Bitons echoed this statement: “We always say that we might be the smallest nation, but we are the largest family.”
The Bitons are currently in the process of moving to Minnesota and will begin teaching at Smith Jewish Academy this fall.