A Life in Hebrew Journey from Israel to AJU
For Aliza Klainman, Hebrew is more than a language—it is a bridge between past and future, history and identity, survival and resilience. As the Director of the Community Hebrew Program at American Jewish University (AJU), Klainman has dedicated her life to teaching Hebrew and ensuring that the language continues to connect Jews worldwide.
Born in the ancient city of Be’er Sheva, Israel, Klainman is the daughter of Holocaust survivors who arrived in the newly established Jewish state in 1948. Her mother, a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and her father, a former prisoner in Nazi labor camps, met while serving in the Israeli Navy. Together, they built a new life in Be’er Sheva, where they were among the city’s first 300 residents.
“Growing up with Holocaust-survivor parents was not easy, and it has had a profound effect on me,” Klainman recalls. Her father, who spoke flawless Hebrew, was determined that she learn the language correctly. “He insisted that I pronounce Hebrew numbers properly, following the gendered rules of the language. Now, I find myself doing the same with my students.”
A Passion for Teaching
After completing her service in the Israeli army, Klainman pursued Hebrew education at the College of Teachers Seminary. Her first teaching experience was in an ulpan for Soviet Georgian doctors who had immigrated to Israel. With no common language between them, Klainman relied on the immersive “Hebrew with Hebrew” method, a transformative experience that underscored the power of language to unlock opportunities.
“They arrived knowing no Hebrew, and within six months, they were ready to apply for jobs in Israeli hospitals,” she says. “It was incredible to see how language could change lives.”
When Klainman later moved to the United States, she brought this passion for Hebrew education with her. She joined the Hebrew program at AJU—then known as the University of Judaism—30 years ago. Starting as an instructor, she worked her way up to Director, leading a team of expert Hebrew teachers.
The Evolution of Hebrew Learning
Under Klainman’s leadership, the Hebrew program at AJU has expanded significantly, especially with the transition to online learning. No longer limited to Los Angeles, the program now reaches students across the U.S. and worldwide.
“Some students come to reconnect with their heritage, others to better understand Israeli culture, and many to engage more deeply with Jewish texts,” she explains. “With online learning, Hebrew is more accessible than ever.”
Why Hebrew Matters
For Klainman, Hebrew is more than a tool for communication—it is a key to Jewish history, spirituality, and modern identity.
- The Language of the Bible: Reading sacred texts in their original Hebrew deepens understanding and connection.
- The Language of Prayer: Praying in Hebrew fosters a sense of belonging in Jewish communities.
- The Language of Israel: It connects learners to Israeli culture, music, literature, and even the high-tech industry.
- A Shared Jewish Thread: Where Yiddish once united Jewish communities across the diaspora, Hebrew now serves as a common bond.
“Hebrew connects those of us outside Israel to one another,” Klainman says. “It has taken the place of Yiddish as the thread that links Jews around the world.”
For Klainman, every student who embarks on the journey of learning Hebrew is strengthening that thread. “It’s a gift,” she says, “one that I am honored to share.”
Are you ready to start your Hebrew journey? Learn more at aju.edu/open.
