Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Language Studies    3. Bible.    4. Bible. O.T.    5. Dictionaries    6. English    7. Hebrew    8. Hebrew language    9. O.T    10. O.T.    11. Religion - Biblical Studies - Language    12. Christianity   

Reviews (2)

Very user friendly
I first studied biblical Hebrew in college forty years ago.Hebrew is so very different from Western European languages that it was hard for me to wrap my mind around it.Dobson's book aims at making the study of Hebrew fun and at giving the student success each step of the way.He aims to get the student reading worthwhile sentences and many of them as soon as possible.It is still the learning of a language, so it is not a "for dummies" project.But, Dobson presents the most frequent verb forms first and gets those drilled into the student's mind so they become very familiar.He does this rather than the approach used by Weingreen in my college class in which the student memorizes all forms in a paradigm and then later tries to pull some meaning out of the paradigms in the experience of translating.I especially like the audio CD.It allows the student to engage hearing as well as seeing in fixing a lesson in the mind.Dobson attempts to use current understanding of how one learns in order to make the material familiar territory for the student.I think I might not have let my Hebrew lapse over the decades had I learned with an approach like Dobson's the first time.
Great book.
Mr. Dobson teaches in a way that is both very informative, and often humorous. By the completion of this book, I had translated the book of Jonah, as well as passages from nearly every book in the Old Testament. I would highly recommend this book to someone who wants to learn Biblical Hebrew, even if you (as I did) already have some knowledge of the language. This is truly a profound book. I learned much more than I expected to learn when I bought this book. My only complaint, is that the meanings listed for words are in (abstract) english, such as the Hebrew word "chai" which Mr. Dobson says means "life" which it does, but the word actually means "stomach" and was a Hebrew sign of life. Though you would rarely even consider translating the word as "stomach" it is nice to know the ancient meanings behind the Hebrew your reading... still, a very good book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Language Studies    2. Bible.    3. Grammar    4. Hebrew    5. Hebrew language    6. Language, style    7. O.T.    8. Religion    9. Religion - Biblical Studies - Language    10. Biblical Languages: Hebrew    11. Religion / Bible / Language Studies   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (13)

too little of a great thing
Shame on you, Pimsleur, for making us wait more than five years for the successor to this unparalleled introduction to Modern Hebrew.
Excellent!
I'd been studying Hebrew with a tutor and making little progress for a year before I bought this product -- my job keeps me too busy to devote the necessary time to learning a new language.A month ago I found Pimsleur's Hebrew I on sale on... a different site (WHY are these CDs so expensive???).Well, I don't know what learning Hebrew just from Pimsleur would be like, but the CDs have brought me to a whole new level.The first eight lessons or so were, admittedly, review, but my Hebrew really took off after that.Maybe the audio piece was what was missing from my language acquisition puzzle.My tutor's impressed and I can't wait to buy Level II!
Hebrew II Due in 12/2006
There's nothing more to add to the glowing reviews on this website, except that many complain that there is no Hebrew II or III. Well, Hebrew II is due out in December 2006, so its non-existence shouldn't stop anyone from getting Hebrew I.
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Subjects:  1. Audio - Language    2. Audio Adult: Language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Hebrew    5. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    6. Foreign Language Study / Hebrew   

Reviews (2)

Is it best or second best?
This is one of the two big (about 1000 cards/words) sets of pre-made Biblical Hebrew flash cards readily available for purchaseon Amazon.Recently I reviewed the other set,the Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary Cards by Dillard, which sell on Amazon for$12.95.The Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary Cards by Van Pelt and Pratico (part of the Zondervan product line) sell for $17.95, a bit more.As I noted in my review of the Dillard set,if I were still a starving college student, the five dollar difference alone might have inclined me toward Dillard.Now that I've got a real job in the real world, I sprung for BOTH of them. I have been using both of them in my personal study of Hebrew and I like them both, though each is a little different from the other with different strengths.
Great set of vocabulary cards
I just saw them at a store the other day, these are great - thick cards, nice black uniform print, standard size, keyed to 3 most popular grammars, and also arranged by order of frequency. I am getting Van Pelts cards ASAP, and will write a review once I use them for a few days.Amazon carries another set of Hebrew vocabulary cards by Raymond Dillard - those are plain awful, see my review. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Language Studies    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Hebrew    5. Religion    6. Religion - Biblical Studies - Language    7. BIBLICAL STUDIES LANGUAGE TOOLS GENERAL    8. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (11)

