Rabbinical Student Naomi Zipurski on Studying at our School of Hebrew
When Naomi Zipurski decided to pursue her dream of becoming a rabbi, she quickly learned she’d need to build her Hebrew language skills to tackle the work ahead. After consulting with trusted advisors, she enrolled in our School of Hebrew in summer.
Why did you choose to study at the Middlebury Language Schools?
When I learned I needed to boost my Hebrew skills in order to begin my studies at rabbinical school, every person I spoke with told me doing so at the School of Hebrew was my only option, and they were right!
What surprised you about your experience at the Middlebury Language Schools?
What surprised me most about my experience at the School of Hebrew was how much laughter and joy can come from being in an incredibly challenging environment.
When I couldn’t determine how to say what I wanted to say, or when my teachers would correct every other word out of my mouth, it would be easy to be discouraged. And yet, inevitably, these moments would be met with laughter, smiles from everyone involved, and immense compassion and understanding.
The Language Pledge® is hard, and yet, when we’re all in it together, we get to share the immense joy of learning together, while not being alone in the hard parts.
Describe how your language skills improved at Middlebury.
Going into my first summer at Middlebury, I felt as though I was a complete beginner, though I did know the Hebrew alphabet and a few basic phrases like, “I need help” and “I don’t understand.” At the end of the summer, not only was I able to participate fully in conversations, speaking and understanding what was going on, but also I began to understand jokes, could tell longer stories in Hebrew, and could read fluently. The reading, writing, and grammar comprehension were essential for my studies in rabbinical school. Though in rabbinical school, we focus entirely on Biblical Hebrew, Middlebury gave me the necessary foundation to flourish. And now, after my second summer at Middlebury, not only am I fully comfortable in Hebrew conversations, but I can also hold my own in conversations about deeper topics such as literature and politics. In my studies at rabbinical school, I’ve noticed that my reading level is the highest it’s ever been, and I can comprehend even more vocabulary without the use of a dictionary. I’m also even more confident speaking Hebrew outside of Middlebury whenever I encounter Hebrew speakers.
Attending the Middlebury Language Schools might be one of the hardest things you will choose to do for yourself, and yet, if you have the opportunity, attending the Language Schools will be one of the greatest gifts you will give yourself. Taking the Language Pledge® and learning at Middlebury is hard, and it’s also beautiful, empowering, fun, meaningful, and truly the best way to spend a summer.