Aleph Isn't Tough: An Introduction to Hebrew for Adults, Book 1

by Linda Motzkin

Book Overview

This is the first step in a program of Hebrew learning for adults with no knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet. It is designed for English-speaking adults who primarily encounter the Hebrew language through Jewish religious life--the prayers and Torah readings in the synagogue, the blessings and rituals of Jewish home observances, and words or phrases arising out of a Jewish cultural context. Adult students who utilize this text will be able to...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807407267
• ISBN13: 9780807407264
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Behrman House Publishing
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.3" x 10.7"

Customer Reviews

Great workbook for Hebrew class

After much research we chose "Aleph Isn't Tough" to teach a Hebrew class to a community group made up of mostly non-jews. The students found this workbook to be very user friendly and a good introduction to judaism. At the end of "Aleph Isn't Tough", most of our students were clamouring to go on to "Aleph Isn't Enough" and we will be starting that class shortly.I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of teaching a Hebrew class or anyone wishing to learn to READ Hebrew on their own. Note: This workbook is not designed to teach people to speak Hebrew, you will need an audio program for that.

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. Besides teaching the sounds of the letters, there are sections on Hebrew word roots, which I found immensely helpful in understanding some of the thinking and spirit in the language. I felt as if I'd been given a key into a whole new way of thinking. For example, there are names of G-d that relate to certain root words in ways that are surprising and wonderful, and there are foods we eat on High Holidays because they are a "pun" on another word that is a spiritual quality we ask for in the new year. The extra dimension this book adds beyond mere pronunciation is its real gift.I recommend this book to adults with an interest in exploring Hebrew. After just a month, I was able to read (slowly) from the prayer book, and find myself asking questions that I would not have thought of had I only known the English translation.

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 of background material to cement the letters and sounds into the student's mind. Writing is taught along with the letters.Directed specifically those who want to learn Hebrew in worship, this work is invaluable to anyone - Christian or Jewish - who wants to study the Bible in its original text.The second book is due to come out in 2001 - Watch for it!

Adults Can Learn Hebrew

Linda Motzkin's book _Aleph Isn't Tough_ certainly makes it possible for beginning adult students to master the basics of the Hebrew alphabet. I had tried other books before choosing this one, and it rates above them. Each chapter presents information that builds upon previous chapters. Explanations of Hebrew roots, key quotes from the Bible, and excerpts from prayers engage the reader and introduce him/her to elements key to following a service. Motzkin's explanations of the vowels and consonants and various exceptions to rules were clear, and the book is well organized, too. After completing the ten lessons, I can follow along in services. If that is your goal, too, then this is the book for you. I eagerly await the book's sequel, _Aleph Isn't Enough_.