I realized a couple of weeks ago that it’s been a while – as in a couple of years – since I’ve formally introduced myself to all you wonderful folks out there who read my blog, watch my YouTube videos, download my products, or otherwise engage with me/The Kefar. To my new readers, 💙 WELCOME 💙, and to my returning readers, 💙 WELCOME BACK 💙! Here are 7 random-ish facts to help you get to know me a little bit better.
• 1️⃣ • I started The Kefar as a publishing company in 2012 because people who look like me did not seem to exist in any of the Torah and Hebrew language resources that were available. Since I couldn’t find the diversity and historical accuracy I was looking for, I created my own, and the rest, as they say, is history!
• 2️⃣ • I grew up speaking Hebrew, because my parents committed to learning the language well enough to raise bilingual children. After my first trip to Israel the summer before my senior year of college, I decided to apply that same commitment to taking my Hebrew skills to the next level. I listened to music, read books, and watched TV shows in Hebrew, and took private lessons, and I continue to learn in one way or another, every single day.
• 3️⃣ • I’m a grade 1 & 2 Hebrew Teacher at a charter school; if you’re not familiar with charter schools, they’re privately run public schools. I just started this position last month, and a number of my new colleagues have commented on how happy they are that students will have a Hebrew teacher who looks like them. That’s a big part of why I went for this role – #RepresentationMatters.
• 4️⃣ • I LOVE LEARNING. I’m that person who joins professional Facebook groups and membership organizations and reads all the material, who googles “professional development for language teachers” on a regular basis, and takes classes and private lessons to become a better teacher. I have a BA in African & African-American Studies, an MS in Early Childhood Education, and I have certificates in Teaching Hebrew to Beginners and Exposing Young Children to Hebrew Language and Culture. I also took some graduate instructional design courses – the learning never stops!
• 5️⃣ • I’ve taught English in Israel three times: once for two months in Haifa, then for a month in Jerusalem, and finally for an entire school year in Dimona. Living abroad was an experience that I’m glad I had, and it confirmed to me that it’s an experience I definitely want to repeat – although not in Israel.
• 6️⃣ • I love to read, and it’s a love I inherited from my father. Give me a good book and a day off and I’ll be finished before the day is through. I have a Pinterest board of books I plan to read, so feel free to suggest your favorite titles! I also love baking – my challah, cheesecakes, and cinnamon buns are legendary (just ask around). Other hobbies include binge watching Law & Order, and learning anything and everything about personal finance, investing, and retirement planning.
• 7️⃣ • If I had to pick one country that I’ve visited that I would make my home, it would be Costa Rica. Of course I have an immense love for Jamaica and Israel, but there was something incredibly peaceful and familiar about Costa Rica that I would move there in a heartbeat. Plus, I would finally learn Spanish!
And there you have it! Seven basic facts about me. I’d love to get to know you a little better – join my Facebook group, Hebrew At The Kefar, and tell me a little about yourself. See you there!
💙 T’helah