Living Language Shavuot may involve reading the Book of Ruth in modern Hebrew, learning about holiday traditions and songs, and discussing issues Hebrew enthusiast Nira Lev keeps working to improve Midrasha's language curriculum. Joining Forces JULIE WIENER STAFF WRITER S tudying a language is a powerful means of learning a culture, says the Mid- rasha's Hebrew program di- rector Nira Lev. True to her word, language enthusiast Lev speaks English, Arabic, French and Russian in addition to her native Hebrew. For more than 20 years, Lev has been sharing her enthusiasm with adult Hebrew students. In the process, she's developed her own curriculum and methodolo- gy to address the unique needs of adult learners in the United States. Last month, in a paper entitled "Conversation and Culture: An Integrated Approach," Lev — the only presenter not affiliated with a university — presented the cur- riculum at the National Associ- ation of Professors of Hebrew conference in Los Angeles. After years of experimenting, Lev has formalized the curriculum into a new structured program to be implemented this fall. And there related to conversion. All in He- brew, of course. Magdalene Thirman, a home- maker who works part-time as- will be another change in line this fall: Midrasha is joining forces with the Jewish Community Cen- ter to provide a number of He- brew classes at the Maple-Drake JCC. "Adult learners in the United States are different from adult learners in ulpan (intensive He- brew study) in Israel," Lev said, adding that while Hebrew learn- ers in Israel seek to acquire every- day vocabulary and survival skills, learners in the United States are searching for intellec- tual stimulation and a connection to the Jewish community. "Conversation is the main goal, but we infuse the conversation with content that enriches their Jewish life and identity," said Lev. Each class includes a variety of thematically connected discus- sions and readings drawn from Zionist history, Bible stories, litur- gy and current events. And Lev encourages students to relate the discussions to their own lives. For example, a lesson on The JCC works with other organizations to expand adult education. JULIE WIENER STAFF WRITER ith more than 20 local synagogues and orga- nizations offering adult education, choosing a place to take a class can be a little overwhelming. The diversity of forums also leaves many synagogues com- peting for students and strug- gling to re-invent the wheel. Beth Greenapple, the JCC's director of Judaic enrichment, wants to see more organizations working together to provide adult education. As a start, the JCC is joining forces with the Midrasha to offer 15 Hebrew and Yiddish classes this fall. In addition, together with. Machon L'Torah, the JCC will also offer a crash course in reading He- brew (taught free of charge) and a basic Judaism class. Several of Midrasha's regu- lar Hebrew courses will be of- fered at the Maple-Drake JCC, and new courses will be offered as well, including a "Hebrew for Travelers" class. "This is an experimental part- nership [with Midrasha] for the first semester " said Greenap- ple. "We hope that it will grow. Right now we're just dealing with language courses, but if possible we'll get to offer other courses as well with the Midrasha's cooperation." Greenapple says she also hopes to get synagogues in- volved in future partnerships, perhaps even culminating in a "community-wide adult learn- ing consortium." We Service Everything We Sell... and Everything Anybody else Sells! A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD in-stock Brown Jordan Provides Services & Discounts Like furniture while supplies Weintraub. Make this summer special and Save 35% on all >=1 ..... .... . BROWN JORDAN f . sisting with her husband's ac- counting firm, says she has been studying Hebrew with Lev for more than 10 years. "She's a ter- rific lady. She doesn't only impart the Hebrew language, but also the history and all kinds of inter- esting things," she said. Longtime student Diane Bern- stein praises the diversity of the curriculum. "I learn so much cul- turally that I didn't know. She brings in stories from the Tal- mud and talks about Zionist his- tory," she said. "It's more than just a language class." An Eng- lish teacher, Bernstein has been studying Hebrew since return- ing from a trip to Israel 15 years ago. Another reason students say they keep coming back is for the social interaction the course of- fers. "[The students are] very nice people, very intelligent — it's a pleasure to be with them. We all like the Hebrew language, Israeli culture and Jewish culture ... it's like a social club," said Emerich Grinbaum, a physician who first studied Hebrew during World War II and has been a student of Lev's for more than 10 years. Bernstein agrees with Grin- baum's assessment. "After a while it's like going to a group of friends you've known for a long time," she said. ❑ Summer Hours Closed Mondays for June, July & August last. So many top Open Tues. - Sat 10-5 of the line styles WEINTRATTB JEWELERS to choose from In Store Specials Everyday Sunset Strip • 29536 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield • (810) 357-4000 you'll know we haven't made much _ •=1111 9 p ado about nothing. • Clinical Teaching • Testing/Evaluation • Therapeutic Tutoring TE 'E DETRO 04 RUSTICS NOW OPEN SUNDAYS! BIRMINGHAM 810-644-1919 • 690 S. WOODWARD LIVONIA 313-522-9200 • 29500 W. 6 MILE RD. NOVI 8 810- 10-348-0090 • 48700 GRAND RIVER • Please call for store hours. CASUAL OUTDOOR FURNITURE AT COMPLETELY RELAXED PRICES 545-6677 • 433-3323 Owner, Director . d II http://www.metroguide.com/lynne