Hebrew Academy

Academic Excellence, Jewish Pride: Crafting Bright Futures at Hebrew Academy

Rochie Popack | Hebrew Academy

The sun was just peeking through the clouds as the Hebrew Academy filled with the stirring melody of children singing “I’m Jewish, and I’m Proud.” Angela, standing in the Value Circle, felt a storm of emotions. Each note of the song, so boldly sung by the children, clashed with her memories of Iran, where such an expression was unimaginable. She closed her eyes briefly, her heart gripped by a familiar fear, an instinctive urge to silence her son Omid before the tune reached unwelcome ears. But as she opened her eyes and saw the joy and pride around her, her heart swelled with emotion. Angela found herself not just joining the chorus but actively encouraging it. She cheered them on, her voice growing in strength, her heart praying that her son, Omid, would never know the fears that once silenced her. For her, this song became a declaration of a new life where her family could openly celebrate their Jewish identity.

Driven by a desire for freedom and a better life for her son Omid, Angela and her husband embarked on a journey from Tehran to Orange County. “I didn’t want my son to hide his identity,” she explains, recounting the pressure to convert in Iran and the job discrimination her husband faced. Despite being well aware of the hurdles that awaited them — navigating a new culture, overcoming language barriers, and securing employment and a home — their move to the U.S. was imbued with hope.

Angela recalls with pride how Omid’s journey at the Academy unfolded. As a shy preschooler, he initially communicated through hand gestures, creatively overcoming the challenge of not speaking English. His interaction with Morah Miriam, his kindergarten teacher, was a significant turning point. Addressing his desire to fit in and embarrassment about his mom’s Persian accent, Morah Miriam turned it into a celebration of bilingualism, instilling in Omid a sense of pride in his heritage and a shift that marked the start of his journey towards self-confidence and inclusion.

Angela recalls that the nurturing environment of Hebrew Academy played a pivotal role in Omid’s development. He evolved into a confident and articulate student, effortlessly transitioning to the GATE program in middle school. His journey continued at Oxford Academy, where he actively engaged in The Rose Project’s Student-to-Student program, sharing his Jewish heritage with high school peers and highlighting the values of tolerance and understanding instilled in him at Hebrew Academy.

Omid’s Bar Mitzvah - a celebration of faith, family, and values.

As Angela watched Omid’s journey of growth and success at Hebrew Academy, we similarly observed Angela’s inspiring evolution within the school.

Beginning as a classroom aide, her rich background as a credentialed high school chemistry teacher in Iran was always at the forefront. Motivated to lead her classroom again, Angela embraced the challenges and opportunities for growth. Her determination led her to achieve her California teaching credentials in Middle and High school math, a noteworthy accomplishment. At the school, Angela’s joy and connection with her students, some of whom she first met in first grade, are genuinely heartwarming. Her bright smile, vibrant energy, and good-natured humor reflect her profound bond and positive impact on her students.

For Angela’s younger daughter, 4th grader Ariana, born in America, Hebrew Academy has been instrumental in cultivating her sense of self and connection to her Jewish roots. Angela is proud of how the school’s teachings have shaped Ariana into a confident young girl who loves Shabbat, the Torah, and her friends.

“Investing in our children’s education at Hebrew Academy is investing in their future,” Angela asserts with genuine conviction. Her aspirations for Omid and Ariana extend beyond academic success to encompass their complete well-being and a deeply rooted Jewish identity. “For me,” she adds, her smile reflecting a mix of gratitude and resolve, “giving back to this community that embraced us so warmly is a privilege.”

Affectionately known as “Teacher Angela” within the school, she is a living example of the transformative power of perseverance and dedication. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “This community is unique – it celebrates our triumphs and supports us through our challenges.” Her journey, entwined with the lives of her family and students, powerfully illustrates the impact of an education beyond textbooks.

Looking towards the future with optimism, Angela highlights, “At Hebrew Academy, we are building something special – not just nurturing academic excellence, but also cultivating a hopeful, vibrant Jewish future. It’s a place where every child feels valued and connected to a larger purpose”.