Welcome to Haverim Hebrew School:
Haverim Hebrew School is a vibrant, experiential program where young people explore Jewish identity, connect to community, and grow through meaningful learning. Rooted in Hebrew language, Jewish holidays, and enduring values like chesed (kindness), tzedek (justice), and kavod (respect), Haverim welcomes learners of all backgrounds and learning styles.
We believe that Jewish education should be joyful, inclusive, and relevant. Our hands-on curriculum invites students to build a personal connection to Jewish life through art, music, food, storytelling, outdoor experiences, and moments of reflection.
What Your Child Will Experience
- Celebrate Jewish holidays through food, art, music, and hands-on activities
- Explore Jewish values and practice them in daily life
- Build friendships and grow in a joyful, inclusive community
- Express identity through creativity, movement, and reflection
- Learn and use practical Hebrew through games, songs, and storytelling
- Build a strong foundation in the Hebrew alphabet and reading
- Begin preparing for a B-Mitzvah journey that reflects their individual path
H.A.V.E.R.I.M.
Hebrew – Celebrating the power and beauty of the Hebrew language
Avodah – Engaging in spiritual growth and meaningful service
Values – Living Jewish values like kindness, justice, and responsibility
Education – Learning through experiential and inclusive Jewish education
Ruach – Infusing everything with joy, energy, and spirit
Identity – Supporting each learner’s unique Jewish journey
Mitzvot – Encouraging action through mitzvot and ethical living
Program Details:
- Weekly Sessions: Mondays, 3:30–5:30 PM
- Program Dates: September 15, 2025 – May 29, 2026
- Grades: 1–7
- Tuition: $1,200
- Sibling Discount: 10% for each additional child
- Scholarships Available
- Monthly Payment Plans and Pay-Later Options Available
Tuition Includes More Than Weekly Classes — It’s a Whole Jewish Experience
At Haverim Hebrew School, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Tuition includes a wide range of joyful, immersive experiences that bring the rhythms of Jewish life into your child’s world:
Kid Shabbat and Family Gatherings
Celebrate Shabbat in community with family-friendly services held at the JCC, on the beach, and in local parks. These gatherings feature music, blessings, storytelling, seasonal treats, experiential prayer, and plenty of challah. Together, we cultivate a love of Shabbat and a deep sense of connection to Jewish time and tradition.
Joyful Jewish Holiday Celebrations
From shaking the lulav and etrog on Sukkot to lighting the menorah for Hanukkah, baking hamantaschen for Purim, and retelling the Exodus at Passover, our students celebrate the Jewish calendar through hands-on, creative, and meaningful experiences that anchor them in tradition.
Mitzvot in Action: Field Trips and Service Projects
Students explore Jewish values through real-world application. From environmental stewardship and tzedakah drives to acts of chesed (lovingkindness), our mitzvah projects and field trips help students see themselves as agents of compassion and justice.
Optional Monthly Challah from Etty’s Jewish Deli
Make Shabbat even more special with a fresh challah from Etty’s. Available for pickup on Fridays, this sweet, braided loaf is perfect for tearing, sharing, and starting your Shabbat with something warm and yummy at the center of your table.
Each experience is infused with the spirit of H.A.V.E.R.I.M. — Hebrew, Avodah, joyful learning, Ruach, Identity, and Mitzvot — nurturing a Jewish journey rooted in joy, belonging, and purpose.
B-Mitzvah Readiness, Their Way
Every child’s B-Mitzvah journey is unique. Our role is to provide a warm, inclusive foundation that supports each learner — and their family — in discovering what this milestone can mean for them.
Whether you’re just beginning to think about it or already planning, we support both traditional and creative approaches, partnering with families and clergy to ensure every student feels empowered and prepared.
Meet Our Team
In the Classroom
Our teaching team is made up of dedicated Jewish leaders who are eager to share their knowledge and experience. Whether bringing holidays to life, helping students build confidence in Hebrew through interactive learning, or nurturing thoughtful exploration of Jewish identity, they create a welcoming space where children feel a strong sense of belonging and growing excitement for Jewish life and learning.
