learn hebrew

I have gotten through Chapter 13 in a textbook on Biblical Hebrew, and am also supplementing it with a software program called Hebrew Tutor. I have the answer key to the textbook, so I am able to grade myself on the exercises I do. I have a couple other textbooks that I use to fill in the gaps when I don’t understand something in my primary text (although the primary text is excellent, highly recommended).

For others interested in studying Biblical Hebrew, the primary text I’m using is Biblical Hebrew by Kelley. I got both that and the answer key from Amazon. (The answer key is called “A Handbook to Biblical Hebrew”.) I do recommend however either getting Hebrew Tutor or a CD to help with pronunciation, since sometimes certain combinations of vowels are not immediately obvious from the text.

I actually want to learn both Biblical and Modern Hebrew, and have done some other CD’s and books that focus on Modern. Right now though I’ve been focusing on Biblical. I don’t know exactly why I want to learn this so much, but I really enjoy studying it. Studying language is like putting together a huge puzzle for me, and I really enjoy it. It doesn’t feel like work at all to me, and I often study language to relax—I know weird!

I have been studying both modern and Biblical Hebrew on my own, and have indeed learned a smattering, plus some of the structure of the language, but I certainly have a LONG way to go.

I have studied other languages (and not just European ones), so I have confidence that I will eventually master this one if I can just find time to study.

My problem is I am a BIG dreamer. I have always had BIG dreams for my life, and always have huge goals. BUT I am not someone who just dreams big and never does. I’ve accomplished many of my previous goals, but each time I do another huge goal presents itself to me, so I imagine one day when I kick the bucket, I’ll have accomplished a lot, BUT will also have some BIG things I am still working on.

Learning Hebrew was something that I have had on the back burner of wanting to do for a long time, but only a few years ago did I gain the confidence to study on my own. Eventually, I’ll probably take a class, but this seems to be working for now.