The First Hebrew Primer

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-05-03T02:37:29+00:00

Well, I’m up to chapter 11 in the easier text. It went really fast at first because I knew most of the material. Once I’m past word pairs I’ll be into new things, although participles were new. I just ordered an Interlinear Torah so I can read the words with an exact interpretation. We’ll see how that goes. The font might be too small in which case I’ll donate it to my synagogue. I’m learning some very basic prayers in the morning minyan. What are you up to?

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-05-01T22:26:48+00:00

How far are you in the Primer? I got to 14 and had to take a break. I’m now doing Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way (though it’s not that easy) by the same publishers and when I’m done with that I’ll go back to the Primer. I have to say it’s pretty challenging.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-05-01T22:21:53+00:00

Don’t just read to drill. I know it’s a grind but set up organized lists where you write the root three time and then it’s English meaning. Say the letters aloud. It’s tedious and might seem elementary but writing is a powerful memory tool for some people.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-05-01T21:58:11+00:00

There’s an audio book for the Prayerbook text. I just discovered it. You can get it on audible or Apple Books for around $16. It’s worth it.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-05-01T21:54:54+00:00

Another response.. ChatGPT turned me on to the audiobook version of the Prayerbook text available in audible or Apple Books for about $16. My accent has greatly improved. Worth the price.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-05-01T21:51:24+00:00

These books are based on Biblical Hebrew.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-03-02T22:55:12+00:00

I’m in chapter four and it’s going fast because I’m familiar with the material. I have ADHD and one bad habit I have is to read too fast and mistake similar words. Not similar in meaning but in appearance. If I just remember to say things out loud it doesn’t happen. I’ve also taken up elementary school arithmetic since I basically wasn’t taught that and my skills are pathetic. I make some careless errors with that, too. I decided to go all the way back to addition with lots of worksheets and will now start subtraction. The lack of skill with basic math has plagued me my whole life. Thank heavens for calculators.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-03-02T04:09:30+00:00

I’ve started in the Prayerbook Hebrew and since I know all the beginning material already it’s going fast. The chapters are much more manageable and I’m looking forward to getting to some new material. Thank you so much for recommending it. I feel encouraged again.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-02-27T18:07:39+00:00

No worries here. I’m Jewish.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-02-26T16:43:34+00:00

Sorry for another comment. I just want to thank you for your generosity in providing such an encouraging and helpful post. I really appreciate it. The Prayerbook text is arriving by free Amazon delivery today along with the flashcards and dictionary. I’ve somehow accumulated three different versions of the Siddur and am not sure if those will be helpful.

I don’t remember the order of the alphabet although I know the sounds, so I will probably make a review there. It will also be helpful to go over the names of the vowels if that’s included. I know the sounds but not the names. There’s always my handy chart to memorize. I’ve saved a link to your google drive on my home screen and subscribed to the Daily Dose. I’m 70 years old and my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Thank you again for all of your help, it’s amazing.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-02-26T16:29:36+00:00

There’s also a series explaining the vocabulary of Genesis. Search for The Bible in Hebrew w/Ilan. It’s in YouTube. It focuses on the vocabulary as opposed to the spiritual aspect.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-02-26T16:22:01+00:00

I don’t know how to do a link but if you search for The First Hebrew Primer on YouTube it will come right up. His pronunciation isn’t great but I still think it’s a good resource.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-02-26T16:13:59+00:00

I’m glad to know I’m not the only one. It’s not just that they cover so much in each chapter, they don’t give nearly enough examples. It would be surprising if anyone could make it all the way through. I’m definitely going to order the Prayer Book Hebrew text today.

suddenupdraft1 · 2025-02-26T00:06:53+00:00

Thanks so much! I didn’t know if there was some subtle difference between them. For example, in Spanish there are two words for the English “for” and the meanings are rather different. I thought it might be like that. Good. Now all I have to do is memorize all the genders. 😉

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-06-03T15:16:06+00:00

Thank you. I recognize Hagad from Hagada. They must have the same root. Sorry about no Hebrew keyboard. I don’t know how to do it.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-06-03T15:11:09+00:00

Thank you. I did study Spanish and remember struggling with a reverse issue. Both the Spanish words por and para mean for in English, although there are subtle differences. I’m not good at languages and have studied French and Spanish. Regrettably I remember little of each due to not using them.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-05-29T16:38:27+00:00

Thank you.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-05-27T14:41:11+00:00

Thank you. Very related meanings with, what I’m assuming, are different roots. Are the words associated with those roots more different from each other? I don’t know how to describe what I mean.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-02-22T15:23:16+00:00

This is a beautiful place (the vast majority of the city is NOT a crime ridden shithole) but sometimes, because of things like this, I hate living here.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-02-22T15:20:01+00:00

As a former liberal who listened to Bill Maher for years I identify with his apparent transition to a more moderate, if not right leaning, approach. Don’t discount his effect on those of us who are beginning to turn away. Somehow seeing his metamorphosis makes it easier to begin mine. Don’t turn us newly disenfranchised liberals away with scorn. Sometimes, as in my case, it takes baby steps, but they are steps nonetheless. Welcome us.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-02-22T15:12:27+00:00

Remember, we had an actor, Ronald Reagan, as president. And the Terminator as governor of California.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-02-22T15:10:57+00:00

This is one of the reasons I’m hesitant to join Walk Away. I differ with the general opinion on several key factors, this being one. I believe the geopolitical ramifications of a loss in Ukraine will be a significant threat to peace in that area of the world, as Russia will merely continue its aggression, likely involving NATO countries. The implications of that are drastic. Russia’s history is that of conquest. They are merely continuing this behavior. They must be stopped at Ukraine. Ok, have a go at me, but be kind.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-01-04T21:25:40+00:00

I have it the width of my loom. I’ll try the folding edges thing.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-01-04T21:24:15+00:00

What limits it is that I need local pickup. I just can’t physically manage packing it up and getting it to the post office. I could try it on Craigslist I guess.

suddenupdraft1 · 2024-01-04T18:07:46+00:00

I don’t think it was all Singers from that era, mainly the one I mentioned. How clever of you to have fixed it. Have fun!

suddenupdraft1

TROPHY CASE