A 30-Week Hebrew Course Providing Understanding of Biblical Hebrew

The purpose of this class is to make reading and understanding Biblical (Classical) Hebrew a skill accessible to all.  This primer not only provides a thorough walkthrough of basic Hebrew grammatical concepts and vocabulary, but also aides the student in perfecting each chapter with maximum retention through easy to follow lessons.  Each student will gain the necessary tools to become confident in reading and more successfully translating Hebrew. This class is designed for the beginner to the intermediate student. All beginning students will be required to use the text Teach Yourself to Read Hebrew by EKS Publishing prior to the start of the class. This will assist the beginner in memorization of the Hebrew alephbet and obtaining basic reading skills, while minimizing the acclimation period due to learning a new character set. Beginners may check this out of our synagogue library as there will be copies reserved for your use. Beginners' classes will start 2 weeks prior to the main class.

Classes will be held at the Beit HaShofar Beit Midrash on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm - 9pm and are open to ALL serious students, regardless of affiliation. For our convenience, registration and payments are organized and accepted centrally through the office ONLY and not on Shabbat.

This class runs for 30 weeks with breaks for the holidays (32 weeks for beginners). There will be one text used (with its accompanying answer key) along with supplemental materials.  These will be ordered for you upon receipt of payment.

By studying Biblical Hebrew, you will not only learn valuable vocabulary that will help with Torah study, but useful siddur vocabulary as well.  You will also be able to connect with Hebrew in a more personal way. With as little as 30 minutes per day, each student will attain greater proficiency in reading and comprehension of Hebrew.  To be within a synagogue without a basic understanding of Hebrew can be likened to a Jewish bakery without challah!  Make this the year that YOU commit yourself to Hebrew language learning and increase your literacy of the holy tongue.

Cost of the Program: The registration fee is $72 for adults, $60 for students and seniors (60 and older). If you already own the book The First Hebrew Primer, the fee for the class is $40.  This will cover all materials, texts and handouts given in class. All books and resources will be ordered for you. Registrations will not be accepted after October 20th, 2009 unless special arrangements are made. Payment is expected no later than November 17^th.  You will be expected to pay once texts are ordered.

Send your check and registration form for the 5770 class to:

Beit HaShofar
13001 37^th Avenue South
Tukwila, WA 98168
Attn:  Hebrew Class

Texts Being Used:

1) The First Hebrew Primer - The Easy Way by EKS Publishing

2) Teach Yourself to Read Hebrew by EKS Publishing

3) Answer Book: The First Hebrew Primer by EKS Publishing

Class Calendar:

All classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm - 9pm.

Class schedule will vary based on entrance level:

Beginners:

October 29       Beginners (learning alephbet, learning vowels and how to read - first 3 chapters)

November 5

Beginners, Advanced Beginners and Intermediate:

Main classes start on November 12^th , 2009

November: 12, 19

December: 3, 10, 31

January: all Thursday evenings

February: all Thursday evenings

March: 11, 18, 25

April: 8, 15, 22, 29

May: 6, 13

June: 3, 10, 17, 24 (last class)

Note:  Missing 3 or more classes will result in being dropped from the roster.  Each class is very important to attend.  Missing classes frequently causes a decrease in class functionality as well as a decline in the student's ability to comprehend the material.  Do your part and reduce frustration...come to class.

Click for REGISTRATION FORM

Tuition must be received by Nov. 17th 2009