Hebrew for Chanukah
by Neal Walters. Its Chanukah Time! Have you figured out what youre going to give during each night of Chanukah? Maybe, youre just going to give a gift on the First and Eighth day of the Holiday, but even then, what are you going to give? WellWhy not Hebrew? 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 is not just for kids. Its for anybody who wants to learn more advanced Hebrew grammar; this program assumes you know the basics, but it will make you comfortable reading Hebrew without vowel points and speaking and thinking in the language. Recently, HebrewResources released its newest product “Shirei Ha-Shabbat (Songs of the Sabbath). This set includes a hip audio-CD with professionally sung music accompanied by guitar and band that covers many of the basic prayers. Then, the software program in the package teaches the more traditional synagogue tunes for the same Sabbath prayers. This package is a great way to get a person back into the Hebrew of the Siddur. The cantor chosen for “Songs of the Sabbath” is really amazing. You can click buttons on the computer to hear the parts of the prayers, either word-by-word, or line-by-line, or you can hear the entire song at once. The gift of Hebrew makes the perfect gift for those preparing for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Perhaps you are planning on a trip to Israel in the coming year? Whether youre a beginner or not, these programs will get you ready for your trip. Today, it’s amazing how many Christians are also learning the basics of Hebrew. Many find the Bible coming more alive with a simple knowledge of Hebrew and Jewish practices. Many times, the King James Version or modern translations hide some of the simple truths found there. 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. Free audio/videos at our Learn Hebrew website. Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
