In this short blog I will share some tips and suggestions on how you can better support your child's learning of Hebrew. Before we begin, in case you remain unconvinced, I would like to say a little about why I think it is useful for children to have at least some familiarity with this ancient (and modern) language. [Feel free to skip this part if necessary].
Why Hebrew Still Matters
In Judaism, the Hebrew language is sometimes referred to as lashon hakodesh - either the “sacred language” or the “holy language.” This phrase has been applied to Hebrew since at least the latter part of the second century CE. A little over 1,800 years later Hebrew continues to be taught, spoken and sung across the world. In many ways the simple fact that Hebrew is in one form or another utilised by almost every Jewish community across the planet makes its study a worthy and valuable pursuit. Almost all Jewish communities (and to a large extent Jewish individuals), whether Liberal or Orthodox, Chinese or Canadian will be familiar with at least some Hebrew. It is the universal language of the Jewish people, that crosses both social and generational divides. It is one of the languages of the State of Israel. It is an entry point into our liturgy and therefore also into much of our pray. It can provide a deeper engagement and understanding of Judaism's narrative, history, thought, philosophy and law. In fact, Judaism's strength lies in its universalism and ability to connect.
How To Teach Your Child To Read Hebrew (Even If You Can't)
I have been helping children to learn Hebrew for many years; the last seven of which have been in my capacity as Head Teacher of two large chederim (Hebrew schools). In addition, I have taught, and continue to teach, my own children to read Hebrew. Here are some strategies that I have found useful and which you may wish to use:
B'Hatzlacha - ‘Good luck!’
Why Hebrew Still Matters
In Judaism, the Hebrew language is sometimes referred to as lashon hakodesh - either the “sacred language” or the “holy language.” This phrase has been applied to Hebrew since at least the latter part of the second century CE. A little over 1,800 years later Hebrew continues to be taught, spoken and sung across the world. In many ways the simple fact that Hebrew is in one form or another utilised by almost every Jewish community across the planet makes its study a worthy and valuable pursuit. Almost all Jewish communities (and to a large extent Jewish individuals), whether Liberal or Orthodox, Chinese or Canadian will be familiar with at least some Hebrew. It is the universal language of the Jewish people, that crosses both social and generational divides. It is one of the languages of the State of Israel. It is an entry point into our liturgy and therefore also into much of our pray. It can provide a deeper engagement and understanding of Judaism's narrative, history, thought, philosophy and law. In fact, Judaism's strength lies in its universalism and ability to connect.
How To Teach Your Child To Read Hebrew (Even If You Can't)
I have been helping children to learn Hebrew for many years; the last seven of which have been in my capacity as Head Teacher of two large chederim (Hebrew schools). In addition, I have taught, and continue to teach, my own children to read Hebrew. Here are some strategies that I have found useful and which you may wish to use:
- Incorporate some Hebrew into your day-to-day life. Having a few words or songs that you constantly come back to with your child will help encourage them to engage with the language. Words such as 'Shabbat', 'Havdallah' & 'Boker Tov’ (Good Morning) ; or short prayers or songs like 'Modeh/Modah Ani' or, for older children, songs by The Idan Raichel Project; all these will help your child feel that Hebrew is a living language that surrounds them. Kveller has compiled a useful list of Hebrew songs for young children which you can find by clicking here.
- Set aside no less than 10 minutes, 3 times a week, to formally practice Hebrew reading with your child. Any less and your child will find it extremely difficult to build on any previous learning. Though setting aside this time might be challenging - I am all too aware of the demands on children's time - but by doing so it should not take long for them to master the basics of Hebrew reading.
- There are only 22 Hebrew letters and less than ten vowel sounds for your child to learn. Use the below resources to learn any letter or vowel before practicing it with your child. Note that, at least at first, you don't have to learn all the letters and vowels, simply learn the particular one that you intend to practice with your child.
- Do not bother learning the names of the letters and vowels. At first, the most important thing is to learn the correct sound they make.
- You can use this Aleph-Bet Chart to learn the shape of each letter/vowel and the sound they make.
- You can get an overview of how the Hebrew vowels work, and the sounds they make, by watching this short video from Hebrew Today.
- Consider getting a Hebrew tutor for you and your child. Learning together for 30 minutes a week will give you the skills necessary to support your child's Hebrew learning. (You will benefit from having a stronger grasp of Hebrew too!).
B'Hatzlacha - ‘Good luck!’
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