Beged Kefet Hebrew Language School at PJCC

A home for Hebrew learning and Israeli culture

Discover the joy of Hebrew language and Israeli culture at Beged Kefet Hebrew Language School, where students in TK–12th grade develop language skills and a deep connection to Jewish traditions. More than just a language school, Beged Kefet fosters a warm and inclusive community where students and their families celebrate Jewish holidays, engage with Israeli culture, and build lasting friendships.

Beged Kefet is offered in partnership with ICC: Israeli Cultural Connection at the Oshman Family JCC and operates as part of the PJCC Jewish Life Department in collaboration with Wornick Jewish Day School.

What is Beged Kefet?

Beged Kefet is a Hebrew language immersion program designed to strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students experience a curriculum infused with Jewish and Israeli culture, learning through literature, movies, current events, and creative activities. Small class sizes and expert educators ensure personalized instruction in a supportive, engaging environment.

The Foster City Beged Kefet branch, established in 2017, is an integral part of PJCC’s commitment to fostering Jewish learning and community engagement.

Did you know? “Beged Kefet” is named after six Hebrew letters that receive special pronunciation emphasis when they appear at the beginning of a word.

Why Choose Beged Kefet?

Immersive Hebrew Language Learning – Gain fluency through reading, writing, speaking, and listening exercises.
Diverse Learning Approaches – Enjoy a mix of literature, films, cultural activities, and digital media.
Cultural & Social Connection – Celebrate Jewish holidays, participate in Israeli cultural events, and engage with the local Jewish community.
Small Class Sizes & Individualized Instruction – Our expert educators tailor lessons to each student’s level and progress.
A Strong Community for Families – Parents and siblings are invited to classroom celebrations and school-wide events.

Programs & Class Levels

Elementary School Classes (TK–5th Grade)

Beged Kefet’s elementary program builds strong foundational skills in Hebrew through experiential learning and hands-on activities.

Kindergarten (Kita Gan) – For fluent Hebrew-speaking students, focusing on conversation, vocabulary, and creative expression through stories, songs, and play.
1st–3rd Grade (Kita Alef, Bet, and Gimel) – Students learn to read and write in Hebrew, enrich vocabulary, and explore Jewish traditions and holidays.
4th–6th Grade (Kita Dalet and Hey) – Advanced Hebrew learning through reading comprehension, creative writing, and structured grammar studies.

Each class meets weekly on Thursdays for 90 minutes.

Middle School Classes (6th–8th Grade)

Beged Kefet’s middle school program deepens Hebrew proficiency while incorporating cultural studies, Jewish values, and community projects.

Language Mastery – Students refine their reading, writing, and comprehension skills while engaging in discussions about Israeli society, current events, and Jewish history.
Identity & Heritage – A three-year program exploring personal and Jewish identity, Bar/Bat Mitzvah traditions, and intergenerational connections.
Community Engagement – Students participate in the My Family Story Project, an international initiative by the ANU Museum of the Jewish People, exploring family roots and Jewish heritage.

Classes meet weekly on Thursdays for 90 minutes.

High School Program (9th–12th Grade)

Beged Kefet’s high school curriculum is designed for students who wish to enhance their Hebrew proficiency while earning foreign language credit for high school and college applications.

Starting in 2026-27 school year, we are proud to offer new learners the options of “Hebrew 1” (Ulpan) for High School language credit. In 2027-28, these students will continue with “Hebrew 2.” (In comparison, native Hebrew speakers usually begin their 9th grade year with “Hebrew 3”.)

Accredited Curriculum – Beged Kefet received full accreditation by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges (WASC). By taking an accredited course at Beged Kefet, not only are you ensured of high quality education, but you earn credits that will go toward your public high school and college “E” requirement of Language Other Than English (LOTE).
Advanced Learning with NETA – Students use rigorous Hebrew language programs from Israel (B’Sod haIvrit and Bishvil haIvrit) incorporating conversational Hebrew, Israeli literature, current events, and cultural studies. Beged Kefet includes technology in our classes that enhances and supports learning. Audio recordings, interactive technology, documentary films and more are used in classes and at home. As students speak, read, write and listen to spoken Hebrew, they encounter varying viewpoints on Israeli daily life, Jewish tradition and history, and general world knowledge. The availability of this technology also allows them to continue to deepen this knowledge on their own outside of class.
Honors & College Preparation – Advanced students may qualify for honors courses, providing a competitive edge for college admissions.

Classes meet weekly on Thursdays for 3 hours. Minimum class size is 6 students per level.

Hebrew Ulpan for High School Students (New Learners)

The PJCC is launching its first-ever Hebrew Ulpan for High School, a unique two-year program designed for students who want to meet their high school language requirement while deepening their connection to Hebrew, Israel, and Jewish culture.

Accredited by WASC as a high school second language course, this program gives students the opportunity to take their Hebrew learning beyond Bar/Bat Mitzvah and develop practical speaking, listening, reading, and cultural understanding in a meaningful community setting.

Students will engage with Hebrew language and Israeli culture through interactive learning, conversation, media, and special built-in programs, including:

Israeli Leaders & Leadership
Finding Your Family Roots
Immigration to Israel Through Movies and Media

Along the way, students will build friendships and social connections with peers from across the community while expanding their confidence, identity, and connection to Israel.

Register now for PJCC’s Hebrew Ulpan for High School and turn language learning into a meaningful, credit-earning experience.

Class Schedule & Tuition

Class Hours

All classes meet on Thursdays

Kinder – 5th Grades: 4:00–5:30 PM
Middle School: 5:30–7:00 PM
High School: 5:30–8:30 PM

Classes require a minimum of six students to run. Grade groupings may be adjusted to maintain appropriate student-teacher ratios.

Tuition & Registration

Grade Level	Early Bird Through May 18th	Regular Fee May 19th to July 31st	Workbook Fee	Registration Fee
Preschool	$1,276	$1,417	$100	$60
Elementary (K–5th Grades)	$1,913	$2,126	$100	$60
Middle School	$2,035	$2,261	$100	$60
High School*	$3,302	$3,669	$100	$60

*A $265 accreditation fee is required for high school students

First payment is due upon registration, followed by a second payment in October and a final payment in December.

Scholarships Available! Financial aid applications are available here.

Cancellation and Code of Conduct Policy

Before July 1: Reimbursement of the amount paid without the $60 registration fee
Before August 1: Reimbursement of the amount paid without the registration and materials fee ($160)
Starting August 1, the usual cancellation policy will take effect:
- Withdrawal from Beged Kefet can only happen during the first three months of the school year and no later than November 30.
- All withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing to begedkefet@pjcc.org. Include the student’s full name, class, and detailed explanation as to the reason for the cancellation. Verbal or telephone withdrawal requests will not be honored.
- The official recognized withdrawal date will be the end of the month during which the written notification is received. The tuition will be prorated to reflect the months during which the student attended classes.
- The registration fee and materials fee will not be refunded.
- The accreditation fee for high school students will not be refunded.
Beged Kefet Hebrew Language School reserves the right to update these policies at any time.

Click here for the full Beged Kefet Cancellation and Code of Conduct Policy

Meet Our Educators

The Beged Kefet team comprises highly trained Hebrew educators, each bringing extensive experience in language instruction and Israeli cultural studies. Our educators are passionate about fostering a love for Hebrew and creating a supportive learning environment.