Don't buy this book. Better sources exist for FREE; search for:

1) ancient-hebrew dot org and you'll find a good site. on the left-hand side will be the menu; scroll down till you see "learn hebrew". "alphabet" and more is available--with audio files--for free.

2) "foundationstone" this is a free downloadable program that teaches hebrew.

3) "hebrew4christians" dot com and you'll have another good source.

4) "learn-hebrew dot co dot il" is a free Hebrew vocabulary website offering 46 topics in over 1700 Hebrew words and phrases. For each word and phrase you can find a transcription & Translation and to hear the right way of saying it.

These sites will not only teach you everything for free that this book instead sells to you but a whole lot more. This book is also over-simplified. It's mostly a waste of time since any adult or child, with the correct motivation, can learn much more than this book offers at a much faster pace. Also, the "script" form of the letters was calligraphed and not practically written for the beginner who wishes to actually write it. "The First Hebrew Primer" gives a much better source with three choices of style available: book print, block print, and script. A student can easily write Hebrew immediately with this book's help. However, make sure whether you're wanting to learn Biblical or Modern Hebrew because pronunciation and other aspects of the language can differ between the two.

be'hatslacha! (Good Luck!)

I received this book yesterday and went through the first few pages today. I was actually reading and speaking Hebrew - it was awesome!

The book is a soft-cover, workbook style that is not at all intimidating. The type is large and easy to read.

The only reason I'm not giving five stars is, as another reviewer has stated, the lack of a pronunciation guide. In order to tell if I'm using the correct pronunciation, I had to keep flipping back to the original lesson.

I'm glad I bought it and am looking forward to learning more Hebrew!

I think this is an excellent book for the beginning student. I already have a background in Hebrew and bought this for a friend to help him learn. The step by step guide that the book takes you thru is easy and before you know it you are reading simple words. Although online learning is the best way, for someone who wants to take a book with them for a quick lesson during lunch hour or on a plane will benefit greatly. Highly recommended.

This book is as good as everyone else says it is, but I have one problem with it. There is a presumption that the reader is Jewish and is familiar with the Prayer over Bread etc. The prayers are presented with no transliteration other than the letter by letter descriptions. Fortunately I happen to know a couple of the prayers, and have Jewish friends who can help me with the others. But if you are approaching Hebrew from a more secular direction, and you don't know the common prayers by heart, then you might look for a different book.

If you grew up hearing those prayers on a regular basis, you will love this book.

I absolutely loved this book and it was perfect for me. I just want to add one thing. Know what TYPE of learner you are. Do you tend to remember things best when you HEAR them or when you READ them (or, perhaps, a combination)? I ask because most of us tend to be learn better one way or the other.

For those who learn from looking at words on a page, going over thing, taking time to read about the sounds and letter combinations, this book is among the best out there. For other people, I would recommend the audio version of this book. It comes in both forms. Or you could use BOTH to compliment each other.

In any case, if you buy this book, you'll find it carefully takes you through each step of learning basic Hebrew, the Alef-bet (alphabet, the ABCs) of the sounds and combinations. Before long, you'll have the thrill of sitting in temple and being able to read along with the Hebrew portions!


Also, consider looking at the selections below for comparison and to find what is right for YOU:






The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew, Third Edition





Hebrew in 10 Minutes a Day




To Pray As a Jew: A Guide to the Prayer Book and the Synagogue Service


Hebrew for Dummies

Munich (Widescreen Edition)


Rough Guide to the Music of Israel