Chanukah 2008 is now here. The gift giving aspect of Chanukah is much more popular in the United States, than in other parts of the world. Or perhaps, you are starting to think about New Year's resolutions? Learning Hebrew can be either a gift fo Chanukah, or a New Year's goal.
Unfortunately, an amazing number of people studied Hebrew as a child, but over the years, they have let those Hebrew skills fall by the way side. Sometimes, as they become parents or enter their leisure years, the desire to learn Hebrew returns. In big cities, many of them take courses at the Jewish Community center, but in more remote places, many people turn to the computer to become their Hebrew teacher.
Several products from HebrewResources.com help children and adults to learn Hebrew, either for the first time, or to refresh their prior skills. The series of programs typically begins with "At Home with Hebrew", their most beginner level program, that teaches a person how to read and write the Hebrew Alef-Bet (alphabet). After learning basic reading skills, the students go on to learn some basic grammar and vocabulary.
"Hebrew Kindergarten", despite the name, is not just for young children. It's called Kinergarten, because it starts at the very beginning with the basics of nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
For those more interested in learning traditional liturgy and Hebrew prayers, the ideal gift would be "Songs of the Sabbath" (or in Hebrew "Shirei Ha-Shabbat"). This package includes both an audio-CD with modern tunes to the ancient liturgy, and a software program which teaches many of the more traditional synagogue tunes.
Selecting the right cantor for the job of recording was a challenge. One was finally found with an amazing, but easy-to-follow voice and pronunication. The software let's you hear each word or line of the prayers, as you desire, at your own pace.
Children are often the focus of Hanukah. Jewish parents usually require their children to learn some basic Hebrew, even if their own skills have become rusty. The tutorials above, can be used by inividuals. But how much better, if parents and children learn Hebrew together?
Believe or not, Jews are not the only people learning Hebrew. Many Christians today have a growing interest in the original language of the Bible, and many are learning the basics of Jewish practices to better understand the Bible. It has been said that "all translations are commentary", meaning that any English translation of the Hebrew scriptures cannot help but have ideas of the translator behind it.
Whether you celebrate Chanukah or Christmas, consider giving the "gift of Hebrew". Any of the above tutorials can keep a student busy for months, so they are truly gifts that give all year round. Even if you miss the winter holidays, you can start Hebrew as a New Years resolution, or any time of the year. - 16459
Unfortunately, an amazing number of people studied Hebrew as a child, but over the years, they have let those Hebrew skills fall by the way side. Sometimes, as they become parents or enter their leisure years, the desire to learn Hebrew returns. In big cities, many of them take courses at the Jewish Community center, but in more remote places, many people turn to the computer to become their Hebrew teacher.
Several products from HebrewResources.com help children and adults to learn Hebrew, either for the first time, or to refresh their prior skills. The series of programs typically begins with "At Home with Hebrew", their most beginner level program, that teaches a person how to read and write the Hebrew Alef-Bet (alphabet). After learning basic reading skills, the students go on to learn some basic grammar and vocabulary.
"Hebrew Kindergarten", despite the name, is not just for young children. It's called Kinergarten, because it starts at the very beginning with the basics of nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
For those more interested in learning traditional liturgy and Hebrew prayers, the ideal gift would be "Songs of the Sabbath" (or in Hebrew "Shirei Ha-Shabbat"). This package includes both an audio-CD with modern tunes to the ancient liturgy, and a software program which teaches many of the more traditional synagogue tunes.
Selecting the right cantor for the job of recording was a challenge. One was finally found with an amazing, but easy-to-follow voice and pronunication. The software let's you hear each word or line of the prayers, as you desire, at your own pace.
Children are often the focus of Hanukah. Jewish parents usually require their children to learn some basic Hebrew, even if their own skills have become rusty. The tutorials above, can be used by inividuals. But how much better, if parents and children learn Hebrew together?
Believe or not, Jews are not the only people learning Hebrew. Many Christians today have a growing interest in the original language of the Bible, and many are learning the basics of Jewish practices to better understand the Bible. It has been said that "all translations are commentary", meaning that any English translation of the Hebrew scriptures cannot help but have ideas of the translator behind it.
Whether you celebrate Chanukah or Christmas, consider giving the "gift of Hebrew". Any of the above tutorials can keep a student busy for months, so they are truly gifts that give all year round. Even if you miss the winter holidays, you can start Hebrew as a New Years resolution, or any time of the year. - 16459
