Hebrew Academy

Transforming Your Child’s Education Journey: The Power of Connections and Shared Purpose

Rochie Popack

A drone hovers above Hebrew Academy, capturing a vibrant scene that mirrors the bustling energy of Grand Central Station. In a world marked by uncertainty and crisis, individuals - parents, teachers, and studentsmove with purpose, driven by a shared mission that pulses with urgency.

As the first rays of sunlight touch the campus, Roei, our dedicated security officer, stands at his post with a warm smile, setting the tone of comfort and safety that allows us to focus on the day ahead. Like the station manager at Grand Central, he is the unsung hero who ensures everything runs smoothly. Our partnership with the Huntington Beach Police Department reinforces this sense of security, granting parents, teachers, and students the freedom to pursue their daily endeavors with peace of mind.

The campus comes alive almost simultaneously, reminiscent of the rush hour energy at Grand Central. Parents, teachers, and students arrive, each contributing to the symphony of a typical school day.

Much like the hurried commuters at Grand Central, parents dash through our campus not in haste but with intent. They’re not merely dropping off their children; they’re forging connections, sharing smiles, and offering encouragement to one another.

Like the conductors at Grand Central, teachers orchestrate the flow of knowledge and inspiration. With lesson plans in hand and a palpable passion, they hurry to their classrooms. Today, Ms. Obrien, the Middle School English

teacher, carries a copy of Anne Frank’s diary. This is more than a literary exercise; it’s an opportunity for reflection and dialogue. Anne Frank, a young hero who faced unimaginable challenges, provides a safe space for our students to explore their fears, hopes, and dreams as they find their voices empowered to engage in meaningful conversations.

Ms. Marquez, our ABA specialist, acts as the station’s information booth, an emotional and behavioral support hub with a keen eye for the nuances of human behavior. She navigates the hallways, stopping to check on students and teachers alike. Her role is pivotal in ensuring everyone’s emotional needs are met, heard, and understood. In a world where emotional wellbeing can often be overlooked, she serves as a constant reminder that mental health is just as crucial as academic achievement. Her presence is a calming force amid the rush, a touchpoint for those who need it most.

The administrative staff is our Grand Central’s control center, meticulously managing every detail, from scheduling to supplies. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring that every logistical aspect is well handled. But their role goes beyond logistics. They are the compassionate faces that greet us, the listening ears for teachers who may need extra support, and the caring adults who pause to ask students how they’re doing. In a world that often feels like it’s spinning too fast, they are the steady hands that keep us grounded, reminding us that every individual matters.

Alumni like Chaya Leah Sufrin are seasoned travelers of our Grand Central, having once navigated these hallways and sat in these classrooms. Their return to our campus is a testament to the enduring impact of a Hebrew Academy education. Chaya Leah, now the Executive Director of Long Beach Hillel and a recent fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, came back to offer our high school students a nuanced, mature understanding of the Israeli conflict. Her insights go beyond textbook knowledge, providing a rational and deeply personal context that empowers our students to engage with complex geopolitical issues as informed, responsible young adults.

As the drone hovers over the Hebrew Academy xSTREAM lab, it captures our middle schoolers engrossed in their coding lessons. This isn’t just a lesson in technology; it’s a lesson in the power of community to foster academic excellence. Each individual - whether a security officer, a parent, a teacher, an ABA specialist, or an alum - has contributed to this moment. They’ve laid the foundation for these students to soar academically and personally.

So, what drives this purposeful activity, each tick of the clock amplifying its urgency? It’s a shared purpose, a collective rush toward a better tomorrow. It’s the realization that every second counts, that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger, more meaningful story. It’s the understanding that we’re not just passengers on a journey but the architects of our destiny in our miniature Grand Central Station. And it’s in this collective endeavor that we find our greatest strength: 'Am Yisroel Chai.