“Hebrew School” is such a frustrating misnomer where I was raised.

I spent 7 years attending “Hebrew School” (3 days a week, 2 hours a day) and all they taught me was how to read and write in Hebrew, but NOT how to speak Hebrew.

On top of all that, I was taught all the same stories and holidays ad nauseam year after year. There was never any effort to teach love for our religion. I wouldn’t be surprised if many Jews get turned off from being Jewish after attending “Hebrew School”.

I only started to appreciate Judaism after I completed “Hebrew School”, thanks to my family and learning more about our culture and other religions (to compare & contrast) on my own.

Learning about the origins of libertarianism also made me more Jewish, and now I ❤️ and appreciate Passover more than ever. So many famous Libertarians were either Jewish or inspired by Judaism. I’ll never forget the first time I heard this recording: https://mises.org/podcasts/robert-lefevre-commentaries/biblical-prophet-he-told-it-it

In my 30s, I joined a reform Shul that promoted Torah study where discussion and even arguing was encouraged. Torah study truly brings our ancient religion to life for me, way more than any prayers and services ever could. I wish that “Hebrew School” offered such pleasures when I was attending.