Most Jewish students learn Hebrew during the course of preparing for their b’nai mitzvot or in language classes at school. Now, the establishment of Hebrew immersion schools in cities across the United States offers students the chance to learn Hebrew in a new and more hands-on way.

The construction of Hebrew immersion schools in many areas of the country is the latest stage of the movement to encourage foreign language students to become fluent speakers. So far, Hebrew immersion schools are operating in New York, New Jersey and Florida, with more schools scheduled to open in California, Minnesota and Georgia within the next three years.

Hebrew, spoken by about five million worldwide, is the official language of the Jewish state of Israel, and is closely linked with Judaism. However, all of the U.S. Hebrew immersion schools currently open, as well as those expected to open by 2014, receive public funding and are secular, with a curriculum that studies Jewish culture but promotes no single religion and focuses on the study of the Hebrew language.

While a Hebrew immersion school has yet to be established in St. Louis, Bais Abraham Congregation offers a Hebrew immersion program on Sunday mornings. Though the program is designed to teach Hebrew reading and writing to children who speak the language at home, not to educate beginning speakers, it still represents a step toward the growing prevalence of immersion programs. The appearance of Hebrew immersion schools is encouraging for those who study the language and see immersion as a valuable way to improve speaking and listening skills.

“Hebrew immersion is a really interesting program,” said Samantha Weil, a Ladue Horton Watkins High School junior and Hebrew student. “I actually looked for it when I went to Israel. It’s not as popular right now so there weren’t any options, but if you want to be fluent in Hebrew like I would like to be, immersion is the best way to learn a language and become totally fluent.”

Right now, there are no plans to open a Hebrew immersion school in St. Louis. However, Rachel D’Souza-Siebert, Director of Development at St. Louis Language Immersion Schools, said that those interested in establishing a Hebrew school can seek out community support to help create one.

“Start with the community,” D’Souza-Siebert said. “If the need is evident, your neighbors, area families and local business owners could very well provide the support and resources necessary to address this need.”