Lesson 1 The Hebrew Aleph-bet

To comprehend Biblical Hebrew, we must have the Aleph-Bet memorized


This graphic shows the evolution of Hebrew. Top to bottom: proto-Canaanite (~1600 BCE), paleo-Hebrew (~900 BCE), Rashi (1500 CE), Ketav Stam (used in Torah scrolls and other formal documents), contemporary block, and modern cursive. This course will use the contemporary block style.

In this initial lesson, we will meet the Hebrew Aleph-Bet. The letters are like a family. Like a family, there can be unique dynamics (including not always playing nice with each other!). This lesson will take a look at some of those dynamics.

LESSON ITINERARY

  1. Meet the Hebrew Aleph-Bet
  2. Understand that Hebrew is written and read from RIGHT to LEFT
  3. Identify subsets of letters:
    1. Five letters have final/Sofit forms
    2. Six letters take a Dagesh Lene
    3. Four letters are called “gutturals” (and one additional letter sometimes acts as a guttural)
    4. Ten letters sometimes behave differently
  4. Differentiate among “look-alike” letters
  5. Note differences between “Seminary” and “Sephardic” pronunciation

If you are eager to jump right in with Lesson 1, we understand. We are also excited for you to start!

“Equipment Check” is where we will pause before each lesson to make sure you have the right tools and supplies in your backpack before heading on the next phase of your Quest. In future lessons, we will want to make sure you understand specific concepts before continuing.

EQUIPMENT CHECK

BEFORE CONTINUING, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ THE GETTING STARTED SECTION IN THE INTRODUCTION