Nothing can compare
I used this course with the tape set and have never had a language course easier than this, or evening coming close.One helpful approach they use is to write english-pronounced sentences with hebrew letters because you know what the words sound like therefore learn the hebrew sounds for the letters.
excellent for beginner
I purchased this as a recent convert to Judaism with no previous knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet.I actually ended up taking a short course at our synagogue that used this book, but did use the CD on my own also.With the exception of one or two points I needed clarified, the CD and book were as good as going to class (only without the drive!).Presents things very clearly, in a good order and pace.I feel comfortable reading (obviously, not understanding) basic prayerbook hebrew after going through this set.Highly recommend for beginners.

It is a mitzvah!
I am teaching myself Hebrew and was looking for a few good books to help with this goal. Well, the reviews for this book were positive so, I ordered it.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    2. Hebrew   

Reviews (8)

Great book if you need to learn Hebrew quickly
I don't know how much I would have liked this book if I was learning Hebrew from afar, but a few years ago, I found out on two week's notice that I was going to Israel for six months.I had to get a workable knowledge of Hebrew in a short period of time.I carried the pocket pal card and the grocery card everywhere, and the flash cards were great.I like the style of the workbook - it is fun and entertaining.You definitely need the discipline to repeat things to learn much, though, as with any language learning.I clearly don't know Hebrew well enough to know about inaccuracies, but it was great for me, teaching me the basics very quickly.

For best results use in conjunction with Pimsluer tapes
The book is very good, it makes the learning process fun, the stickers and flashcards are great, too! Also constantly writing the words allows you to learn the spellings better than you would with other language learning tools. I am new to learning hebrew and I found this book quite helpful. Although I must agree some of the words are transliterated incorrectly (how do i know? I spent a few months in Israel). Anyways what was most effective to me was using this book as a suppliment to the Pimsluer languge learning tapes. Since the tapes usually come with no text supliment but generally cover the same material as this book, the two compliment eachother quite nicely. Using the tapes will also overcome the transliteration problems since you will HEAR the words being spoken (it will also help you nail down the accent). Also the book will help you understand what they are saying on the tapes more correctly (sometimes the speaker doesn't say the words as clear as you would like.)
Always a Variance
I have been a student of Biblical Hebrew for over 3 years.But I've also investigated modern pronunciation.Interestingly, one will not find any consistency (I've found about half a dozen modern variations, both for consonants and for vowels, a total of about 12 pronunciation systems).A living language by definition means constant change and dialects existing side by side.Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. English    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Foreign Language Study    5. Hebrew    6. Hebrew language    7. Language    8. Self-instruction    9. Travel / Middle East / Israel    10. Jewish studies    11. Language & Linguistics    12. Middle East - Israel    13. Travel   

Reviews (19)

Easy to understand
This book is written in such a way that it is easy to understand and learn the Hebrew alphabet. The page layout of the book is very conducive for a beginner to be able to study a foreign language. Ideal for a first book of the Alef, Bet.

An Excellent Tool for Opening the Door to Hebrew
This book was designed as a tool to teach adults how to read and pronounce the Hebrew Alef-Bet (Alphabet) for the purpose of reading and understanding traditional prayers and blessings.I found this to be a useful guide in learning the letters of the Hebrew alphabet along with their appropriate pronounciations.
Great Way to Begin Learning Hebrew
This little book is a fantastic way to begin your Hebrew education.When I started it, I couldn't read, pronouce, or write one syllable of Hebrew.I'd sat through many awkward services in my life, reading the English translation of what everyone else seemed to understand.Now, after going through this book twice in one week, I can read and pronounce Hebrew at a glance, and I'm beginning to write and read written Hebrew script.It's incredible.If you want to learn Hebrew, before you begin any other series, get your letters down first.This book is totally worth buying. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Hebrew    4. Hebrew language    5. Judaism - Sacred Writings    6. Language    7. Study and teaching   

Reviews (1)

