What makes NETA different from every other Hebrew language program?
The NETA curriculum was written by specialists with years of experience in teaching Hebrew as a second language and was designed especially for youth in the Diaspora. It is sequential and based on a structured linguistic progression. Lessons are intellectually challenging even at the beginners' level, and are centered on themes of interest to teenagers, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and freedom.

Is NETA right for me/my school?
If you believe that the way to learn Hebrew is to have committed, knowledgeable and well-trained Hebrew teachers, engaging and linguistically sound learning materials, and you are willing to commit to at least 180 minutes/week of Hebrew instruction - NETA is for you.

Who is behind NETA?
NETA was created by Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli and Hilla Kobliner, Hebrew language curriculum specialists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The program is administered by Hebrew College in Boston, and is supported by The AVI CHAI Foundation.

How do I get into the NETA program? Can I buy NETA books in a bookstore or online?
NETA books are just a part of a complete NETA program that includes teacher training and mentoring during the school year. The only way to get the NETA books is to join the NETA program.
Please call the NETA office at 617-559-8697 or e-mail us NETA@hebrewcollege.edu if you are interested in joining NETA.

Do students need to know any Hebrew in order to study NETA?
Students are expected to know the Hebrew alphabet (alef-bet), and to read print and cursive Hebrew words without vowels (nikud) before starting NETA. The following site is recommended: http://overseas.huji.ac.il/newtest/pre_abc.html

Can you add NETA materials to another curriculum?
No. NETA is a carefully designed, sequential curriculum that follows a deliberate linguistic progression. If you try to "mix and match" it with other curricula, the resulting materials will not form a coherent whole, and students will not achieve proficiency in Hebrew.

Does NETA incorporate Hebrew literature (safrut)? Can NETA students read other Hebrew books and novels?
At every level, NETA books include excerpts from great Hebrew writers. Texts of increasing length are integrated into the learning materials as the students' Hebrew proficiency advances. We encourage students to read level-appropriate books and novels as a supplement to the NETA materials.

Is NETA all Modern Hebrew?
NETA is designed and taught in current Israeli Hebrew and includes texts from all historical layers of the Hebrew language ranging from biblical Hebrew to current scientific Hebrew terminology and common colloquialisms.

Do you teach grammar (Dikduk)?
NETA teaches grammar as a vehicle for achieving Hebrew proficiency, never as an end in itself. Grammar is integrated into lesson topics in order to achieve communicative goals.

Do you emphasize conversation? Will students learn Hebrew writing skills?
NETA classes are taught solely in Hebrew, and students speak Hebrew during class time at every level. NETA emphasizes the four major language-acquisition skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - equally, and students will have many opportunities to practice each of the four skills.

Does NETA include material about Israeli current events and the Jewish holidays?
NETA learning materials do not specifically address holidays and current events. Holiday and news-related teaching materials for each NETA level will gradually be introduced on this website's teacher resource center.

Is NETA appropriate for students with special needs?
Like all subject matter, NETA can - and should - be tailored to individual student needs. NETA educational experts are available to help teachers teach NETA to students with special needs. Students who have a diagnosed language-based learning disability (about 5 % of students) may, however, be unable to master a foreign language, regardless of the teaching method.

Is NETA associated with any one denominational viewpoint (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, other)?
NETA is a non-denominational Hebrew language curriculum. NETA is driven by the belief in the unity of the Jewish nation in all its religious and political diversity. The curriculum developers have been - and continue to be - responsive to the needs of its readers of different affiliations, and the learning materials reflect this approach.

My question does not appear here. What should I do?
Please call the NETA office at 617-559-8697 or e-mail us NETA@hebrewcollege.edu.