Customer Reviews

Aleph Isn't Tough: An Introduction to Hebrew for Adults: Book 1, Teacher's Edition

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

 

 

Linda Motzkin's book _Aleph Isn't Tough_ certainly makes it possible for beginning adult students to master the basics of the Hebrew alphabet. I had tried other books before choosing this one, and it rates above them. Each chapter presents information that builds upon previous chapters. Explanations of Hebrew roots, key quotes from the Bible, and excerpts from prayers engage the reader and introduce him/her to elements key to following a service. Motzkin's explanations of the vowels and consonants and various exceptions to rules were clear, and the book is well organized, too. After completing the ten lessons, I can follow along in services. If that is your goal, too, then this is the book for you. I eagerly await the book's sequel, _Aleph Isn't Enough_.

After much research we chose "Aleph Isn't Tough" to teach a Hebrew class to a community group made up of mostly non-jews. The students found this workbook to be very user friendly and a good introduction to judaism. At the end of "Aleph Isn't Tough", most of our students were clamouring to go on to "Aleph Isn't Enough" and we will be starting that class shortly.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of teaching a Hebrew class or anyone wishing to learn to READ Hebrew on their own. Note: This workbook is not designed to teach people to speak Hebrew, you will need an audio program for that.

This is a very good book to learn to speak and read hebrew so you
can follow along in your prayer book. However if you are as old as
I am you really need dedicated study time.