Learn to pronounce Biblical Hebrew
30
I will teach you how to recognize and pronounce the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. I can teach Hebrew pronunciation according to the Ashkenazi or Sephardic style. If you wish I can teach you to sound out Hebrew passages using both styles of pronunciation. In recurring sessions I could teach you the foundations of the grammar and vocabulary, with a focus on the Hebrew of the Old Testament or Mishna, as opposed to modern Israeli Hebrew. I will include background on the chosen passages, and how they are, or have been interpreted very differently throughout the histories of Judaism and Christianity respectively. Initially, I will teach you what is called “simple” Hebrew, which is Hebrew with vowel markings. Hebrew has no natural vowels, so you have to learn how a vowel should be pronounced over time and practice. But as you develop, eventually you will need the vowel markings less and less, and will be able to read/pronounce standard Hebrew, which does not make use of the vowel markings.
Training & Qualifications
I learned to read Biblical and Mishnaic Hebrew while living in the West Bank for 18 months. I learned Aramaic as well, as parts of the Old Testament are in Aramaic, as is the majority of post-Mishnaic Rabbinic scholarship . Later, I received an Associate’s Degree in Hebrew, concurrent to earning my Bachelor’s degree.
Availability & Preferences
Late afternoons, evenings.