Hebrew By The Book

[zionlion]

Can anyone recommend a good book for learning Hebrew?
I think I would do better the old-fashioned way rather than trying to do it online.

[Mark]

First, I tend to be discouraging of people taking Hebrew classes a the method of learning biblical Hebrew. The reason is because tend to simply replace their Western terminology with Hebrew sounds but retain the Western understanding of what they are saying- for instance, "shalom" means "peace"; but if that simply means the absence of violence, as the English word implies, then you really don't understand Hebrew. There is a depth to the language that has to be developed and nurtured through experience and exposure that doesn't come with filling out a workbook, taking a class, or watching a video. The best way to learn Hebrew is to to be immersed in it by involvement with a local congregation that uses the language in worship and study, listening to music that includes Hebrew and participating with others using the language. Study-guides and lesson plans are a good tool; but they will not give you a solid appreciation for the language.

That being said, I would recommend visiting here:

www.1shalom.com/store.htm

not because I have used this material but because I have an appreciation for David Taylor and the work that he does. I trust that he will only offer what he thinks is a good value.

[zionlion]

Thanks Mark.