High School, Hebrew Language & Literature

Mechina Level

This level is designed for students with no or very little knowledge of Hebrew. The Mechina offers innovative tools for learning to read and write in Hebrew while building vocabulary. Letters and vowels are taught and each student learns how to write, pronounce and understand new vocabulary words, and to use these words in sentences. The Mechina also helps students develop their speaking ability, as the sequence of new vocabulary words is arranged to help students progress step-wise in basic speech patterns. Students who complete this level will be able to speak in short dialogues, write paragraphs, memos, and assertions, read paragraphs of information or description and stories or folk tales, listen to and comprehend short dialogues, and recognize and use appropriate morphology and syntax.

Beginners Level

Students who complete this level will be able to speak in dialogues and interview; express and support opinions; write short notes and personal and impersonal letters; read and comprehend informative paragraphs, short stories, poems, and a few Biblical verses; listen to and comprehend short dialogues, songs, and short informative lectures; and recognize and use appropriate morphology and syntax.

Intermediate Level

Students who complete this level will be able to speak in conversations on any topic; read press releases and articles, short stories, poetry, Midrashim, and Biblical verses; form tables from texts; write personal or historical chronological reports; embark on theoretical written analyses including reasons, results, and purposes; listen to and comprehend simple TV or radio news and dialogues in standard Hebrew; comprehend main ideas of simple songs based on a single hearing; and recognize and use appropriate morphology and syntax.

Advanced Level

Students who complete this level will be able to have conversations on any topic and give short lectures on theoretical topics; read and comprehend literary works in their original form; enjoy independent extensive reading of both general news and short articles in Hebrew newspapers and Modern Hebrew poetry; write standard Modern Hebrew in various forms of communication (memo, letter, essay on a theoretical subject); listen to and comprehend most components of a conversation on any topic; comprehend most of the particulars of songs based on a single hearing; and recognize and use appropriate morphology and syntax.

Bechina Yerushalmit Exam

NSHAHS offers an advanced curriculum typically studied in the 10th and 11th grade that empowers our students to succeed in the prestigious Bechinat Yerushalmit administered by Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This exam is recognized by many colleges and universities for official credit.

The curriculum includes Tanach, Mishna, tefilla, and Jewish philosophy, as well as medieval and modern Hebrew literature. It encompasses fundamental classical texts that cultivate a well-rounded knowledge of Jewish formative writings. Students study both narrative and poetic Biblical sections and delve into textual analysis. The sections of Mishna provide a background and familiarity with the Jewish oral tradition, Torah Sheba’al Peh. Medieval Jewish philosophical texts challenge students to think and better understand their Jewish identity, and classical and modern Hebrew literature connect our students to our rich history and to the Hebrew language. This course of study deepens the bonds with our Jewish homeland, Eretz Israel, and students emerge with a profound appreciation and meaningful understanding of their Judaism.