Very Good... but...
The book is overall very good quality inside and out. It self-proclaims that it is MORE "accurate, up-to-date, complete numbering system, and user-friendly" than Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary. My review is mixed, even though overall I do like the book.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Reference - Dictionaries & Encyclopedias    2. Bible - Reference - General    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Dictionaries    6. Dictionaries - General    7. English    8. Greek language, Biblical    9. Hebrew language    10. New Testament    11. Old Testament    12. Reference    13. Religion    14. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    15. Christian Interest    16. Reference works    17. Religion / Christian Life    18. The Bible   

Reviews (12)

a very solid grammar
I'm still looking for the perfect Hebrew (and Greek) grammar, but this one is pretty good.It is a painless way to learn Hebrew because it only introduces a few paradigms and vocabulary words at a time, and then gives you lots of exercises to drill the material.The exercises are made up and therefore very easy, and Weingreen allows you to read a lot of Hebrew at a time, even though it is "baby Hebrew." Towards the end of the book this becomes somewhat irritating, as you sort of wish you could read more real Hebrew, but again at least you do get lots of review.To learn biblical languages, you NEED to use several grammars, and this one workswell in conjuction with Seow's, which has nothing but exercises from the actual Hebrew Bible.(But be sure to get his first edition, only, because the revised edition does not have a Hebrew to English glossary.)
Good book to learn Hebrew for Torah study.
We have used many books over the years in our Hebrew for Torah group. We don't use this to teach the letters, but when people can read the Torah in Hebrew, althou the pronouciation is Ancient and we use Synagogue pronouciation it is still the best to teach with and get to grips with the grammer.

Very good start
I love this book and have had a good amount of success with it.I think that if you already have a little experience learning languages and are dedicated enough to study with this book every day, Weingreen will give you a solid foundation in Biblical Hebrew.It might seem at first that the lessons are short, but every comment the author makes on each topic is meaningful... there is no filler in this book.I am halfway through the book, and work all the lessons after studying each topic.It would be nice to have answers for the lessons, but they are not included, so it is necessary to have someone knowledgeable who can answer any questions you have and maybe check your work.If you are the kind of person who likes to learn quickly and doesn't need a lot of hand-holding as far as linguistic terms, this book would be good for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Language Studies    2. Grammar    3. Hebrew    4. Hebrew language    5. Religion - Biblical Studies - Language    6. Foreign Language Study / Hebrew    7. Grammar & vocabulary    8. Reference | Language Learning & Instruction | Other   

Reviews (9)

shockingly full of ghastly errors
It's a good thing she doesn't use Hebrew writing. On the inside cover, she does for the shehecheyanu prayer, and makes six writing errors in it. She mispronounces often, and makes errors in meaning and word form (mistaking verbs for nouns, etc.). I've spent only a few minutes looking at the book, but found stunningly many and ghastly errors, in addition to very poor translations. Can you imagine, if you know Hebrew, accenting the word "koach" (strength) at the end, instead of the "ko" part. I could add a long list of such items, in spite of the fact that I've only looked at it for a few minutes.
definitely not for me
I am sending mine back.I want to learn authentic Hebrew with the authentic Hebrew alphabet. It doesn't use Hebrew lettering, but rather uses English lettering with phonetic spellings. I suppose that will work if all you want to do is speakHebrew, but if you were to travel to Israel, you still wouldn't be able to read any of the signs, menus, etc.... The positive thing I have to say is, as with all of the "Dummies" series of books, I like the layout, very easy to read and follow.

Great book and CD
If you never learned Hebrew and are looking for a way to quickly learn some words and phrases before a trip to the Holy Land, this is the book/CD for you.Yes, although the description doesn't focus on this, an audio CD is included.I've reviewed several books and listened to several audio programs in an effort to learn Hebrew for my trips, and the most important thing I've learned is (parents take note!) that we must be exposed to foreign languages while we're young.No book or CD can make you fluent quickly, but you will learn enough Hebrew from this book/CD in a few hours over a few weeks to teach the words you need for simple retail transactions, and, more importantly, to demonstrate your willingness to try speaking Hebrew.The Israelis you meet will probably have more fluency in English than you do in Hebrew, but a few Hebrew phrases will go a long way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Language    2. English    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Foreign Language Study    5. Hebrew    6. Hebrew Language    7. Multi-Language Dictionaries    8. Programmed instruction    9. Self-instruction    10. Textbooks for foreign speakers    11. Foreign Language Study / Polyglot Dictionaries    12. Language self-study & phrasebooks   

Reviews (12)

A nice book....
It's a nice book for beginner to learn Hebrew.The grammer and the structure are easy. The exercise of each lesson is quite helpful.The disadvantage is that you have to take a long time to finish it...
Great quality.
The book I receved was in great shape. Took a little long, but nothing to complian about. Overall great transaction.

