why learn hebrew

Some Reasons for the Christian include... 1. Hebrew is the only ancient language to have been revived as a modern spoken language. The simple answer is, “To read the Bible!” To the surprise of many people, God did not reveal the Bible in English. It has therefore been aptly said that the Hebrews drink from the spring, the Greeks from the stream that flows from it, and the Latins from a downstream pool. That’s why Rosetta Stone uses a Dynamic Immersion® method and a robust menu of features like Stories that help learners broaden their exposure by reading along with native speakers. Today Hebrew still serves as the language of Judaism, and is also the official language of the state of Israel. To start, podcasts are a handy way to learn Hebrew. The notion that Hebrew belongs only in Israel is mistaken - it belongs in the heart and mind of every Jew. I hope this has encouraged you to consider studying the Hebrew language! Hebrew is spoken by 9 million people worldwide, the majority of these living in Israel where it is an official language alongside Hebrew. The grammar is systematic, built around three-letter roots, and it’s not complicated. 173 views Thousands of students from all over the world learn Hebrew as a second language. Hebrew is the language of the Bible, which is both a religious and cultural foundation of incalculable influence and – especially read in the original language – one of the world’s most dazzling literary achievements. The smallest stroke of the smallest letter of the Hebrew text was important to the Lord Jesus, and, if we esteem the Scriptures as He did, we also will pay attention to the details of the Sacred Writings. Hebrew, the language of the Bible, is also known as the Holy Tongue.For thousands of years, Jews have prayed, studied, written and read in this ancient language. 3:16). HERE ARE SOME “REASONS WHY” YOU SHOULD LEARN HEBREW. Now, research is showing that children who study a foreign language enhance their native language. ), we shall…lose the gospel… (emphasis added, 120) Gary Pratico and Miles Van Pelt highlight Luther’s convictions in Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar . 4) Understand Jewish History & Culture By learning Hebrew, you can get new insight into Jewish history, and you can also have a better understanding of Israel’s culture and its history. The Bible was literally written by mostly Jewish men called by God. But how can we determine what a "jot" or a "tittle" is without having a knowledge of the original Hebrew text? Continue to play and study every day. 2 - Learning Hebrew can boost your child’s abilities in their native language. An online format allows you to study at your own pace whether that's for twenty minutes on your lunch break or thirty minutes in the evening. Verbal competence : By learning the classical forms of the Greek and Hebrew languages, it would be much easier to interact with the concepts and ideas shared in the original texts and manuscripts of the books you love to read (e.g The bible and other books traditionally … 4. Comparative Studies of the Premodern World, Institute for the Study of Muslim Societies and Civilizations. Today, the most known members of this group are perhaps Arabic and Hebrew. Hebrew for Adults 4. Modern Hebrew for Adults. Why Learn Hebrew? Here are some “reasons why” you should learn Hebrew. Simply put, learning Hebrew will also help you understand the world more deeply. I am going to learn Hebrew to embrace my Jewish heritage and to maybe one day visit Israel. Hebrew is the language of the Bible, which is both a religious and cultural foundation of incalculable influence and – especially read in the original language – one of the world’s most dazzling literary achievements. Why Study Middle East and North African Studies? Hebrew for Christians gives us a better understanding of the roots of our faith. If you are interested in research on the Middle East or in working there, a knowledge of Hebrew is invaluable. 2. A common reason to learn it is, of course, if you need it: for example, if you live in Israel or plan on moving there, or even if you live elsewhere but frequently do business with Israel. Rav Shaul (Paul) wrote, “All Scripture is G-d breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training” (2 Tim. The study of Hebrew will enable you to better comprehend Jewish concepts and literature. Therefore, a decision to learn biblical Greek and Biblical Hebrew would be very good exercise for the mind and brain. In the Greek language the genitive case alone has over thirty different grammatical functions, of which translators must choose only one in any given occurrence; English readers frequently have little clue what possibilities the translators rejected. See how we do it. Over time, vowels were added to aid in pronunciation. His Academy of the Hebrew Language continues its work today, with the rights to expand lexical and grammar rules of Hebrew. work within a small language program, with instructors available for personal consultation; prepare for travel or study abroad in Israel; learn about myriad aspects of Jewish culture and history; gain skills relevant to concentrations in Religion or Jewish Studies; obtain jobs teaching Hebrew school at Boston area synagogues; achieve fluency in a language that is important to you — and not only for academic reasons. Studying Hebrew will help you appreciate the Jewish roots of Christianity and make you a sensitive witness to God's Chosen people. This language group has been around for a very long time and features written recordings from the 29th century BC. 5:18, Luke 4:16-20, Acts 26:14). Yes, there are caveats. It’s practically a two for one deal. It was not until after several years of serious Hebrew study that I finally figured out that Hebrew grammar was my friend. Many people choose courses to learn Hebrew online and understand its basics when traveling to Israel. The Holy LanguageHebrew is the original language of the Bible. Why learn Hebrew? Hebrew is the main language of the Hebrew Scriptures. Children who learn Hebrew in Israel are taught to know the meaning of words based on memory. Hebrew for Christians gives us a better understanding of the roots of our faith. It is my earnest contention that you simply cannot readily understand the meaning of the New Testament authors without understanding of the Hebraic mindset that hermeneutically underlies their message. The Bible was literally written by mostly Jewish men called by God. 5:18). Whether you’re a beginner starting