Ashley Belinfante, Creative Director
Ashley Belinfante brings energy, warmth, and a passion for student-centered Jewish education to everything she does. A proud alumna of UCSB and Camp Alonim, she now serves as the Creative Director of Haverim Hebrew School, where she infuses seasonal celebrations with joy, imagination, and her signature sparkle.
Ashley oversees all programs and events at the JCC and directs Camp Haverim, creating meaningful experiences that build community and celebrate Jewish life. She also supports families throughout the B-Mitzvah journey with care and creativity. Her background in education includes formative work at Fusion Academy, where she helped design a personalized and engaging learning environment. At Haverim, Ashley brings the full spectrum of her talents to help students and families feel connected, inspired, and truly at home.
Samantha Silverman, Director of Curriculum and Vision
Samantha Silverman is a lifelong Jewish educator and the Executive Director of the Adam Bronfman Jewish Community Center. With over twenty years of experience, she leads the development of Haverim Hebrew School’s innovative, hands-on curriculum.
She began teaching Hebrew at age 16 and has since created programs for learners of all ages, from preschool through graduate school. Samantha holds a BA in Jewish Studies from UCLA and an MA in Jewish Studies from Yale.
At Haverim, she blends joyful exploration with individualized learning, helping children connect to Hebrew, Jewish life, and their own identities in ways that feel empowering, meaningful, and fun. Her vision anchors the school’s commitment to inclusion, curiosity, and the vibrant rhythms of Jewish tradition.
Rabbi Zachary Zysman, Community Rabbi
Rabbi Zachary Zysman is a seasoned spiritual leader with a passion for joyful, inclusive Jewish life. He brings over two decades of experience in congregational, campus, and hospital settings, including eight years as Campus Rabbi and Director of Jewish Life at Loyola Marymount University.
A Los Angeles native, Rabbi Zach lives with his wife Nadine, a Jewish day school principal, and their three children. With strong family ties to Santa Barbara, his role here holds deep personal meaning. At Haverim, he is committed to building relationships, nurturing community, and creating meaningful Jewish experiences rooted in learning, celebration, and compassion.
Special Events This Year
A year of joyful Jewish experiences, hands-on learning, and meaningful community connection:
September 26th
Shabbat by the Shore:
Join us at Shoreline Park for a spirited Kabbalat Shabbat filled with songs, stories, and a delicious picnic dinner.
October 6th
Sukkot Under the Stars:
Join us to decorate the sukkah, shake the lulav and etrog, and enjoy a delicious dinner as we celebrate this joyful harvest holiday.
November 26th
Mitzvah in a Bag:
Pack care kits for neighbors in need through our Family Wellness Initiative — a hands-on way to live out Jewish values.
December 15th
Hanukkah Hoopla:
Light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and enjoy latkes, sufganiyot, festive music, crafts, and holiday cheer.
January 11th
Grandfriends Day Delight:
A multigenerational morning of Jewish learning, laughter, and legacy — in collaboration with the JCC’s beloved Jcafé.
February 2nd
Birthday of the Trees Bash (Tu B’Shvat):
Celebrate Tu B’Shvat with hands-on planting and a special fruit seder in honor of nature’s new year.
April 2nd
Passover Journey:
Take part in a kid-friendly Seder filled with storytelling, song, and a delicious taste of freedom.
April 22nd
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration:
Celebrate Israeli Independence Day at the annual JCC celebration with free admission.
May 29th
Summer Send-Off Shabbat:
Celebrate our students’ learning with music, stories, sweets, and a joyful showcase of Hebrew growth and community spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior Hebrew knowledge required?
No — all levels are welcome. Instruction is tailored to each child’s needs.
What if my child has special learning needs?
We are committed to inclusion and happy to work with you to support your child’s success.
Is there a drop-off and pickup policy?
Yes — complete information will be provided after registration.
Questions? Contact:
Samantha Silverman
Executive Director, The Adam Bronfman JCC
sams@sbjf.org
805-957-1115 ext. 112