A Jewish perspective on this excellent book.
I haven't seen any reviews of this book explicitly from a Jewish point of view, so this is just a short perspective - the other reviews are all well-written and describe the quality of the book well. There are, however, two minor points that the Jewish student should be aware of.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Language Studies    2. Grammar    3. Hebrew Language    4. Language    5. Religion - Biblical Studies - Language    6. Grammar & vocabulary    7. Hebrew   

Reviews (23)

Unique Hebrew reference
I find this unique Hebrew reference book quite useful for Hebrew/English translation.Knowing the three-letter Hebrew verb root allows quick translation plus provides a full aray of associated verb forms.It is a great learning tool.

indispensable tool for navigating through Hebrew verbs: not for beginners
Put simply, this is the book you need to master the Hebrew verbs.
best
This is the best work on this subject I found until now. I am very pleased with it and I recommend it to those who intend to learn or improve their hebrew grammar knowledge. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    2. Hebrew    3. Language    4. Foreign Language Study / Hebrew    5. Language & Linguistics    6. Language self-study & phrasebooks    7. Oceanic & Polynesian languages   

Reviews (3)

Helpful in the naming game
The best thing about this book was something that I saw in no other book.One of the ways we were looking at to name our child was to find words (or the meaning of the names for those we were naming for) and finding the hebrew word that meant that.This is the only book with a dictionary in the back of words (i.e., if you look up song, you will find Shira, if you look up Strong, you will find Ethan).So it was helpful when we were looking at naming in that way.There are so many names in here, it is great - not all of them are Jewish, per se, but all names seem to be in the book.It was extremely helpful in naming our child!

dislikes of internet sells
I wanted to take a quick look over the internet but the people who programed this site will not let you scan the book for one second. It is sad that you would have to by the book just to look for one sorry thing. And I am ashamed at the situation.And at the creaters of this site for not giving anyone the chance to look before they buy.

A complete Jewish-American name book.
I found this book to be the best, most complete book of names for an English-speaking parent-to-beof Jewish heritage.Everything is included: English/Anglo-Saxon/American (even some Spanish and French), and of course, Yiddish, Biblical/Talmudic, and Israeli names. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby Names    2. English    3. English language    4. Etymology    5. Hebrew Language    6. Jewish    7. Judaism - General    8. Names    9. Names, Personal    10. Reference    11. Religion - Judaism   

Reviews (3)

Excellent Book for Adults Learning Hebrew
I found this book to be very clear, with useful exercises in reading and writing Hebrew.The letters are not taught in alphabetic order, but rather in logical groupings that are often used together in words.The vowels are added one or two at a time, and though I felt challenged, I was not overwhelmed.I found it fun, and even reading right to left seemed natural as I became familiar with how the consonants and vowels related to each other. An excellent introduction to the Hebrew alphabet
I liked this primer much better than 'Learn Hebrew Tody, Alef-Bet for Adults'.It offered better exercises, clearer pronunciation guides and more in-depth grammatical explanations.An excellent first choice for the adult beginner.

Hebrew Alphabet Made Easy
Most grammars give the alphabet a chapter or two and expect the student to swallow it whole - Rabbi Motzkin takes the Hebrew alphabet and teaches it in digestible bites.The alphabet is taught in its natural context -Jewish worship and beliefs, a few letters at a time and with plenty ofbackground material to cement the letters and sounds into the student'smind.Writing is taught along with the letters.Read more

Subjects:  1. English    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Hebrew    5. Hebrew Language    6. Jewish Theology    7. Jewish religious education    8. Judaism - General    9. Language    10. Textbooks for adults    11. Textbooks for foreign speakers   

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    2. Concordances    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Hebrew    5. Hebrew Language    6. Inscriptions, Hebrew    7. Palestine    8. Religion    9. Inscriptions, Hebrew--Palestine    10. Palaeography (history of writing)    11. Religion / Bible / Criticism, Interpretation / General   

