About Us
Making Hebrew accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable
Hebrew All Around is the flagship program of All Around Learning, an educational organization dedicated to creating meaningful, engaging, and community-centered learning experiences.
Who We Are
A team of educators and lifelong learners
Hebrew All Around is the flagship program of All Around Learning, an educational initiative dedicated to creating meaningful, engaging, and community-centered learning experiences. Founded by educator and curriculum designer Dorli B. Satterwhite, the program was created to make Hebrew accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable for children, teens, and adults.
After years of working with Hebrew learners, we recognized a common challenge: many learners can read Hebrew without truly understanding or using it as a language. Rather than accepting this as inevitable, Hebrew All Around was designed to treat Hebrew as a living language—placing communication, comprehension, and connection at the center of learning.
Our Mission & Vision
A language of meaning, connection, and community
Our Mission
Hebrew All Around exists to make Hebrew a language of meaning, connection, and community. Through curriculum, educator support, and practical learning strategies, we help learners move beyond simply reading Hebrew toward truly understanding and using it in meaningful Jewish life experiences.
Our Vision
Create a future where Hebrew is accessible to every Jewish learner: child, teen, and adult. A future where people do not simply recite Hebrew words, but understand them, connect with them, and use them with confidence. Hebrew should become a bridge to Jewish identity, prayer, culture, community, and one another.
Why We Exist
Bridging the gap between reading and living Hebrew
Hebrew has connected the Jewish people across generations, continents, and communities. It is the language of prayers, traditions, stories, and the modern State of Israel. Yet for many Jewish learners, Hebrew remains a language they can read without fully understanding or use only in limited contexts.
Many students spend years learning to recognize Hebrew words and recite prayers. These are valuable skills and meaningful experiences, but too often learners are left wondering what the words mean, unable to use Hebrew to express their own thoughts, ask questions, or engage in simple conversations.
reading Hebrew
→
understanding it
reciting Hebrew
→
using it
learning Hebrew
→
living Hebrew
What We Believe
Six beliefs that guide our work
Learning Happens Everywhere
Meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom. It happens through conversations, games, family interactions, community experiences, and everyday moments.
Language is Learned Through Use
Language develops through listening, speaking, interacting, and making meaning with others. Authentic discourse and communication are essential parts of language acquisition.
Experience Creates Understanding
Learners build lasting understanding when they actively engage with language through movement, play, stories, problem-solving, and real-world experiences.
Joy Fuels Learning
When learning is meaningful, playful, and enjoyable, learners are more motivated, more engaged, and more likely to retain what they learn.
Community Builds Confidence
A strong Classroom Kehila creates belonging and trust. When learners feel safe, valued, and supported, they are more willing to take risks, communicate, and grow.
Innovation Solves Problems
Educational challenges are opportunities for creativity. By combining research, experience, and thoughtful design, Hebrew All Around creates practical solutions that help learners connect with Hebrew in meaningful ways.
Who We Serve
A more meaningful, communicative approach to Hebrew
Hebrew All Around serves Jewish learners, families, educators, congregations, and organizations seeking a more meaningful and communicative approach to Hebrew learning.
Families
Families who wish to support Hebrew learning at home and strengthen their connection to Jewish life through shared experiences, games, conversations, and community events.
Congregations and Schools
Synagogue-based supplemental schools, religious schools, Hebrew schools, day schools, youth programs, camps, and other educational organizations looking to enhance Hebrew learning through research-based, engaging, and community-centered practices.
Educators
Teachers, administrators, and educational leaders seeking curriculum, professional learning, coaching, and practical strategies for creating engaging Hebrew learning experiences that foster communication, confidence, and connection.
Jewish Communities
Organizations and communities that believe Hebrew should be more than a subject of study; it should be a living bridge to prayer, culture, identity, tradition, and one another.
Meet the Board
The leadership behind All Around Learning
Dorli B. Satterwhite
President, All Around Learning, Inc. | Founder & Educational Director
With more than 20 years of experience teaching Hebrew to learners of all ages, Dorli brings expertise in language acquisition, curriculum design, special education, and educational leadership. She is the author and creator of Hebrew All Around, a conversational Hebrew curriculum designed to help learners move beyond decoding Hebrew to understanding and using it in meaningful ways
Dorli holds degrees in Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Educational Leadership, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Special Education Leadership. Her work is guided by a passion for creating engaging, community-centered learning experiences that connect learners, families, and Jewish life.
Dorli holds degrees in Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Educational Leadership, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Special Education Leadership. Her work is guided by a passion for creating engaging, community-centered learning experiences that connect learners, families, and Jewish life.
Mary D.P. Wagner
Board of Directors of All Around Learning, Inc.
With 35 years of experience in education, Mary brings deep expertise in curriculum development, teacher leadership, and Jewish education. She holds degrees in Jewish History and Culture, American History, and Education, has presented at national social studies conferences, designed Judaica curriculum for grades 4-7, and served as a Staff Development Teacher for five years.
Jeff Smith
Board Member & Financial Advisor
Jeff Smith brings more than two decades of experience in financial planning and investment management to the All Around Learning Board of Directors. Known for his ability to develop personalized solutions and communicate complex ideas clearly, Jeff provides valuable insight into the organization’s financial planning and growth. A dedicated community volunteer, Jeff believes everyone has a responsibility to give back.
Bring Hebrew to life in your community.
Interested in bringing Hebrew All Around to your school, congregation, or community organization? We’d love to talk with you about your goals and how we can support your learners.