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Discover your best way to study Hebrew
Your History Starts With Alef
How to Start
First of all, you need to choose a direction: are you interested in learning biblical Hebrew to add a whole new layer to your Bible reading experience? Or are you looking for a modern Hebrew course to help you get by in Israel today? The first option will enable you to read and understand the scriptures, the other option gives you the tools to talk to your relatives and spend time at the beach of Tel Aviv mingling with locals.
Speaking Modern Hebrew
Modern Hebrew is more than a language: it’s a community. You can’t separate the language from the people who speak it. You’ll learn the basic rules in class: the alphabet, understanding the structure and the system of writing left to right. At the same time, you’ll see that your efforts to speak Hebrew are really appreciated and trigger more learning.
You’ll realize it is actually more useful than you might have thought. Even just a basic knowledge of the language will ease your way around Israel, allowing you to chat with cab drivers and eavesdrop on typical day-to-day conversations. You'll start noticing that quite a few English words have Hebrew roots.
Understanding the Scriptures
For many centuries, the Holy Bible has been a source of inspiration for people all over the world. Up to this day, it is the most widely distributed book ever. Learning Biblical Hebrew will open up new horizons of meaning every time you read the Bible.
Mastering the ancient language of Abraham, Moses, and David, among others, will let you enter the mindset of biblical characters in a way you have never before experienced. You will be amazed at the unexpected connections you will be able to make and the manner in which familiar biblical passages suddenly get a whole new meaning.
Online, face to face or with an app?
Taking a language course used to involve a classroom, where you would meet your fellow students and teacher at a specific time and location. Modern technology enables us to take a course online. Timewise, it's more efficient, and you’ll save on transportation. No need to carry around the course material; you download it to your PC. Besides, taking a course from the comfort of your own home, practicing new words and phrases out loud, rewatching past lessons at your convenience - does it get any better?
A dedicated course app could definitely help the learning experience, but for an actual online course that requires (virtual) attendance, an app doesn’t seem like the perfect option (yet).
Words That Only Exist in the Hebrew Language
TITCHADESH
תתחדש
The literal translation of titchadesh is “be new”. It is used when someone purchases something new, for example, clothes. By saying titchadesh, you’re telling someone to “enjoy your new thing”.
CHUTZPAH
חוצפה
A word to describe someone who’s audacious, which can be either positive or negative. Today, chutzpah is a common term to say that the boundaries of acceptable behavior have been crossed.
STAM
סתם
The word stam can be used in several ways. Sometimes it means “just because,” in other cases it translates to “no reason”, or it can be interpreted as “just kidding”. It’s mainly used for things or situations that are not very important.
LACHFOR
לחפור
Lachfor means “to dig”, but it is mainly used to describe a person who talks too much and loves to gossip.
NESHAMA
נשמה
A word used similarly to “sweetie” but it literally meaning “soul.” People say “neshama sheli” which means “my soul.” It is used often to both men and women. It is like saying you are so important to me that you are part of my soul.
SOF HADERECH
סוף הדרך
Literally means “end of the road” but used to describe something awesome. Like, “that party was end of the road.”
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2 |
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