New York Area · 2026
As part of a focused day of visits and meetings across the New York areaת organized by the WZO Representation in North America together with Rabbi Andrew Ergas, CEO of Hebrew at the Center, a series of meetings advanced Hebrew language instruction in Jewish schools and communities throughout the region. The delegation included Chairman Yaakov Hagoel, Michal Cababia, WZO Executive Representative in North America, Itay Vana, Head of the Department for Hebrew and Community Resilience, Anat Vidor, President of WIZO International, and Rabbi Andrew Ergas.
The day began at SAR High School in Riverdale, with principal Rabbi Tully Harcsztark, around the theme of Hebrew language instruction. The delegation met with the school's Hebrew coordinator and shlicha, who shared an overview of the Hebrew program, the challenges of teaching the language at the high school level, and how the school is integrating AI technologies to strengthen students' connection to Hebrew as a living language.
Next came a moving visit to SAR Academy, the elementary school, where principal Rabbi Binyamin Krauss presented an overview of the school and its Hebrew program. During the visit, Chairman Yaakov Hagoel recited “Shir HaMa'alot” together with the school's students — a deeply moving moment of connection through prayer and the Hebrew language.
The day continued with a visit to the Leffell School in Hartsdale, hosted by Dr. Michael Kay, Head of School and incoming CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.
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