Testimonials

previous clients and students say…

Teaching

“I had a phenomenal experience in your class. Although I grew up attending [J]ewish private day school learning [H]ebrew every single year, you made me feel as if I was learning a new language for the first time. We dissected the language, beginning from its roots. A student who’s engaged and cares can also tell when his teacher is invested and educated.”

– Jon F (student, 2014)

“[I] had the privilege of having Professor Shahak, who is truly a gem of YU. His passion and talent for teaching is clearly evident by his [Professor of the Year] award. One of my friends actually mentioned to me that although Professor Shahak awarded him the lowest grade in his YU career, he was by far the best teacher he has ever had. Professor Shahak is a true legend (I do not use that term lightly) among us YU students.”

– Josh L (student, 2013)

“My ability to read both religious and modern Hebrew texts on a profoundly more advanced level than I ever was before is exclusively due to the well rounded curriculum the Hebrew department provided the class and the remarkable knowledge Professor Shahak was able to share with us.”

– Jeremy E (student, 2012-2013)

“I learned more Hebrew in your class than in the 10 years of learning Hebrew beforehand combined.”

– Eli A (student, 2012-2013)

“Taking two semesters of Hebrew…with you was perfect for me and so many other[s]…[I]t taught the inner workings of the Hebrew language on an incredibly effective level…[t]here were so many revelatory “ah-ha” moments that kept me motivated to continue working hard at grasping the language, and in the process I can say without any hesitation that your Hebrew class really was one of my top educational highlights at YU… [a]t the end of my year of Hebrew with you, the entire class was ecstatic to hear the news that you had won Professor of the Year[.]”

– Adir F (student, 2012-2013)

“When I was told that I would have to take a full year of Hebrew in my first semester on campus, I wasn’t thrilled. I was fairly fluent in conversational Hebrew and I felt like it would be a waste of time to take 2 semesters of what I believed would be similar to the numerous Hebrew classes I had taken in high school. When I began Professor Shahak’s [Hebrew] 1305 class, however, I found myself pleasantly surprised. For starters, the professor’s knowledge of biblical, modern, and mishnaic Hebrew was astounding. Furthermore, professor Shahak had extensive knowledge of other ancient Semitic languages. He didn’t just teach grammar and vocabulary. He explained the history behind the meaning of words and the grammar rules, which my classmates and I found to be very interesting, and helped me appreciate the language in a way that I hadn’t been able to before. I’m graduating this May and I count Professor Shahak’s Hebrew class as one of my most pleasant experiences at YU.”

– Joseph L (student, 2011-2012)

“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, in two semesters of your Hebrew [class] I learned more than I had in 15 years of day school education. I appreciate all the assistance and guidance you have given me. You are, by far, the best professor I have had in my time in YU (and certainly in high school)…[y]ou were the only class that I truly looked forward to, and actually came away with tangible knowledge.”

– Efrayim C (student, 2010-2011)

“Thank you for a wonderful year. You are one of the best professors I have ever had in college. The way you teach is how all teachers should teach a foreign language.”

– Adam E (student, 2010-2011)

“I was struggling with [my] difficult Biblical Hebrew class [in BRGSJS]. Frustrated and upset, I felt the tangled jumble of rules and explanations was totally hopeless. I needed to pass the class in order to receive my Masters in Bible. Luckily, I found Yair Shahak to serve as my tutor. He was kind and patient, explaining the concepts clearly and thoroughly. He never gave up on me and told me he believed in my ability to succeed. Under his tutelage, I not only passed first quarter but actually earned an A!”

-Olivia F (2009-2010)

“I had the pleasure of working with Yair Shahak when he instructed me on a piano piece I was preparing to perform at the YU Arts Festival. [He] offers a key blend of artistry and technique in his teaching style. His instruction elevated my playing musically and, thanks to his explanation of the mathematical timing of each note, also enabled me to grasp the rhythm in a way I couldn’t until then. I had a wonderful experience working with [Yair] thanks to his patience and joie de vivre, and I highly recommend him.”

– Alisa U (2008)

Music