Hebrew for Dummies

by Jill Suzanne Jacobs

The fun and easy way to start speaking Hebrew

One of the most amazing things about Hebrew is that, in less than a century, it has gone from an ancient language of prayer and ritual spoken by a few holy men to a modern language of sunbathing, dining, going to the movies, and countless other everyday activities, spoken by millions. Modern Hebrew is a beautiful language, but for a native English speaker it can be tough wrapping your tongue around exotic expressions like “Ha’im Ayn Oogiyot?” (“What, no cookies?”). As with any language, the quickest way to master Hebrew basics is to immerse yourself in its sounds and rhythms. The next best thing to six months in Haifa, Hebrew For Dummies lets you do just that! Whether you want to communicate with your Israeli cousins, understand Jewish prayers and sacred literature, impress your Jewish in-laws, or you’re planning a trip to Israel, this book/audio package can help. In no time, you’ll: Each chapter of Hebrew For Dummies is organized around a specific set of activities—such as eating, traveling, shopping, and asking directions—and gives you the lowdown on all the Hebrew you’ll need to get by. Topics covered include: The enclosed audio CD let’s you pick up Hebrew the easy way—through actual conversations. It features: The fun, easy way to master basic Hebrew, this book will quickly get you on track with the language skills you need to speak and read Hebrew like a native.

Genres: Language, Reference, Jewish, Judaism

362 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most "for Dummies" books, this was very readable. It's suitable for learning simple phrases in Hebrew and for learning about customs and local country knowledge in Israel. It's a useful reference in that respect. It does not go into much detail on the Hebrew alphabet or being able to read Hebrew. Not a bad book, but you will need much more than that if you were hoping to learn more about the Hebrew language.

[Zechariah Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book should be called "Transliterated Hebrew for Dummies. The people who have said that there's NO Alef Bet in it are wrong, there's a little bit, but they certainly don't teach any Alef Bet grammar or spelling. I could see this being a good book for a Christian planning a trip to Israel as most Jews already know enough transliterated Hebrew to get by.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annoyingly written for a very young audience. Or an audience of Dummies, of course. The biggest problem with this book for me is not being able to visualise the text in the Hebrew alphabet, because everything is transliterated into English letters. Drop a clear star for that, if not two. Then, again, it's a badly-ordered or disorganised grammar, with items lying here, there and everywhere as part of the conversation that is the book. Actually, the book is more of a phrasebook than a grammar.

But I appreciate the informality of it, too. If only they had put the Hebrew letters in...

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found it very helpful :-)

It was an interesting read, comparatively easy to get through, and the cd that goes with it was very useful.
I was hoping for more written Hebrew, but the cd with actual spoken Hebrew (I haven't heard it spoken in months and I miss the sound !!!) was a wonderful compensation!

[James]

This book has more Hebrew letters on the cover than in the whole book. Still I'm hoping that at least the practice dialogues on the CD are of use for me.

[Kezia · Rating 1 out of 5]

No Hebrew text, just transliteration

[Michelle]

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