with the basics or looking to practice your reading, writing, and speaking, Duolingo … Or if your spouse/significant other speaks Hebrew. by Richard Peterson Learn Hebrew and you will be healed!” So said Eliezer Ben-Yehuda at the end of the 19th century. Listening comprehension is often a challenge for language learners, which is why I recommend getting lots of listening practice. Hebrew is one of the many languages, including Arabic and Syriac, which reads from right to left. If I were younger I would want to learn this language, because no one can really understand the Scriptures without it. Hebrew for ChristiansCopyright © John J. ParsonsAll rights reserved. It's my hope that this site will help you to both read and write basic Hebrew words and sentences, and thereby become aware of the "jots" and "tittles" that "shall in no way shall pass until all is fulfilled". Rav Shaul (Paul) wrote, “All Scripture is G-d breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training.” (2 Tim. Yehoshua and many others have explored the joys and difficulties of modern Jewish existence, the birth of Israel, the Holocaust, Middle East conflicts, and more. The Lord Jesus Knew HebrewJesus both spoke and read Hebrew (see Matt. The United States has the second-largest Hebrew speaking population, and Hebrew is spoken throughout the world. It's my hope that this site will help you to both read and write basic Hebrew words and sentences, and thereby become aware of the "jots" and "tittles" that "shall in no way shall pass until all is fulfilled" (Matt. Tomorrow Hebrew is set to enter beta. Bible StudyThe study of Hebrew, and especially obtaining a sense of fluency in the underlying Hebraic / Jewish mindset that informs Scripture, will make you a better student of the Bible. Why Learn Hebrew? (2 Tim 2:15). Lean More Hebrew is a Semitic language, and in languages from this family words are constructed around three or four -letter roots. Listening comprehension is often a challenge for language learners, which is why I recommend getting lots of listening practice. Tags: Michael Berg Judaism. Jews have been praying the same blessings, chanting the same Scriptures, and studying the same texts for literally thousands of years. It used to be said that children would get confused by learning a second language. The writer gives several good reasons for learning Hebrew, but it is the last one that counts. I know I used to think so! ", Acts 21:40, 22:2; John 5:2; Luke 23:28; Acts 15:13-21. 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston MA 02215 Cactus runs group Hebrew courses in London. Hebrew for Adults 3. But having a structure that’s too rigid can result in … But where do you find good quality audio lessons in Hebrew? The Language of Modern IsraelHebrew is the only ancient language to have been revived as a modern spoken language. To learn to speak Hebrew better, stop learning it. A common reason to learn it is, of course, if you need it: for example, if you live in Israel or plan on moving there, or even if you live elsewhere but frequently do business with Israel. So, I’ve finally got around to putting it together. But because the Bible is a decidedly Jewish book, and the authors of both testaments were all Jews familiar with the Hebrew language and Jewish thought, learning biblical Hebrew will also give you new insight into the meaning of New Testament writings. Learning Hebrew gives you the ability to understand the Scriptures in a more meaningful way, get to know Yehovah and His Character better, and learn more about the land and people of Israel. Work on your grammar. Spoken in ancient times in Palestine, Hebrew was supplanted by the western dialect of Aramaic beginning about the 3rd century BC. For although the New Testament is written in Greek, it is full of Hebraisms and Hebrew expressions. Fun, effective, and 100% free. Exploring the Land of the Hebrew Bible. The benefits of studying Hebrew online are immense. To learn Hebrew, you'll need to learn all of the sounds and symbols of the alphabet. The Jewish Agency started the first Ulpan in 1949 as a method to rapidly teach Hebrew to the hundreds of thousands of new immigrants we helped settle in the newly founded State of Israel. The Bible (both the Old and New Testaments) is a decidedly Jewish book, and the authors of the pages of Holy Scripture were all Jews who were familiar with the Hebrew language and Jewish thinking. July 12, 2016 June 24, 2016 by Seth. You will begin to delight in your shared destiny as a child of Abraham by faith, enjoying the covenantal blessings given to the patriarchs. "Jots" and "Tittles"The Lord Jesus told his disciples that not one "jot" or "tittle" will pass away from the Law until all is fulfilled (see Matt. Interview with Michelle Philp from Lionel Windsor on Vimeo.. 7. As you continue to diligently practice your Hebrew skills, in a short time … Bite-sized Hebrew lessons. Learning Hebrew is like training yourself in pattern recognition. Why speak Hebrew while traveling? Why study the original biblical languages? Deepen your understanding of Judaism, whether or not it is your own tradition. Michael Berg.jpg. Why Study Hebrew? Learning Modern Hebrew is the simplest way into the Bible. If I were younger I would want to learn this language, because no one can really understand the Scriptures without it. Hebrew today is a first language to 5-… Below are seven important things to know about this storied language. The Hebrew alphabet is only a small hurdle. Go to Ulpan.Ulpan is Hebrew for “The best way to learn Hebrew”. Learning on a course or at university is great. According to tradition, the 22 letters of the Hebrew Alphabet hold the secrets to the creation and the key to G‑d ’s wisdom. It has therefore been aptly said that the Hebrews drink from the spring, the Greeks from the stream that flows from it, and the Latins from a downstream pool." 1. Is learning a new language your passion? Why learn the Hebrew alphabet? The Language of the SynagogueAt the time of Jesus, the Torah was regularly read at the synagogues (Acts 15:21). Hebrew for Children 1. Pick up a dictionary or phrasebook (almost all come with the niqqudot so you can pronounce each word), write down basic words and expressions, and try reading it without the vowels. Yehuda Amichai, Amos Oz, A.B. The question presumes that they should learn Hebrew, a decision I feel should be left to the individuals themselves. So, while we wait let’s talk about why we want to learn Hebrew. 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