There’s always a good reason to learn Hebrew, whether it’s for travel, religion, or just for fun.
Originally a biblical language that was dead for almost 2000 years, Hebrew has since been revived. it is now spoken by more than 9 million people, and you can add to this number.
You are reading: Hebrew books for beginners
Given the variety of language apps and resources out there, there are many ways to approach this. If you’re more used to the traditional approach, check out these 12 books to learn Hebrew, both modern and biblical.
1. learn to read hebrew in 6 weeks
Sometimes learning the Hebrew alphabet can feel overwhelming. But luckily, learning to read Hebrew delivers on its promise, helping you learn the shapes and sounds in just six weeks!
Get over your nerves with this handy guide! Through 12 simple lessons, you will be able to practice reading and writing the Aleph-Bet along with passages from the Hebrew Bible and the Siddur.
On top of that, her encouraging writing style is sure to motivate you to keep going!
key features:
- easy starting point for beginners and/or kids
- stimulating memory tricks
- uses fun illustrations and a light-hearted narration tone
2. alef betting layout and practice
alef bet tracing and practice is a simple exercise book for children that even adults can enjoy.
Inside, you’ll find blank lines, directional arrows, and word pictures designed to trace Hebrew letters. this reference has no phonetic explanations; however, its light exercises and large pages make it decent enough for writing practice.
That said, I recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the alphabet before purchasing this guide.
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key features:
- reading and writing supplement for children
- 3 dedicated pages of tracing practice (by Hebrew letter)
- includes final forms (“sofit”) in exercises
3. learn to read Biblical Hebrew
another Biblical Hebrew textbook, its content is closely related to passages from the book of genesis, which makes it quite unique!
Divided into four parts, this reference has extensive coverage of the Hebrew alphabet, word and sentence structure, reading comprehension, pronunciation, and grammar.
however, since there are some errors in its typesetting, transliteration, and grammatical explanations, I suggest you only use it as a supplement for advanced study.
However, if you’re up for the challenge, learning to read Biblical Hebrew might be the right guide for you! for advanced lessons, you may want to request volume two.
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key features:
- 11 basic lessons on the alphabet, vocabulary and grammar
- links this closely to the Bible readings
- includes dictionary (1000 most common words) and guide to the roots of the language
4. learn to read hebrew
the name says it all! adults can now learn Hebrew by learning to read Hebrew, a course tailor-made for beginners.
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This reference ultimately serves as light preparation for modern Hebrew lessons. Consisting of 10 easy-to-follow lessons, this book introduces the alphabet through reading and pronunciation guides, vocabulary and grammar notes, and exercises.
Clear, concise and interactive – overall a decent guide for those used to self-study.
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key features:
- 10 short lessons on reading and pronunciation of Hebrew words
- exercises (with answer key)
- prepares you for modern Hebrew courses
5. the first Hebrew primer
A reference for adults, the first manual of Hebrew presents a comprehensive guide to basic grammar.
Using a simple approach, this textbook will give you a solid foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, linking all of its lessons to the Hebrew Bible. On top of that, each chapter ends with fascinating Hebrew stories that are simply a joy to read.
If you’re serious about your purchase, this edition comes with an answer book and flashcards that you can include in your studies.
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key features:
- 30 vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation lessons
- contains exercises and oral reviews
- interesting readings in Hebrew
6. learning Biblical Hebrew
Learning Biblical Hebrew, based on the Biblical text, is a book that aims to introduce advanced concepts to beginners. in fact, this was done to help first- and second-year Hebrew students understand Hebrew grammar, that is, not through memorization, but through reading comprehension.
Although it doesn’t contain the vocabulary lists, exercises, and glossaries you’d expect, this book still has a lot to offer!
Determined to teach you how Hebrew originated, this reference is packed with how-to lessons, historical patterns, and extensive translations that perfectly complement your studies.
