Students in all grades have been learning how Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, known as the "Father of Modern Hebrew," played a pivotal role in reviving Hebrew as a spoken language, turning it from a language used mainly for prayer and study into one spoken in daily life. At CJDS, we celebrate by turning the global Hebrew Language Day (יום השפה העברית) into Hebrew Language Month! 

Our Shinshinim, Gilad and Yeheli, visited all students, leading activities that creatively introduced them to new Hebrew words and Israeli culture. Each grade contributed a unique section to our עיתון (newspaper) centered on a different Hebrew word. Using art, games, writing, photography, and hands-on projects, students brought Hebrew to life in meaningful and joyful ways.

Here's what each grade has been up to:

• JK & Kindergarten – גלידה (Glida/Ice Cream): Students created one giant class ice cream cone, with each child adding their own scoop and flavor.

• Grade 1 – אווירון (Aviron/Airplane): Students designed, decorated, and tested paper airplanes to see which flew the farthest.

• Grade 2 – אופניים (Ofanayim/Bicycle): Students illustrated and described their own bicycles, complete with baskets, bells, and training wheels.

• Grade 3 – מטריה (Mitriah/Umbrella): Students compared winter weather in Israel and Chicago and explored how people prepare for different climates.

• Grade 4 – צילום (Tzilum/Photography): Students photographed moments that represent CJDS and created a large collaborative collage.

• Grade 5 – רכבת (Rakevet/Train): Students learned about trains in Israel, including Israel Railways, the Light Rail, the Carmelit, and the subway.

• Grades 6–7 – כלב (Kelev/Dog): Students explored the word kelev (dog). Since Ben-Yehuda's son was one of the first to speak Hebrew, he tried to connect with animals to form a friendship. Students made posters for actual dogs available for adoption.

• Grade 8 – זהות (Zehut/Identity): Students explored the circles of identity that relate to them as individuals and with the Jewish society in general, creating posters that represent their identity as CJDS students.

This month-long celebration showcases how Hebrew continues to grow, connect, and inspire - just as Ben-Yehuda envisioned.