Aleph Isn't Enough: Hebrew for Adults (Book 2) [Paperback]

Linda Motzkin (Author), Hara E. Person (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2002 | Series: Introduction to Hebrew for Adults (Book 2)

Following the success of Aleph Isn’t Tough, this book empowers adults to learn Hebrew, focusing on the Hebrew that they use most frequently: that of the siddur, the Haggadah, and the Bible. While continuing with reading practice and writing exercises that were established in Book 1, Aleph Isn’t Enough provides additional instructions on which to build solid translation skills. As students solidify their reading ability, they will also enhance their vocabulary, increase their familiarity with roots, and develop their translation skills.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Urj Press (January 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807407488
• ISBN-13: 978-0807407486
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Jewish Texts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ONLY way to learn Hebrew...!!!, June 25, 2002

By 

Jennifer M. Macleod "yiddishe supermama" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aleph Isn't Enough: Hebrew for Adults (Book 2) (Paperback)

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this book's holistic approach to Hebrew learning. It teaches the language in exactly the right spiritual context and with immense respect for the versatility and beauty of the language.

This is the book I have been looking for for years -- the perfect guide for adults who are looking to continue their study, adding both understanding and practical reading skills. It starts simple, covering concepts like root words, prefixes and suffixes. Each chapter is an easy-to-swallow bite of the whole; by the end of the book, students will be able to understand and follow HUGE chunks of services in almost any synagogue.

Though this book is put out by the Reform movement, and is intended, most likely, for converts and others within that movement, the selections are almost entirely universal -- what this book has to offer can benefit adult beginners of any denomination.

One of this book's biggest strengths is that it offers a sampling of how the same Hebrew passages are translated in different siddurim and texts; what a fantastic way to introduce students to the breadth of the Jewish experience! It also lightens up the educational experience by adding tidbits of Jewish knowledge and philosophy along the way.

There's also a set of flashcards available to go with this book. If you can't buy that at Amazon, though, go ahead and make your own. With those plus this book, you'll be well equipped to navigate your way through any siddur you come across!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great program, August 12, 2006

By 

Elisheva Chana - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aleph Isn't Enough: Hebrew for Adults (Book 2) (Paperback)

This is an interactive, self-guided program that enables the user to apply skills learned in Aleph Isn't Tough and advance to a new level. Familiar prayers are used to teach grammar and vocabulary. The roots for key words are provided, facilitating understanding and vocabulary growth. Sidebars that provide historical information and explanations about key words, the development of the language, and prayer practices are interesting and enlightening. Although the lessons are easy to follow and understand, the approach is geared to adults. Questions and activities that are interspersed throughout the lessons allow the user to practice new skills learned. I would recommend this book for use individually or in a classroom setting.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hebrew for adut beginners, February 29, 2008

By 

Teresa Levy "tlevy" (Lisbon, Portual) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aleph Isn't Enough: Hebrew for Adults (Book 2) (Paperback)

Aleph isn't enough: Hebrew for adults - Books 1 and 2 - are excelent textbooks for beginners. They are well organized, include exercises and each chapter includes a review of a previous language. They use an interesting and, as far as I know, innovative approach to the structure and semantics of the language. It has perhaps to many religious examples as opposed to more mundane ones. There is noting wrong in this except it is not explicit in their presentation. I appreciated also the fact that adults are not treated like children.