Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

I am rubbish with learning new languages, but this series of books has been very helpful. My current goal is simply to be able to read Hebrew, and these books help me to do that on my own. I suppose if you want to learn to speak it properly as well, you might want to look for another book as this one does not come with any kind of recording.

this book is a great follow up to the first...be a while before I have this down pat, though...terrific way to be introduced to a new language.. next, will be trying to pronounce these words in recognizable way!

This book is an excellent follow up to book 1, Aleph Isn't Tough, it offers many practice exercises, is presented in an easy to understand format. It explains concepts in a way that makes it easy to learn & remember. I highly recommend it!

This teaching method is so practical for adults and so much better than what I remember from my youth a long time ago.

We knew about this book before ordering - delivery was speedy and the books arrived in excellent condition.

I have never received this book.

I sent an email response to their email request giving them a physical address. I sent a follow-up email asking if it was sent, and there was no email response.