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key features:
- solid introduction to grammar
- intuitive guide to syllables, words, and language patterns
- relates lessons to the Hebrew Bible
7. colloquial Hebrew
If you are a fan of the colloquial series, I have good news for you! The Colloquial Hebrew Step-by-Step course will introduce you to the language, providing many exercises in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
For quick reference, transliterations and translations are conveniently added to each lesson. Combined with your online audio material, your lessons will be immersive as they are extensive!
some users have commented on its smaller font (compared to the previous edition), but its lengthy lessons make it worth buying!
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key features:
- Introduction to Hebrew vocabulary and grammar
- has exercises (with answer keys), glossaries, and lesson summaries
- audio recorded by native speakers
8. the introductory routledge course in modern hebrew
Interested in a classroom lecture? Routledge’s introductory course is a great place to start, as it is packed with texts, such as dialogues, articles, poetry, and narratives, to improve your language comprehension skills.
Through its extensive explanations, exercises, and audio-visual materials, you will ultimately master basic Hebrew grammar. Plus, it has a companion website for additional lessons!
Although the verbs and vowel system are not described in detail inside, it is still a good easy-to-use reference for studying Hebrew for beginners.
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key features:
- 90 lessons in reading, writing, speaking and listening (including more than 30 extended reading passages)
- incorporates exercises, glossaries and cultural notes
- lo best for classroom use
9. Hebrew: a level one language course
This book is more appropriate for native speakers and/or advanced learners, but with guidance, you’ll find Hebrew: A Language Course a useful reference!
Integrating Hebrew vocabulary and grammar with its lessons, exercises, and stories, this intensive textbook is certainly worth a try. in fact, once you’ve gotten past basic reading and writing, this will also help you get past tough topics like verb conjugation.
Whether you are learning with a personal tutor or in a group, it is sure to help you improve your memory day by day. see their level two and first volumes for additional content.
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key features:
- intensive vocabulary and grammar guide (with English explanations)
- best suited for native speakers, advanced learners or facilitated study sessions
- addresses complex lessons
10. Hebrew living language, complete edition
Composed of three books, nine audio CDs and a free website: the living Hebrew language is as complete as it gets!
Boost your long-term memory with vocabulary and dialogue lessons, along with stimulating exercises to test your comprehension.
each installment covers different levels of learning, starting with essential, intermediate and advanced. By increasing complexity but keeping instructions clear, these books will increase your confidence at every step!
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key features:
- 46 conversation-based lessons (addressing essential Hebrew words and phrases)
- includes cultural notes and grammar summary
- print and audio exercises (with cd)
11. z’man likro: time to read Hebrew
simple, structured and attractive: these three elements make z’man likro a stellar reference. A two-part installment, this book will help you learn to read, write, and even speak Hebrew out loud.
Mainly for children, this guide will build their vocabulary early on as it shows different words and phrases in various contexts. plus, you’ll be able to see how niqquds are used!
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key features:
- Introduction to the alphabet and basic vocabulary (with niqquds)
- has a separate activity book
- clear and organized format
12. a step by step guide to modern hebrew
verb patterns (or “binyanim”) are an essential part of Hebrew. If you want to conquer its complicated roots, conjugations, and classifications, A Step-by-Step Guide to Modern Hebrew is the right place to start!
As much a workbook as a textbook, this reference contains many lessons for beginners and intermediates, as well as fun exercises, to polish your vocabulary and grammar.
Dedicated to teaching verbs, this makes a substantial addition to your studies.
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key features:
- workbook and textbook (with answer key)
- discusses classification of verbs (for “binyan”)
- uses diagrams, tables, and a list of more than 1200 verbs
conclusion
All in all, these are the 12 best Hebrew learning books. Just by ordering any of these online, you’ll get to take up as many lessons as you want—should that be reading, writing, speaking, or listening!
With that, you will have no problem studying the Hebrew language, either alone or with a tutor. however, be sure to read the reviews before your purchase.