What is “Mechina Ivrit”?

I sit here in “Mechina Ivrit.” It’s like Ulpan, but not Ulpan. The classroom has more than 20 desks lining the walls in a half circle, but there are only four of us in the class now.

I started last month, slipping into the class as it seemed to already have its own rhythm. I tried to figure out what was going on by observing. But I quickly realized that the other students know Hebrew fluently. Two were born in Israel; the other two are from Russia.

A New Life in the Holy Land

Just two and a half years ago, I made Aliyah from Florida, leaving behind my parents and most of my family. But I’m here with my husband and our four children now, and we’ve been working to make a good life here in the Holy Land.

I’m nearing the age of 50. I birthed (naturally) four children. They are learning to fit in here in Israel, which includes learning Hebrew. I could write a story about each of them, but for now, I’ll focus on me.

English is my love—one of my strengths. As a professional journalist and editor, I use the language with precision and confidence, and I teach it to others who have the desire to learn.

Thank G-d, I’ve done many things in my lifetime so far.

I discovered Torah Judaism through Chabad and spent the next two decades learning with teachers and mentors how to live as a Jewish woman.

The Torah is a blueprint for life from the Higher World, but it seems the way it has been transmitted is not always done in the best way. Kabbalah (Tanya, Zohar, etc.) helps balance the black-and-white of halacha with some color and soul.

Learning kodesh Hebrew is something I love. Modern, mundane Hebrew—not as much.

ADHD, Diagnosis, and Direction

Now, I’m here now in this classroom, not entirely sure how I ended up here. It certainly doesn’t feel like the right place for me. Last year I received a diagnosis of ADHD from a doctor here in Israel.

This helped explain many of my struggles and strengths as a writer and artist trying to exist in a neurotypical world.

My social worker helped me apply for support from Betuach Leumi.

My main goal was to continue my education, beyond my bachelor’s degree in business and my master’s degree in journalism.

In addition to being a professional writer and teacher, my passion is helping myself and others heal—from trauma, depression, anxiety—through art.

Miscommunications and Misplacements

Many months later, I finally had an appointment with the Betuach Leumi representative about my education options. A few minutes in, she realized that my file said I needed a translator. After much effort, she eventually found someone to help. We completed the process to get me into the system, saying I needed to first improve my Hebrew.

Another few months passed, and I got a call from the counselor from what’s called Mechina Ivrit. The next day I started this advanced Hebrew program.

Off Track, But Still Moving

Now, four days a week I leave Zichron Yaakov, where I rent a small, beautiful office for my professional work and art studio, and travel by bus an hour each way and sit five hours a day in a classroom.

I spend much of my time here doing independent work under the glow fluorescent lights (staving off migraine headaches). I quietly pursue my passions and try to figure out how to learn Hebrew based on my level and needs. The teacher is wonderful and wants to help.

I’ve shared that the class doesn’t seem to be right for me in it’s current form. I want to find out if there are other options to help me learn Hebrew as an ADHD artist at a more suitable level, and most importantly, something hands-on, in real-life environments, not in a classroom.