Yiddish is a phenomenal amalgamation of different languages: Written in either Hebrew script or Latin letters, it is a combination of Hebrew and Central/Eastern European languages. Yiddish dialects varied with where and when individual Jewish populations lived—there is no one Yiddish. Yiddish words have been a charming addition to American English, but clearly, there is …
Most people in the Western world are familiar with the Bible. Often times, people have read or at least heard stories from the Bible. But how can you really understand the Bible? Learning how to really understand the Bible is something that anyone, Christian, Jewish, or otherwise, can do. The Hebrew Bible Another name you’ll …
There are many reasons to learn Hebrew. Perhaps you are traveling to Israel and want to be able to speak with the locals. Many Jewish people do not speak the language and want to learn to feel closer to their roots. Maybe you just think the language is interesting and want to add it to …
If you yearn to think for yourself while analyzing Bible passages, or if you want to really understand the experiences of historical figures in the Bible and why they expressed themselves as they did, then you should consider learning Biblical Hebrew. Very likely, this ancient language will be a gateway to areas of learning you …
What do Jews, the Pilgrims of the Mayflower, and the fourth Thursday of each November in the United States have in common? Quite a lot, in fact. But, many still ask “Do Jewish people celebrate Thanksgiving?” In order to understand the condition of American Jewry, one must understand the crucial role Judaism played in the …
By the time you consider religious law, rabbinic orders, sectarian recommendations, and community and family preferences – the list of Jewish traditions is overwhelming. Furthermore, the traditions of many Jewish groups were impacted by the culture in which they assimilated during the Diaspora. (The Diaspora is the distribution of Jewish people throughout the world – …
When learning any new language, it is important to start with the basics, add regular usage, contextual situations and continued exposure for gaining fluency. Those wishing to learn Hebrew for enhanced study of scripture or connection with roots seeded in that language and culture are no different. These students inherently wish to immerse in the …
As in all religious traditions, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a very important part of a Jewish male’s/female’s life. While thinking of Bar Mitzvah vs. Bat Mitzvah, we must note that these words regard an age, not an event. Someone achieves it by becoming 13. All Jewish people are required to study the Torah during their …
Many will hear the question “what is the best way to read the Bible,” with confusion. Why does it require anything other than flipping pages and taking in words? Those that believe know the truth, though: within the pages of the Bible lie mysteries so great and commandments for every nuance of life. What most …
The history of Hebrew literature spans across the record of human civilization, with archaeological evidence dating its origins back to the 12th century BCE. When Hebrew became the state language of the State of Israel in 1948, it propelled a strengthening global movement around Hebrew literature, its ancient teachings, and progressive concepts. Today, Hebrew Book …