When I first moved to the U.S., I had no idea how much life here could feel like home. I’d heard about the “American melting pot” before, but it wasn’t until I experienced it firsthand that I truly grasped its meaning. The sheer variety of cultures, traditions, and languages blends into something entirely new and unique, a mix that in some ways, reminded me of Israel’s diversity.
By “melting pot,” I mean the process where people from different backgrounds, religions, and languages come together to create something beautiful and unified, all while preserving their individuality. Americans take pride in this, and rightly so it’s a culture built on the idea of connection between people from all over the globe. Yet, there’s something undeniably special about the bond within the Israeli community here. Maybe it’s the distance from home that makes us seek out that familiarity, the feeling of something authentic and comforting.
When we arrived, I found myself gravitating toward opportunities to meet other Israelis. There’s a deep comfort in knowing you have a community where you belong. Being able to share a joke that only someone from “home” would understand, laugh about our cravings for familiar dishes, or keep pace with the rhythm that’s uniquely ours, it’s all incredibly soothing. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve built wonderful friendships with Americans as well. But when someone truly gets you, it’s a different kind of connection.
Even with a strong sense of community, I quickly realized that I was now living in an English-speaking world. Mastering the language wasn’t just about communication, it was about thriving. To express myself confidently and navigate any situation, I needed to embrace English fully. In the end, learning the language, especially American English, wasn’t just a tool for daily life. It became the key to deeper conversations, unexpected connections, and experiences that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
As we approach the new year, it’s natural to reflect on where we are and where we want to go. Change and fresh beginnings are always around the corner, bringing opportunities to forge new connections between people, cultures, and languages.
So, if you’re thinking about growth or embracing something new, perhaps now is the time to invest in your English skills. English is more than just a language; it’s a bridge to new opportunities, a way to feel at home even when you’re far away, and a passport to connect with the world.
Here’s to building bridges and finding what’s home to you, wherever you are.
Spotlight Interview: Debbie Boosidan
This quarter, we're shining our spotlight on Debbie Busidan, who returned to Israel with her family after spending many years in the U.S. We spoke with Debbie about her decision to enroll her daughters in JBE’s English programs and how it’s impacted their journey.
Why did you decide to have your children learn English with JBE?
My daughters were born in the U.S., and after moving back to Israel, I felt they needed English enrichment classes. Unfortunately, their school didn’t provide any additional English support, and that was a big gap for me. It was important to me that they maintain their English skills, l didn’t want everything they’d learned in America to fade away. Beyond preserving the language, I wanted them to continue advancing in English, just as American students do in U.S. schools. I was worried that returning to Israel would interrupt their progress, especially since I couldn’t find suitable solutions here.
Can you share your experience with JBE and their teaching methods? What do you think makes their lessons unique?
My experience with JBE has been excellent. I highly recommend them to any family returning to Israel who wants to preserve their children’s English skills. I discovered JBE through a Facebook ad, and it was exactly what I was looking for a place where my daughters could learn English with an American teacher, just like they had in the U.S.
The lessons are held over Zoom, which works perfectly for us. I reached out immediately after I saw the ad, and the rest is history! Judy paired us with an incredible teacher named Telly, who lives in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, and all three of my daughters have weekly lessons with her at a set time. We began in November 2023, and my daughters adore their teacher. Telly tailors each lesson to their needs and interests. She takes the time to learn about their hobbies, daily routines, and passions, weaving those into their sessions. Every lesson introduces something new, keeping them engaged and excited.
What makes JBE’s model stand out is its personalized approach. They assess each child’s needs, interests, and schedule to match them with the right teacher. The lessons are diverse and aligned with the child’s preferences. The teacher truly invests in the student’s growth, constantly working to push them forward.
At the end of each session, I receive a detailed email from the teacher summarizing what each daughter learned, along with materials, lesson reviews, and homework for practice. Everything is so well-organized, and the support is phenomenal. There’s always someone available to answer any question we might have.
Looking back, what advice would you give to someone considering starting English lessons with JBE?
My advice is to be thorough when filling out the questionnaires and think about your child’s interests. This ensures they’ll have a fun and engaging learning experience. And trust JBE to find the best teacher for your child—it makes all the difference!
Where have you noticed the biggest improvements in your children’s English?
I’ve seen significant improvements in their vocabulary, reading, grammar, and spelling. Their overall enrichment has been remarkable thanks to the diverse content they learn in their lessons. Most importantly, their confidence in using the language has soared, and they’re making progress week after week.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
JBE has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. I no longer worry about my daughters falling behind in English or losing the skills they developed in the U.S. I’m thrilled we found an American teacher who could pick up right where they left off and continue advancing them. Their confidence in the language has grown tremendously, and they feel as comfortable as they did back in America.
We’re proud to be part of Debbie’s journey and to support her daughters as they thrive in English. Interested in creating your own success story? Let’s connect!
Quarterly Highlights: What We’ve Been Up To
In November, we hosted two free online events, each focusing on a key area of interest:
English Pronunciation Workshop
Led by our teacher Daniela, this session highlighted the importance of proper pronunciation and clarified the difference between pronunciation and accent. Daniela shared practical tips for correctly articulating challenging sounds particularly those many of us as Israelis tend to mispronounce.
Preparing for Job Interviews in the U.S.
This insightful session, conducted by our teacher Louisa, was packed with actionable tips on acing job interviews in the United States. It was invaluable for both newcomers to the U.S. and long-time residents. One of the most gratifying moments was receiving an email from a participant who shared how the tips she learned helped her nail her job interview with confidence!
Growing in the Business Sector
As part of our expansion into the business world, we’ve launched a new website: JBE4B, under the JBE Tutoring umbrella. On this platform, you’ll find tips, articles, and strategies for succeeding in the U.S. business environment. Check it out at www.jbe4b.com and explore it for yourself!
Upcoming Events: What’s Next
We have some exciting plans for the upcoming months, including:
Free Online Event: Preparing for College Admissions in the U.S.
This session will address a common concern among parents of high school students in the U.S.—how to navigate the American college admissions process. Tailored especially for parents who didn’t experience this system themselves, we’ll cover what you need to know, how to prepare, and, just as importantly, when to start.
Pronunciation Workshop for Participants in Israel
Due to the popularity of our previous session and requests from Israelis, we’ll be hosting another pronunciation workshop at a time convenient for our audiences in Israel.
Keep an eye on our announcements for more details!
Ongoing Activities
We continue to offer our signature programs, including:
Group Sessions for Ages 5–16
Designed for kids in Israel who want to strengthen and improve their English in a fun and interactive setting.
English Sessions for Women
These sessions provide a supportive environment where women can practice speaking English confidently, guided by our American teachers.
Thank you for being part of our community. I look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you soon!
Warm regards,
Judy Buchnick
Founder, JBE Tutoring
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