We often hear from educators that some parents can feel intimidated if they don’t know the Hebrew letters their children are learning in religious school. Learning to ‘decode’ the Hebrew alphabet can be a key step in becoming more comfortable in synagogue services, and it’s simpler than you might imagine.
We have two easy ways to begin.
The New Reading Hebrew is a set of color-coded lessons that introduce letters and sounds in a simple, structured way that allows you to learn independently yet effectively. Each lesson takes as little as 15 minutes, and uses English words to help you learn. This pioneering self-paced, self-correcting method can help anyone get started on the road to Hebrew literacy in just a few minutes a day. It has an optional matching workbook for additional practice.
If want to be able to actually hear the Hebrew, and prefer a few online activities to add spice to your learning, try Alef Bet Quest, a blended learning tool that teaches decoding through a combination of paper-based and online exercises and games. Developed for children, Alef Bet Quest has proven popular with families as well. Parents who recognize the Hebrew letters can guide their children through the book and the online exercises while getting some additional practice themselves.
Alef Bet Quest features a virtual trip through Israel, so you learn to decode Hebrew from Jewish cultural vocabulary and everyday Hebrew words. It also provides an interactive experience that uses both American and Israeli accents--so you can actually hear how the Hebrew should sound—plus a variety of online games the whole family can play.
Behrman House also has additional practice available right on our website, and a variety of Hebrew-based games that will help anyone sharpen Hebrew skills—painlessly!
So don’t let the odd look of Hebrew keep you on the sidelines this fall. You can take a simple step toward Hebrew literacy right now with the help of Behrman House.
