National Center for the Hebrew Language (NCHL)

National Center for the Hebrew Language (New York) (1993-to present)

The National Center for the Hebrew Language (NCHL), headquartered in New York City, was formed in November 1995 by the Joint Authority for Jewish/Zionist Education of the World Zionist Organization; NCHL files indicate that planning of the organization began in September, 1992. A chronology of steps toward its realization as an official organization, submitted by Carol Diament, Chair of the Hebrew Language Committee of the American Advisory Council to the Joint Authority for Jewish Zionist Education [JAJZE], summarizes the preliminary plans and activities undertaken to establish the NCHL from September 1992-July 1995.

A report from the NCHL executive director indicates that the purpose of NCHL is to promote "culture and education in the United States through the promotion and study of the Hebrew language." It continues,

The Hebrew language … is an indispensable element of Jewish culture, Jewish identity, Jewish history and Jewish community. Hebrew is at the root of the Jewish textual tradition, both literary and liturgical. As a living language, Hebrew remains an essential cornerstone of Jewish peoplehood, connecting Israeli and world Jewry. 1

Or, as another undated document by Dina Chardin puts it: "English is the most powerful language in the world. But we need Hebrew to empower ourselves as Jews." 2 The mission by which NCHL defines itself is fourfold: "to be an advocate for the Hebrew language; to serve as a Hebrew language resource center; to be a catalyst for networking among organizations and professionals in the field of Hebrew language and culture; and to produce public programs in Hebrew language and culture." 3

On March 13, 1996, the National Center for the Hebrew Language was formally incorporated as a non-profit organization. In 1997, it began publication of its signature newsletter, Ivrit Now . In 1998, NCHL began a "Learn thru Lit" program with a pilot offering in March. NCHL went online with a website in December, 1997. In February, 1999, it published a Directory of Hebrew Classes, detailing over 150 places where instruction in the Hebrew language is offered in the United States, Canada and Israel. Starting in the 1990s, NCHL has also sponsored mini-intensive Hebrew-language study courses (Ulpans) at the General Assembly annual meetings of the United Jewish Communities and a Hanukka (as spelled by the NCHL) Festival of Hebrew Choral Groups in the Metlife Building in New York City. The Ulpans, the Hanukkah concerts, and the "Learn thru Lit" programs have all continued to the present, and are flourishing. As of 2001-2002, the NCHL website ( www.ivrit.org ) had been accessed by over two million people, and undated later literature indicates that hits on the website have doubled.

From the guide to the National Center for the Hebrew Language (NCHL), records, undated, 1906, 1993-2004 (bulk 1995-2003), (American Jewish Historical Society)