Subjects:  1. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    2. Hebrew    3. Biblical Hebrew   

Reviews (4)

Fear-free!
As a child, I tried to learn and it didn't stay with me. What did stay was a fear that understanding prayerbook Hebrew was something I couldn't do. Well, judging by the excellent reviews, I bought this book. And lesson one made me sigh with relief. I *can* learn this! Book is good; tapes could be better
I bought both the book and the accompanying tapes. Very Easy-to-Learn Hebrew Manual
This book does not require any complicated grammatical prerequisites.You don't have to have headache to cram up the declension and the conjugation of the nouns and verbs.If you just follow the lessons, you will soon beaccustomed to the practical Hebrew liturgy.This is a well designed excellent manual for learning Hebrew for the beginners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibles - Hebrew    2. General    3. Grammar    4. Hebrew    5. Hebrew language    6. Judaism - General    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions   

Reviews (9)

Working for me on Windows 2000 Pro after downloading fixed font
I also couldn't get the program to work (like Tom above) until I found this website http://www.kathrynwestbrook.co.uk/hebrew.html where you can download a fixed heb_tran.ttf font which will install.After that the program worked fine for me and I like it a lot.I am using windows 2000 pro.

Very good beginning Hebrew!
This program was my introduction to the Hebrew language.I think it's an excellent way to start. The sound + visual is a very effective way to teach.
Good ideas but out of date
I installed and used this program under Windows 98SE with success. The tutorials are helpful and reasonably paced. It helps a great deal in providing basic drill-and-practice. For those who don't have a teacher, it is also helpful in learning a consistent system of pronounciation. Be warned, however, that there are multiple systems of pronounciation "out there," and the program doesn't give you the option to choose between them.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Language Studies    2. Hebrew    3. Software - Bibles / Religion - CDROM / PC   

Reviews (15)

From someone who has used this book a lot.
There are two basic approaches to language study.Deductive and Inductive.Most, like this one are deductive, and for ancient languages that has the additional implication of meaning no speaking or auditory learning.
Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar
Received the book which my son is using for his Hebrew class. I'm really impressed with the layout of the book and how the authors make difficult areas of the language more understandable.

Unique Book for Any Beginner in Hebrew
I remember fifteen years ago I bought a Spanish Edition Hebrew Grammar.I thought I would learn throught this book Hebrew in a proper and systematic way, but to my dismay it didn't work, I just put down the book.I got lost in petty details of the "cabalah", and with "Hebrew verb paradigms" I didn't know what to make of them.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Language Studies    3. Bible.    4. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    5. Grammar    6. Hebrew    7. Hebrew language    8. Language, style    9. O.T    10. O.T.    11. Religion    12. Christian Interest    13. Grammar, syntax, linguistic structure    14. Religion / Bible / Language Studies    15. The Bible   

Reviews (22)

A motivating book with authentic material
To be honest I used this book several years ago in university, and I didn't bring it to my current place of residence so I'm reviewing it strictly from memory. More than anything I remember being excited to open this book because at every point in the book you are learning authentic Hebrew passages that appear in the Bible. As many reviewers have pointed out, it uses an inductive method of only introducing grammar that arises in the passage currently being studied, and introduces the most commonly recurring structures first. I clearly remember the moment that we completed studying chapter 1 in class, my professor said "Congratulations. You can now read 4% of the entire Hebrew Bible." If I remember correctly, chapter 1 teaches only 2 words: "vayomer adonai" ("And the Lord said"). I was suitably impressed!
A smart way to learn Hebrew
This is a large book with a sturdy cover, very pleasant to handle. The font is clear, the text well ventilated. an excellent text for learning
Being primarily a self-taught student, I really liked this grammar.It has a few drawbacks that would apply to other independent learners like me (unfortunately it seems there is no escaping this no matter where you turn).But on the whole it measures up to the highest standards, and somehow even possesses a kind of gracefulness, which is a strange thing to say about a grammar.I imagine the author as a charming and extremely intelligent and gifted teacher, if her book has anything to say about her.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Language Studies    3. Grammar    4. Hebrew Language    5. Readers    6. Religion - Biblical Studies - Language    7. Textbooks    8. Hebrew    9. Language self-study & phrasebooks    10. Religion / Bible / Language Studies