Hebrew with Nancy Ezer was my very first UCLA class. I stepped into her classroom, full of anxiety and uncertainty, but I never imagined how my life would be completely transformed by her. Nancy’s class was the most challenging yet most rewarding course I had ever taken. She wasted not a single minute in class; I avoided using the restroom during class, lest I miss something important. 

Each day was a 50-minute lesson followed by at least 2 hours of online homework, and once I recall breaking down in tears after working for hours and the online assignment erased itself before submission. I was so close to giving up and quitting, but Nancy never gave up on me. Both firm and loving, she kept pushing me to maximize my potential and ultimately to discover myself.
 
Growing up as an Asian-American, I did not share the same connection to Hebrew that my classmates did. However, Nancy gave me that connection. In her classes, I was inspired to keep learning and exploring, realizing along the way that Hebrew was my true passion. She inspired me to follow directly in her footsteps to become a Hebrew teacher and ensure the continuity of this unique language. 

Nancy made it happen. She did it. She trusted me with the first opportunity to teach Modern Hebrew at UCLA in the summer of 2015. Then, I did not trust myself and was worried about how my students would react seeing an Asian person standing before them. Despite my apprehensions, she told me not to fear. Again, in my most vulnerable moment, Nancy encouraged and gave me a much-needed boost.  

Today, teaching Modern Hebrew at the Washington University in St. Louis, I draw heavily from the effective “Nancy Ezer method,” Baruch ha-Shem, our program is growing, and standing at the front of the classroom - where she first placed me - all my students are Nancy’s students. And in the future, our young students will take her torch and carry it forward.  Thank you for everything, Nancy.

Nancy Ezer was a legend. She had high standards and a kind heart. Her legacy will live on through her students. My daughter had the pleasure of studying with her several years ago. Nancy created a warm community of students who enjoyed learning Hebrew and were strongly connected to Israel. Now I see my daughter sharing her love of the Hebrew language to her own children. I feel fortunate to have been a student of hers when classes were held online. Nancy greeted each student respectfully when they signed on; she imparted important life lessons through her selection of Hebrew reading materials; and she encouraged excellence with positive reinforcement. Thank you Professor Ezer for your wisdom and kindness.

Nancy and I were two redheads, dear friends and colleagues while we were both working on our doctorates with Arnie Band at UCLA.  I imagine that I helped her with her English papers, but Nancy took me under her wings and helped me much more with my Hebrew. In the summers we would meet at her house to read and translate poetry in the mornings. Meir would come home from work for lunch and I would share in the family meals with the girls.  For a while Nancy's homelife was an integral part of my life, and I was introduced to her style of Sephardi cooking and holidays.  Nancy was always giving of her time, knowledge, attention and advice, and her support was fundamental in getting me through the program.  She was a natural and enthusiastic teacher who generously shared her love of Hebrew language and literature, from which I benefitted immeasurably.  Thank you, Nancy.

OBITUARY

Nancy Ezer

16 October, 1947 – 31 January, 2022

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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