This webpage contains information about the beginner's Biblical Hebrew class on Shabbat afternoons at Ahavas Achim. The class is free and open to both men and women. It is intended for people who are already familiar with the Hebrew alphabet (or who can already comfortably "decode" Hebrew) but want to understand what they read. The class will be conducted in a comfortable, non-threatening environment.

Textbook

Although, the classes themselves are free, each participant will have to purchase his or her own textbook (there will be photocopies available the first few classes).  The text is First Hebrew Primer (EKS Publishing, 0939144158 ), currently $25.73 on Amazon.com. It is hands-down the most widely used text in adult Jewish education, and is written expressly for the "adult" learner (i.e., someone who may have limited time to devote to Hebrew and who may not have studied in years). By the end of the course the student is able to read (and understand!) Megillat Ruth and other simple narratives from Tanakh! It can be purchased from Amazon.com here, or from the publisher's website here.

 Here is a link to the publsher's sample which includes nearly all of Chapter 7!

Optional Ancillaries from the Publisher

In addition to the textbook, the publisher also makes flashcards keyed to the textbook and a CD audio recording of all of the vocabulary lists and readings (ostensibly in "Sephardi" pronunciation ... but it's really Americani!). These may be helpful but I am not necessarily advocating that you purchase them (you could, of course, make your own flashcards for less than a dollar!).  There is also an answer key to the book which I failed to post here originally.

Biblical Hebrew Flashcards (Vis-Ed)

Here's a link to the Vis-Ed Flashcards I mentioned. I believe these may have more long-term value than the EKS ones mentioned above (though if you're having trouble with the FHP vocabulary, the EKS ones might be better). 

Electronic Flashcards (Free, Online!)

Here's a link to online flashcards that I found -- believe it or not! -- keyed to First Hebrew Primer!  Just click on a chapter you want practice, then scroll down and click on "Study" to get to the flashcards (or "Play Memory" if you're so inclined ... but I hope not!). 

Other Online Resources

You may also consider signing up for the Yahoo SelfStudyHebrew list that I created several years ago and has over 800 members. Almost any Hebrew-related question -- from the most basic to the most arcane -- can usually be answered by one of the members.  There are also lots of great resources in the "Links" section.

Occasional Participation Welcome

Anyone is welcome to join at any time and occasional participation is most welcome! You do not need to "sign up" -- just come to AA after Mincha on Shabbat!

AA Shabbat Mincha Times

The class will take place in the rear of the Beit Knesset immediately after Mincha. Below are the times for Minacha (subject to change -- check the AA announcements for up-to-date times); the class will begin aproximately a half hour after the times listed.  

Jan 12		4:20
Jan 19		4:30
Jan 26		4:40
Feb 2		4:50
Feb 9		5:00
Feb 16		5:05
Feb 23		5:15
Mar 1		5:25
Mar 8		5:30
Mar 15		6:40
Mar 22		6:45
Mar 29		6:55
Apr 5		7:00

Questions

Please email Berel Beyer with any questions at berelbeyer@gmail.com.